Kawasaki USA Recalls Off-Highway Utility Vehicles due to Crash Risk

On March 19, 2020, Kawasaki issued a recall for their MULE PRO off-highway utility vehicles. According to the recall (number 20-726), the steering shaft can develop excessive wear, which can affect steering control and potentially cause a crash; this poses a risk of injury or death. The recall affected approximately 80,000 units.

The recall involves the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 models of the MULE PRO-FXR, MULE PRO-FXR, and MULE PRO-FXT. The 2016, 2017, 2018, 2018, and 2020 models of the MULE PRO-DX and MULE PRO-DXT are also included in the recall. The four-wheel, off-highway utility vehicles were available in a variety of colors, including blue, camo, silver, black, green, white, red, and bronze.

The recalled utility vehicles have seating for three to six people (specifically, they have side by side seating). The utility vehicles have automotive style controls. The vehicles also have MULE PRO printed on both the right and left of the front fender along with the model name. The recalled vehicles were available in both gas and diesel models. All diesel models have DIESEL printed on both the right and left rear of the vehicle’s cargo bed. The VIN can be found on the vehicle’s steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts.

The recalled utility vehicles include the following:

• Model Year 2015
• Model MULE PRO-FXT with Model Code KAF820AFF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSA1XFB500031 through JKBAFSA18FB500335
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS with Model Code KAF820BFF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSB13FB500001 through JKBAFSB11FB504158
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS LE with Model Code KAF820CFF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSC15FB500001 through
  JKBAFSC17FB504387
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS CAMO with Model Code KAF820DFF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSD17FB500001 through JKBAFSD17FB502198
• Model Year 2016
• Model MULE PRO-FXT with Model Code KAF820AGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSA1XGB500001 through 
  JKBAFSA19GB500250
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS with Model Code KAF820BGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSB10GB504816 through 
  JKBAFSB13GB507371
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS LE with Model Code KAF820CGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSC18GB504951 through JKBAFSC16GB507010
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS CAMO with Model Code KAF820DGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSD19GB502611 through JKBAFSD16GB503585
• Model MULE PRO-FX with Model Code KAF820EGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSE17GB500001 through JKBAFSE16GB500541
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS with Model Code KAF820FGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSF19GB500001 through JKBAFSF14GB502450
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS LE with Model Code KAF820GGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSG10GB500001 through JKBAFSG13GB501918
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS CAMO with Model Code KAF820HGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSH12GB500001 through JKBAFSH17GB500950
• Model MULE PRO-FXT RANCH EDITION with Model Code KAF820JGF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSJ1XGB500001 through JKBAFSJ1XGB501830
• Model MULE PRO-DXT with Model Code KAF1000AGF and VIN Range JKAAFCA17GB500001 through JKAAFCA18GB500122 
• Model MULE PRO-DXT EPS with Model Code KAF1000BGF and VIN Range JKAAFCB10GB500002 through JKAAFCB10GB500873
• Model MULE PRO-DXT EPS LE with Model Code KAF1000CGF and VIN Range JKAAFCC10GB500001 through JKAAFCC11GB500492
• Model MULE PRO-DX with Model Code KAF1000DGF and VIN Range JKAAFCD12GB500001 through JKAAFCD19GB500125
• Model MULE PRO-DX EPS with Model Code KAF1000EGF and VIN Range JKAAFCE14GB500001 through JKAAFCE14GB500709
• Model MULE PRO-DX EPS LE with Model Code KAF1000FGF and VIN Range JKAAFCF18GB500002 through JKAAFCF1XGB500342
• Model Year 2017
• Model MULE PRO-FXT with Model Code KAF820AHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSA18HB500001 through JKBAFSA12HB500821
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS with Model Code KAF820BHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSB1XHB500001 through JKBAFSB10HB510083
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS LE with Model Code KAF820CHF/Land VIN Range JKBAFSC11HB500001 through JKBAFSC10HB509367
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS CAMO with Model Code KAF820DHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSD13HB500001 through JKBAFSD19HB504909
• Model MULE PRO-FX with Model Code KAF820EHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSE15HB500001 through JKBAFSE12HB501140
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS with Model Code KAF820FHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSF17HB500001 through JKBAFSF18HB504056
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS LE with Model Code KAF820GHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSG15HB502201 through JKBAFSG1XHB502890
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS CAMO with Model Code KAF820HHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSH16HB501301 through JKBAFSH11HB501450
• Model MULE PRO-FXT RANCH EDITION with Model Code KAF820JHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSJ18HB500001 through JKBAFSJ16HB504483 
• Model MULE PRO-FX RANCH EDITION with Model Code KAF820LHF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSL11HB500001 through JKBAFSL11HB500550 
• Model MULE PRO-DXT with Model Code KAF1000AHF and VIN Range JKAAFCA13HB500501 through JKAAFCA15HB500659 
• Model MULE PRO-DXT EPS with Model Code KAF1000BHF and VIN Range JKAAFCB17HB500001 through JKAAFCB13HB502277 
• Model MULE PRO-DXT EPS LE with Model Code KAF1000CHF and VIN Range JKAAFCC19HB500001 through JKAAFCC18HB501219
• Model MULE PRO-DX with Model Code KAF1000DHF and VIN Range JKAAFCD15HB500401 through JKAAFCD14HB500485
• Model MULE PRO-DX EPS with Model Code KAF1000EHF and VIN Range JKAAFCE12HB500001 through JKAAFCE1XHB501283 
• Model MULE PRO-DX EPS LE with Model Code KAF1000FHF and VIN Range JKAAFCF14HB500001 through JKAAFCF11HB500859
• Model Year 2018
• Model MULE PRO-FXT with Model Code KAF820AJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSA15JB501001 through JKBAFSA13JB501370
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS with Model Code KAF820BJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSB15JB510201 through JKBAFSB12JB513038
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS LE with Model Code KAF820CJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSC10JB509651 through JKBAFSC10JB512209 
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS CAMO with Model Code KAF820DJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSD16JB505151 through JKBAFSD19JB506231 
• Model MULE PRO-FX with Model Code KAF820EJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSE17JB501401 through JKBAFSE16JB501695
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS with Model Code KAF820FJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSF19JB504301 through JKBAFSF16JB505745
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS LE with Model Code KAF820GJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSG19JB503101 through KBAFSG11JB503870
• Model MULE PRO-FXT RANCH EDITION with Model Code KAF820JJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSJ18JB504801 through JKBAFSJ18JB508072
• Model MULE PRO-FXR with Model Code KAF820KJF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSK14JB500002 through JKBAFSK13JB503649
• Model MULE PRO-DXT with Model Code KAF1000AJF and VIN Range JKAAFCA10JB500901 through JKAAFCA15JB501185 
• Model MULE PRO-DXT EPS Model Code KAF1000BJF and VIN Range JKAAFCB17JB502501 through JKAAFCB11JB503644
• Model MULE PRO-DX EPS with Model Code KAF1000EJF and VIN Range JKAAFCE19JB501507 through JKAAFCE15JB502444
• Model Year 2019
• Model MULE PRO-FXT with Model Code KAF820AKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSA11KB501501 through JKBAFSA11KB501935
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS with Model Code KAF820BKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSB17KB513201 through JKBAFSB17KB516146
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS LE with Model Code KAF820CKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSC11KB512401 through JKBAFSC1XKB514907 
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS CAMO with Model Code KAF820DKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSD16KB506401 through JKBAFSD11KB507519
• Model MULE PRO-FX with Model Code KAF820EKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSE1XKB501801 through JKBAFSE15KB502161
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS with Model Code KAF820FKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSF13KB505901 through JKBAFSF13KB507521
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS LE with Model Code KAF820GKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSG18KB504001 through JKBAFSG1XKB504758
• Model MULE PRO-FXT RANCH EDITION with Model Code KAF820JKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSJ12KB508201 through JKBAFSJ13KB512077
• Model MULE PRO-FXR with Model Code KAF820KKF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSK13KB503801 through JKBAFSK1XKB505089 
• Model MULE PRO-DXT with Model Code KAF1000AKF and VIN Range JKAAFCA11KB501301 through JKAAFCA14KB501695
• Model MULE PRO-DXT EPS with Model Code KAF1000BKF and VIN Range JKAAFCB10KB503801 through JKAAFCB12KB505162
• Model MULE PRO-DX EPS with Model Code KAF1000EKF and VIN Range JKAAFCE14KB502601 through JKAAFCE1XKB503039
• Model Year 2020
• Model MULE PRO-FXT with Model Code KAF820ALF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSA1XLB502101 through JKBAFSA19LB502378 
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS with Model Code KAF820BLF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSB1XLB516501 through JKBAFSB19LB518305 
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS LE with Model Code KAF820CLF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSC1XLB515301 through JKBAFSC1XLB516657
• Model MULE PRO-FXT EPS CAMO with Model Code KAF820DLF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSD1XLB507701 through JKBAFSD1XLB508184
• Model MULE PRO-FX with Model Code KAF820ELF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSE18LB502401 through JKBAFSE19LB502598
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS with Model Code KAF820FLF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSF18LB507919 through JKBAFSF1XLB509199
• Model MULE PRO-FX EPS LE with Model Code KAF820GLF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSG18LB505201 through JKBAFSG12LB505744
• Model MULE PRO-FXT RANCH EDITION with Model Code KAF820JLF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSJ1XLB512501 through JKBAFSJ17LB514237
• Model MULE PRO-FXR with Model Code KAF820KLF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSK13LB507901 through JKBAFSK18LB508784
• Model MULE PRO-FXT RANCH EDITION with Model Code KAF820MLF/L and VIN Range JKBAFSM12LB500001 through JKBAFSM16LB501023
• Model MULE PRO-DXT with Model Code KAF1000ALF and VIN Range JKAAFCA13LB502001 through JKAAFCA18LB502091 
• Model MULE PRO-DXT EPS with Model Code KAF1000BLF and VIN Range JKAAFCB17LB505501 through JKAAFCB18LB505992
• Model MULE PRO-DX EPS with Model Code KAF1000ELF and VIN Range JKAAFCE13LB503501 through JKAAFCE18LB503686

The defective utility vehicles were available at Kawasaki dealers around the nation from July 2014 to January 2020; the vehicles were sold for prices ranging from $12,000 to $17,000.

According to Kawasaki USA, there have been at least 453 reports of incidents with the defective steering; however, the company claims that there have been no injuries associated with the product.

The company is urging consumers affected by the recall to immediately stop using the utility vehicles and contact a dealer to schedule a free repair; all known purchasers of the recalled utility vehicles are being contacted directly by Kawasaki.

Should you agree to a free repair? If you or a member of your family suffered an accident which resulted in injuries due to the defective product, you should not agree to a free repair; instead you should explore the possibility of pursuing a product liability claim against Kawasaki. If you would like to learn more about the possibility of filing a product liability claim against Kawasaki USA, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance with the experts at our firm at your earliest convenience. Our lawyers are ready to provide you with all the information that you might need to pursue your claim.

At Normandie Law Firm, our lawyers are ready to evaluate your claim and provide you with the guidance that you need to hold the negligent company accountable for the harm that you suffered. Our lawyers have many years of experience handling product liability claims and fighting for the rights of injured consumers. If you are ready to discuss your defective product claim with the lawyers at our firm, do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.

The Danger of the Defect

As explained above, the steering defect present in the recalled utility vehicles represents a significant crash risk. Users could crash and suffer a number of injuries, including but not limited to the following: head injuries; brain injuries; spinal cord injuries; broken bones; severed limbs; lacerations; nerve damage; torn ligaments; scrapes and bruises; strains and sprains. Regardless of the harm suffered, affected consumers might have the right to take legal action for the harm suffered.

Your Right to Sue Based on Product Liability

If you were harmed by a defective product, you might have grounds to pursue a claim based on product liability. Based on the concept of product liability, companies owe their consumers a duty of care – a duty to ensure the safety of their products. Companies, however, can fail to identify and address the hazards present in their products and make defective products available to consumers. This is a breached duty of care, which can put innocent consumers at risk of suffering harm. When a consumer is harmed as a direct result of a defective product, the company could be liable. This means that affected consumers could have the right to sue for the harm that they suffered. For more information about product liability and your right to sue, contact our firm today.

You Could Recover Compensation

If you have the right to sue, you might also have the right to recover compensation given that your claim reaches a successful outcome. Depending on the details surrounding your product liability claim, you could be eligible to recover compensation for some of the following: medical expenses; lost income; pain and suffering; loss of consortium; funeral and burial costs; property damage; punitive damages; legal fees. If you would like to learn more about the type and amount of compensation that you could be eligible to recover, do not hesitate to contact the experts at our law firm immediately. Our lawyers are ready to fight for your right to recover the highest amount of compensation available for your claim.

How Long Do You Have to Sue?

After being harmed by a defective product, you will likely have the right to sue based on product liability; however, you must file your claim quickly and within the allowed statute of limitations. In California, product liability claims are typically subject to a two-year statute of limitations; therefore, those pursuing product liability claims will only have two years to pursue their claims. In addition, it is also possible for exceptions to the applicable statute of limitations to apply – pausing the deadline for some time. If you would like to learn more about the statute of limitations that applies to your claim against Kawasaki USA, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance with the product liability experts at our firm.

What Should You Do?

What should consumers do after suffering harm associated with a defective product? There are a number of steps that affected consumers should follow, including the steps listed below:

• Take photos of all injuries
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Take photos of the defective product
• Take photos of the scene of the accident (if possible, before any clean-up occurs)
• Contact the company and report the defect, incident, and injuries suffered
• Do not agree to a free repair, replacement, or refund
• Do not return the defective product
• Do not tamper with the defective product in any way
• Speak to witnesses present at the time of the incident
• Gather relevant records (including medical records and purchase records, for example)
• Seek legal assistance with a product liability lawyer immediately

Contact Normandie Law Firm Today

At Normandie Law Firm, our lawyers have many years of experience handling all sorts of claims, including product liability claims. Our lawyers are dedicated to remaining accessible to all – providing all affected consumers with the necessary guidance to reach a successful claim outcome. At Normandie Law Firm, we offer free legal services, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our lawyers will be available to provide you with all the information that you need to pursue your claim and hold Kawasaki USA liable for the harm suffered. If you are ready to benefit from these free legal services, do not hesitate to contact the experts at our firm today.

We offer a Zero-Fee guarantee that ensures that our clients will never be required to cover upfront legal fees for our services. Our firm is also strictly based on contingency; therefore, clients are never required to pay anything until after reaching a successful claim outcome. You will not pay unless your claim is successful.

If you are ready to discuss your claim with the experts at our firm, do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.