Jan 11, 2006 6:39 pm US/Pacific
Kawasaki Recalling 15,000 Mule 600 SUVs
IRVINE, Calif. (CBS) ―
The Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA is recalling 15,200 "compact class" utility vehicles because of problems with the steering system, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The voluntary recall is for 2005-2006 model-year Mule 600 Utility Vehicles, which resemble golf cars and sell for about $6,000 each. The single-cylinder, two-passenger vehicles can be used for farm, ranch or industrial work or for outdoor recreation, according to the Irvine-based company.
The CPSC says the vehicles can develop problems with the "steering knuckle," which can "twist or break from wheel forces transmitted to the steering system during operation."
"This can cause a loss of steering control and possible collapse of the front suspension, posing a risk of incident or injury to the operator or passenger," according to the CPSC's report.
(© 2006 CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
