As you are heading off-road, the last thing you want to think about is a risk of fire.
Unfortunately, that’s something that Mule Pro-MX riders now have to think about. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced that Kawasaki is recalling 2,600 Mule Pro-MX UTVs.
These off-road utility vehicles pose a fire threat to riders and this warning should be taken seriously.
Kawasaki Mule Fire Recall
If you have one of the affected models, you should stop riding it immediately. Then, contact your local Kawasaki dealer for a free repair.
What was discovered during the investigation is that there are not one, but two possible reasons that the Kawasaki Mule might spontaneously combust.
First, the engine oil cooler hoses might separate from clamp joints because of a lack of strength. This results in a substantial oil leak and possible fire.
Second, the fuel tank cap gasket might have become torn and pinched when the cap was installed on the filler neck. This leads to fuel or vapor leakage, possibly causing a fire.
So far, there have been seven reports of these vehicles catching on fire or becoming damaged. Thankfully, there were no injuries as a result of these events.
Is Your Mule Affected by the Recall?
This may be old news by now, but you will want to find out if your Kawasaki Mule Pro-MX is affected by this recall so you can take prompt action.
All affected Mules were sold from August 2018 until February 2019. The selling price was around $12,000 and they were all produced in Taiwan before being imported by Kawasaki.
The February 2019 Mule fire hazard recall affects the following 2019 Kawasaki Mule Pro-MX models:
700 EPS
700 EPS LE
700 Camo EPS
These off-highway vehicles feature four wheels and have a side-by-side configuration for two people. They were available in red, white, green and camo. You should see the Mule Pro MX logo imprinted on the left front fender and right side. There should also be a Kawasaki label on the cargo box. Look for the VIN on the steel frame, right between the front right lower A-arm mounts.
To find out what to do next, call Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 and give them your Mule’s VIN. You can also visit their website for more information about the recall.
The Other Kawasaki Mule Recall: September 2018
This isn’t the first recall to affect the Mule Pro. It wasn’t that long ago that there was another recall for 1,000 vehicles. Incorrect grade material failed to meet the tensile strength required in various areas. It was used to produce the ROPS cross member which is part of the rollover protection.
Failure of this critical component could result in injury or death.
This recalled covered 2018 Mule Pro DX and DXT models plus 2019 FX, FXT and the FXR vehicles. These were sold at dealers from August 31 through September 22, 2018. Their price ranged from $13k to $17k.
During this recall, users were told to stop using the vehicle immediately and schedule a repair.
Is your vehicle affected?
Let us know if this recall affects you and if it changes your perception of the Kawasaki brand at all. We would love to hear from you.
