Honda expands ATV recall, citing crash risk

American Honda Motor expands ATV recall to nearly 20K, citing crash risk

WASHINGTON (AP) -- American Honda Motor Co. Inc. on Wednesday expanded its recall of all-terrain vehicles due to a problem with the suspension arms that could break and lead to a crash.

The company, based in Torrance, Calif., said it is voluntarily recalling about 19,500 ATVs. It recalled about 2,900 ATVs in February.

Honda said that a weld on the vehicle's front right and left upper suspension arms can separate, which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The company said it is aware of 10 incidents of suspension-arm weld failures, including one in which a rider suffered a sprained wrist.

The recalled vehicles are two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive 2012 Honda FourTrax Rancher ATV TRX420 FA, FE, FM, FPA, FPE, FPM, TE and TM models. They were sold at Honda ATV dealers nationwide from September of 2011 through November of 2012 for between $5,100 and $7,600.

The ATVs are red, green or camouflage and have the word "Honda" and the Honda wing logo on both sides of the fuel tank. The word "Rancher" is on the front cowl below the handlebars and on the left rear fender. The model number is visible on the right front frame down pipe above the driver's right-hand side front wheel.

Consumers who have these vehicles should immediately stop using them and contact their dealer to schedule a free repair. American Honda is also contacting its customers directly.

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For more information: Consumers can contact American Honda at (866) 784-1870 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at http://powersports.honda.com