A new instance of a Polaris RZR catastrophically catching fire has surfaced in Michigan. The pictures and video below come from a Michigan man who, along with his passenger, was driving his nearly brand new (only 2.5 weeks old, and with less than 500 miles) 2019 Polaris RZR Turbo 1000 EX EPS 4 Seater on the Luzerne Trail in Michigan on October 16, 2020.
Though they were on an off-road trail, they were on a straightaway when they both began to feel extreme heat coming from behind them. They turned to see that the engine was engulfed in flames, and that the fire was coming through the back seats. Fortunately, they were both able to get their seatbelts off and escape the flames, but not before singing their hair and eyebrows.
Polaris Knows of the Fire Risks Their Vehicles Pose to Consumers
Reports of Polaris RZR and Ranger models catching fire are not new. Polaris has known about the fire risks since at least 1999, and still continues to market and sell the defective vehicles to consumers.
In fact, Polaris knew about these risks for so long—and failed to report them as they are legally required to do—that the Consumer Product Safety Commission fined Polaris $27.25 million dollars.
Fire hazards are caused by Polaris' ProStar engine, which features inadequate ventilation for the hot exhaust gases it produces. To date, hundreds of thousands of Polaris vehicles have been recalled, while some consumers are reporting continued fires even for vehicles that have already received the recall repairs provided by Polaris.
Polaris Lawsuits Are Being Filed Now
We're so glad that the man who provided these harrowing images was able to avoid serious injury. Not all have been so lucky. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a Polaris fire, Keller & Keller can help. Our attorneys are standing by to hear your story, and our consultations are always free.
