Polaris Recalls 2009 Sportsman 850 XP ATVs Due to Fire Hazard

Medina, MN (8/6/2009) -The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: 2009 Model Year Polaris All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Units: About 4,700

Manufacturer: Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Hazard: The valve assembly can fail in freezing temperatures, causing oil to leak into the exhaust system. This could pose a fire and burn hazard to the rider.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received six reports of the valve assembly failing in freezing temperatures, resulting in three small fires. Minor fire damage to air boxes, ignition coils and the seat were reported.

Description: This recall involves the Polaris ATVs with model year 2009. The ATVs were sold under market names Sportsman ESP XP 850 and Sportsman XP 850 ATVs. The model and serial number identification decal is located on the left side of the machine on the frame rail below the front fender. The following models are being recalled:

Sold at: Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2008 through June 2009 for about $9000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the ATV in sub-freezing temperatures and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners have received direct mail notification of this recall if they are likely to experience consistently sub-freezing temperatures.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Polaris toll-free at (888) 704-5290 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.polarisindustries.com

About Polaris:
With annual 2008 sales of $1.9 Billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off road vehicles (ORVs) including: all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the Polaris RANGER, snowmobiles, and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PII," and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index. Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.