KEY POINTS

  • Honda received several reports of the ROVs losing steering control
  • The ROVs affected by the recall were sold from 2015 to March 2020
  • Owners of affected ROVs should book an appointment for a free check-up and repair

American Honda is recalling some models of its recreational off-road vehicles (ROVs) due to crash or injury risk. About 118,600 units may be affected by the recall.

On Thursday, American Honda announced the recall of its 2017 to 2020 model Honda Pioneer 700 & 1000 ROVs with Electric Power Steering (EPS). According to the recall alert posted on the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSP) website, the affected vehicles "can lose steering control," thereby posing crash and injury risks.

"The firm has received 8 reports of the ROV's having either play in the steering or losing control of steering," the CPSP said in the recall alert. "No injuries or accidents have been reported."

This recall involves 2017 to 2019 and some 2020 Honda Power 700 models, 2016-2019 models and some 2020 Pioneer 1000 Side-by-Side models with EPS.

Honda clarified in a statement that only the vehicles with EPS are affected by the recall. The full list, serial numbers (#VIN) and images of the affected vehicles are posted on the CPSP website.

"The serial number (VIN #) is stamped in the frame at the left rear, below the tilt-up bed/seat," CPSP explained.

These vehicles were sold between August 2015 to March 2020 in various colors including red, yellow, blue, green and gray. They have the name "HONDA" in the front of the vehicle as well as the sides and rear, the CPSP said. The model name can be located on both sides of the vehicle.

Consumers whose ROVs are included in the list must immediately stop using the vehicle and schedule an appointment with an authorized Honda Powersports dealer for a free inspection and, if needed, a repair that will be done by installing a new Lower Steering Joint B hardware, Honda said in a statement.

Those who have questions about the recall may contact a Honda Pioneer dealer or call Honda Powersports Customer Support at 866-784-1870.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, which is dedicated to reducing injuries and deaths related to off-highway vehicles (OHV) including ROVs, there have so far been over 500 fatalities linked to OHVs in 2020 based on news reports.

Off-Road
Pictured: Representative image of a dirt car/off-road vehicle. Nikita Volodko/Pixabay