|
CPSC Warns Kazuma Meerkat
50 Youth ATVs Defective and Dangerous
WASHINGTON,
D.C (6/6/2007) - The staff of the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning
consumers who own a Kazuma Meerkat 50 Youth All-Terrain
Vehicle (ATV) that children are at risk of injury or
death due to multiple safety defects with this off-road
vehicle. The ATVs, which were imported by Kazuma Pacific
Inc., of Stafford, Texas, were found to have several
serious defects. CPSC staff has determined that the
Meerkat 50 lacks front brakes, has no parking brake,
is missing a neutral indicator light, and can be started
in gear. Additionally, the owner’s manual does
not contain complete information on safe operation and
maintenance of the ATV.
CPSC staff recommends that consumers stop using the
product immediately because it is unsafe. The staff
recommends that consumers demand a refund of the purchase
price from the importer or dealer due to the defective
condition of the ATV.
The risk with these ATVs is severe because these vehicles
are intended for children age 6 to 11. In many cases,
youth riders are just learning how to operate an ATV
and may not have the experience necessary to help them
avoid hazards associated with this product’s defects.
Kazuma Pacific has refused to provide complete incident
or injury information for any of their products. Therefore,
CPSC has been unable to determine how many children
have been injured. Between December 2006 and May 2007,
Kazuma Pacific has impeded CPSC’s efforts to protect
the safety of children, by refusing to implement a corrective
action plan for this ATV.
Kazuma Pacific has sold at least 2,700 Meerkat 50 ATVs
and has stated that they are continuing to sell the
units that CPSC staff found to be defective. Kazuma
dealers and Web retailers nationwide have sold this
ATV since 2003 for between $525 and $825.
CPSC staff is requesting that consumers immediately
report any incidents involving the Kazuma Meerkat 50
to the CPSC Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or to the CPSC
Web site at www.cpsc.gov
Discuss
this in ATVriders.com Forum
| 
