Feds Warn Yamaha Rhino Owners to Get Free Doors Installed
By Jim Greene
Published on December 24, 2009
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned owners of Yamaha Rhinos not to use the popular side-by-side four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles until they have been equipped with half doors the company is installing free of charge.
The warning came in March of this year, after reports of Rhino users suffering injuries to feet, ankles, and legs in rollover accidents. According to reports, when a Rhino rolls over, an occupant who is properly restrained by the vehicle's seat belt can still suffer injury because his or her legs may not remain inside the cab. Injuries in some incidents have been severe enough to require amputations.
Yamaha Agrees to Rhino Modification Program
Yamaha has agreed to add half doors to all unsold inventory and its Web site shows both 2008 and 2009 models with the modification. Although the company was not required to issue a recall, it is conducting what it calls a free repair campaign to add the modification to all vehicles previously sold. The Rhino has been on the market since the fall of 2003.
In addition to adding the half doors, the company has agreed to widen the Rhino's rear wheelbase by four inches and remove a rear sway bar, in response to complaints that the vehicle is too tall and narrow, making it prone to rollovers, even at low speeds on level ground. These modifications are also free or charge.
CPSC Investigates Rhino Rollover Deaths and Injuries
The CPSC says it has investigated more than 50 Rhino accidents and has received reports of nearly as many deaths and hundreds of injuries. The agency says about two-thirds of reported incidents involved rollovers.
If you or someone you know was injured in a Yamaha Rhino rollover accident, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation to help with medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. You need to contact an experienced defective products personal injury attorney right away. Yamaha is well prepared to argue its case in court; you should be, too.
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