Drivers of this recalled off-road vehicle might suddenly lose the ability to steer it

The second recall in two weeks from off-road vehicle maker and 2017 recall leader Polaris involves the multi-passenger Polaris General recreational off-highway vehicle and a major part that can come off while the General’s bounding along.

Specifically, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice describes the problem with the 19,000 2016 and 2017 Generals as, “The steering wheel shaft can shift and detach while in use, resulting in a loss of control and crash hazard.”

While the problems described in some product recalls haven’t happened yet, ATV and ROV recalls usually aren’t that proactive. As such, it’s no surprise that the notice states, “Polaris has received five reports of the steering shaft separating and one report of a broken hand injury.”

The General is a two or four-seat ROV that sold for $16,000 to $21,000 retail.

Owners of a 2016 or 2017 General should call Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday to schedule a repair. Those needing to find a local Polaris dealer or service center can click here.

Polaris recalls have come at an average of 1.2 per month in 2017, 12 recalls in 10 months. Of those 12, 11 recalls have been for ATVs or ROVs and one for a snowmobile. This is the third 2017 recall concerning a steering problem.

This story was originally published October 30, 2017 at 1:02 PM with the headline "Drivers of this recalled off-road vehicle might suddenly lose the ability to steer it."