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CPSC recall · Reported November 10, 2011

Arctic Cat Recalls ATVs due to Crash Hazard

The ATV's steering tie-rod can bend, causing loss of control which poses a crash hazard.

Recall #
12704
Affected scope
About 1,384
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
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Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn. recalled The recall includes all 2011 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs and some 2012 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs.… - a moderate-severity action.

Arctic Cat Recalls ATVs due to Crash Hazard was recalled by Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn. in November 10, 2011. Reason: The ATV's steering tie-rod can bend, causing loss of control which poses a crash hazard.. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these ATVs and contact their local Arctic Cat ATV…. Verify recall #12704 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The ATV's steering tie-rod can bend, causing loss of control which poses a crash hazard..

Moderate
severity level
November 10, 2011
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #12704 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #12704) was formally reported on November 10, 2011. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 1,384.

The documented reason for this recall is: The ATV's steering tie-rod can bend, causing loss of control which poses a crash hazard. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately stop using these ATVs and contact their local Arctic Cat ATV dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners have been directly notified about this recall by mail. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Vehicles recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 7,642 vehicles recalls on record

0200400600 20052008201120142017202020232026 82
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 1,384

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

The recall includes all 2011 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs and some 2012 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs. Recalled 2012 model year ATVs can be identified by the last six numerals of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the following ranges: 6V0101 through 6V0178 and 700101 through 700230. The VIN is located on the lower front frame tube below the front bumper. The recalled ATVs are black and orange or black and lime green and display the words "Arctic Cat" on each side of the cowl ahead of the handlebars. The model number "450 XC" is on the front center of the cowl.

Reason for recall

The ATV's steering tie-rod can bend, causing loss of control which poses a crash hazard.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately stop using these ATVs and contact their local Arctic Cat ATV dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners have been directly notified about this recall by mail.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 12704
Date reported November 10, 2011
Date initiated November 10, 2011
Recalling firm Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn.
Affected scope About 1,384
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should immediately stop using these ATVs and contact their local Arctic Cat ATV dealer to schedule a free repair. Regis…

  • Check the recall number (12704) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
The recall includes all 2011 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs and some 2012 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs. Recalled 2012 model year ATVs can be identified by the last six numerals of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the following ranges: 6V0101 through 6V0178 and 700101 through 700230. The VIN is located on the lower front frame tube below the front bumper. The recalled ATVs are black and orange or black and lime green and display the words "Arctic Cat" on each side of the cowl ahead of the handlebars. The model number "450 XC" is on the front center of the cowl.. Recalled by Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn.. Units affected: About 1,384.
Why was this product recalled?
The ATV's steering tie-rod can bend, causing loss of control which poses a crash hazard.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using these ATVs and contact their local Arctic Cat ATV dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners have been directly notified about this recall by mail.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on November 10, 2011. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 12704.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (12704) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

Nearby Recalls in This Category

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported November 10, 2011. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.