Utility Vehicles Recalled for Crash Hazards

So far, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received 80 reports of brake failures leading to crash hazards, which occurred while consumers were operating Cub Cadet’s line of utility vehicles (UTV). Although no injuries have been reported yet, the commission has launched a recall to prevent the dangerous or deadly injuries that can occur when using this type of vehicle.

Utility vehicles are designed to travel over rough terrain and carry small loads. Because they are versatile, they can be used recreationally or for work duties. As such, Cub Cadet advertises that it manufactures powerful and effective utility vehicles that can be used for a wide range of tasks. However, just like all other UTVs, because of how the product works and is designed, it carries some serious and inherent consumer risks.

Similar to all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles are dangerous for an array of reasons. Because they are designed with an open plan, in the case of an accident a rider can be thrown from the vehicle. They are prone to rolling over or losing control if they are driven around turns at high speeds because of how their back wheels operate. In other words, even if a utility vehicle is built without a defect, it is dangerous for people to use.

Because there are risks associated with operating UTVs, many organizations have compiled safety tips to help protect consumers. Some common safety tips from Agricultural Safety and Health include:

• Check your surroundings – especially before you put the vehicle in reverse;
• Never use drugs or alcohol before or during operating a UTV;
• Ensure that you have properly secured any load that you are carrying, and that it meets the vehicle’s safety guidelines;
• Decrease driving speeds when traveling on rough terrain;
• Wear seatbelts if they are provided;
• Make sure that passengers are in their own seats and are tall enough to reach handholds, and:
• Drive slowly on all turns.

In the case of Cub Cadet’s line of utility vehicles, called the Challenger CX500 and CX700 series, there is a defect that allows air to enter the braking system, which can result in a crash. There are multiple model numbers included in the recall and over 4,000 total units were sold. The UTVs come in camouflage, blue, yellow or red and were manufactured from March to November of 2016. Cub Cadet’s UTVs sell for roughly $8,500-$9,500, and the recalled models were available at independent Cub Cadet retail locations.

Find out if you own a recalled Cub Cadet utility vehicle. If you do own a Cub Cadet Challenger, please stop using it right away to avoid serious risk of injury or death. Cub Cadet customer service and certified dealers will be scheduling and conducting free repairs to resolve the issue.

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If you or a loved one has been injured because of a dangerous or defective product, please call Galfand Berger. One of our product liability lawyers in Reading is happy to answer your questions and review your case for free. With offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.