John Deere Recalls Gator Vehicles Due to Serious Oil Filter Defect
John Deere has recently announced another voluntary recall of its two-passenger Gator utility vehicles due to manufacturing defects associated with the oil filters in these vehicles. These defective oil filters were manufactured and installed by the Gators’ engine supplier and have been found to contain small holes and cracks, which can cause oil to leak and increase the risk of vehicle fires. This is the second of the John Deer Recalls involving the Gator Utility Vehicle.
As part of this February 2013 John Deere recalls, officials at John Deere have been careful to point out that the oil filter defects were directly caused by the engine supplier, who failed to manufacture the filters according to John Deere’s specifications. To date, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) has received four reports of Gator fires related to defective oil filters, though no injuries have yet been reported with the agency.
February 2013 John Deere Recalls
The John Deere recalls affects about 4,700 Gator vehicles sold nationwide from about August 2012 through January 2013. The specific model of the recalled John Deere Gator vehicles is RSC850i for the Base, Sport and Trail models; this model number is printed on the right side of the vehicle’s front hood. The serial numbers for the recalled Gator vehicles are as follows:
- For the RSC850i Base Model: 1M0850TB++M010009 through 1M0850TB++M010778
- For the RSC850i Sport Model: 1M0850TS++M010001 through 1M0850TS++M012077
- For the RSC850i Trail Model: 1M0850TT++M010001 through 1M0850TT++M012867
Owners of recalled Gator utility vehicles are strongly encouraged to immediately stop using these vehicles and to contact a John Deere dealer to schedule a free repair of the oil filter defect. John Deere is also making an effort to contact all registered owners of recalled Gator vehicles to inform them of the recent recall and provide them with information on what they should do next.
Additionally, the CPSC is advising Gator owners to report any fire-related incidents and injuries with the agency.
January 2013 John Deere Gator Recalled for Defective Fuel Lines
The February 2013 John Deere Gator recall comes on the heels of a previous Gator recall issued by John Deer in January 2013. The January Gator recall, which affects the same models and serial numbers as listed above, was issued due to fuel line defects that, like the oil filter defects, increased the risk of vehicle fires. While the CPSC has received no reports of injuries associated with fuel line defects, three reports of fires due to this defect have been filed with the agency. As with the February Gator recall, vehicle owners have been advised to contact John Deere to schedule a free repair of defective fuel lines. [https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/John-Deere-Recalls-Gator-Utility-Vehicles-Due-to-Fire-Hazard/]
The Cochran Law Firm
The Cochran Firm – Ohio, is an experienced full service, personal injury law firm with offices in Cinncinati and Dayton and handles personal injury cases throughout all of Ohio. Founded over 40 years ago by famed attorney, Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., The Cochran Firm – Ohio, has established itself as one of the premier personal injury law firms in the United States and has been recognized for delivering successful results to clients across a broad range of claims stemming from car / auto accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, premises liability, and product liability lawsuits. For over 40 years, The Cochran Firm – Ohio’s team of experienced lawyers continually fight for justice for all of its clients. If you’ve been injured, call Ohio’s experienced full service law firm “The Cochran Firm – Ohio” today at 513-381-HURT.