The recall bug has hit the snowmobile market a couple of times lately. Both Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo are asking owners of recent models to bring them back to the dealership for updates.
The most recent recall notice was from Arctic Cat and its parent company, Textron. It was issued on June 8 on “8000 Series” snowmobiles from model years 2020-2023. The 8000 Series, as many enthusiasts know, refers to snowmobiles that utilize the Arctic Cat-built, 794cc C-TEC2 two-stroke engine. It makes about 165 horsepower, the brand states.
The recall does not differentiate models. That means all ZR, Riot, M and even Norseman sleds using the powerplant need to go back to the dealership.
The cause? “The fuel rail dampener snap ring can become loose and leak fuel, posing a fire hazard,” the recall notice states. All totalled, the recall notice covers 8,350 machines sold in the U.S., though it notes that another 4,630 were sold in Canada. There have been nine reports of fuel leaks and one reported fire, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) notice. No injuries have been reported.
“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snowmobiles and contact Textron Specialized Vehicles to arrange for a free inspection and free repair,” the CPSC notice states. “Textron Specialized Vehicles is contacting all purchasers directly.”
Ski-Doo Expands Its Snowmobile Recall
Meanwhile, Ski-Doo in May expanded a recall it issued late last year to cover more models. This one also involves a potential fuel leak that could present a fire hazard.
On October 13, 2022, Ski-Doo’s parent company, BRP, announced the the CPSC a recall of 6,200 models in the U.S. It involved 2022 Expedition, Summit, Freeride, Renegade, Backcountry and MXZ models utilizing the 850 E-TEC and 850 E-TEC Turbo engines. It also noted that another 3,900 models were affected in Canada.
The cause? “The fuel injector hose retainer screw can loosen and cause a fuel leak, posing a fire hazard,” the CPSC announcement stated.
Then on May 11, 2023, the recall was expanded to include model year 2021 snowmobiles, making the total 12,500 U.S.-based sleds and 8,000 in Canada.
The updated document stated that “BRP has received 14 reports of fuel leaks which resulted in four fires.”
The CPSC stated that “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snowmobiles and contact a Ski-Doo dealer to determine if their snowmobile is included in this recall and to schedule a free repair. BRP is contacting all known purchasers directly to coordinate the free repair with dealers to inspect and if necessary install a new E-TEC fuel injector hose retainer screw.”
Polaris, meanwhile, has had its own list of high-profile recalls in the last couple of years. They were related to fire hazards stemming from its brakes on mountain sleds and fuel pumps in all of its snowmobiles built over a decade.
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What about Lynx 850 ETEC’s ??
Exact same engine but due to likely very low LYNX sales CPSC may nave not caught on to this yet. BRP may not want to publicly mention it as it is marketed as BRP’s top premium brand even though 95+% is exactly the same as a Ski Doo.
Wonder just how large the Lynx market is in North America and world wide? What is their market share?
Unknown but likely growing. Trails around me are best suited for the suspension that makes the Lynx stand out from standard Skidoo offerings imo. I think the reason we don’t see as many is because they are still a niche market targeted at niche group of riders. Plus they are hideously expensive for essentially a fancy rear skid and primo shocks. Skidoo has a knack for unveiling a top level ditch banger and then dumbing it down a couple years later by doing stupid stuff like removing compression adjusters, Jam nut from IFS springs, changing the steering system or making the gauges smaller only to re-offer it again later on a newer model for more money.