Polaris said the right side-panel heat shields on the Sportsman 850 and 1000 can melt, posing burn and fire hazards to riders.
Furthermore, exhaust springs on the 2015 Sportsman 1000 ATV can stretch and damage the exhaust heat seal, resulting in exhaust leaks that could cause severe burns or start a fire.
There have been 793 reports of warped, melted, or burning side panels, as well as 47 fires. Four people suffered minor burn injuries.
The recall involves all model-year 2015 and 2016 Polaris Sportsman 850 and 1000 ATVs. The word “Polaris” is printed on the front grill and “Sportsman 850” or “Sportsman 1000” is printed on the side of the steering column. They were sold in several colors.
The recalled ATVs were sold at Polaris dealerships nationwide from May 2014 through March 2017 for between $8,500 and $15,000.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ATVs and contact Polaris to schedule a free repair. The company is directly contacting all known consumers.
The model number is located on the fuel tank cover. The following models are included in the recall:
| Model Year | Model Number | Model/Color |
| 2015 | A15SXA85AJ | Sportsman 850 White Lightning |
| 2015 | A15SXA85AA | Sportsman 850 Sage Green |
| 2015 | A15SXA85AC | Sportsman 850 Polaris Pursuit Camo |
| 2015 | A15SXE85AS | Sportsman 850 SP Sunset Red |
| 2015 | A15SXE85AM | Sportsman 850 SP Titanium Matte Metallic |
| 2015 | A15SYE85AS | Sportsman Touring 850 SP Sunset Red |
| 2015 | A15SYE85AV | Sportsman Touring 850 SP Blue Fire |
| 2015 | A15SXE95AW | Sportsman XP 1000 Matte White Le |
| 2015 | A15SXE95AK | Sportsman XP 1000 SP Black Pearl Metallic |
| 2015 | A15SXE95AC | Sportsman XP 1000 Polaris Pursuit Camo |
| 2015 | A15SYE95AX | Sportsman Touring XP 1000 Bronze Mist |
| 2015 | A15SXL95AM | Sportsman XP 1000 Titanium Matte Metallic |
| 2015 | A15SYL95AP | Sportsman XP 1000 Touring White Pearl Metal |
| 2016 | A16SXA85A2 | Sportsman 850 White Lightning |
| 2016 | A16SXA85A1 | Sportsman 850 Sage Green |
| 2016 | A16SXA85A9 | Sportsman 850 Polaris Pursuit® Camo |
| 2016 | A16SXE85AB | Sportsman 850 SP Velocity Blue |
| 2016 | A16SXE85AS | Sportsman 850 SP Sunset Red |
| 2016 | A16SXN85A3 | Sportsman 850 High Lifter Edition |
| 2016 | A16SXE85AM | Sportsman 850 SP Titanium Matte Metallic |
| 2016 | A16SYE85AS | Sportsman Touring 850 SP Sunset Red |
| 2016 | A16SXE95AG | Sportsman XP 1000 Matte Sagebrush Green |
| 2016 | A16SXE95AR | Sportsman XP 1000 Havasu Red Pearl |
| 2016 | A16SXD95A9 | Sportsman XP 1000 Hunter Edition |
| 2016 | A16SYE95AK | Sportsman Touring XP 1000 Black Pearl |
| 2016 | A16SXM95AL | Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition |
| 2016 | A16SYE95AP | Sportsman Touring XP 1000 Pearl White Le |
Source: Polaris Recalls Sportsman 850 and 1000 All-Terrain Vehicles Due to Burn and Fire Hazards