Polaris Industries, a well-known name in the world of recreational off-road vehicles (ROVs), has issued a significant recall affecting certain Model Year 2023-2025 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar and Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Crew models. Announced on May 15, 2025, this recall addresses a critical safety issue that could put riders at risk of serious injury. With approximately 640 vehicles affected in the United States and an additional 24 in Canada, the recall highlights a problem with the seat belt anchor fasteners, which may not be properly tightened. This defect could cause the seat belt to detach from the vehicle frame during a crash, leaving riders vulnerable to being ejected and injured. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, the risks, and what owners should do to stay safe.
What’s Wrong with the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Vehicles?
The recall focuses on a manufacturing flaw in the lower seat belt anchor fasteners of the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar and Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Crew ROVs. These fasteners, which secure the seat belts to the vehicle frame, were not tightened correctly during production. As a result, the seat belts could separate from the frame in the event of a crash, failing to restrain riders as intended. Without proper restraint, riders face a heightened risk of being thrown from the vehicle, which could lead to severe injuries or worse.
The affected vehicles were sold in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brown, camouflage, gray, orange, red, tan, and white. They come in three-seat and six-seat configurations, making them popular choices for both solo adventurers and groups exploring off-road trails. The vehicles have “POLARIS” stamped on the front grille, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the left rear frame under the cargo box on the driver’s side. Owners can check their VIN to confirm whether their vehicle is part of the recall by visiting Polaris’ official website or contacting the company directly.
The Scope of the Recall
The recall affects a total of 664 vehicles, with 640 sold in the United States and 24 in Canada. These ROVs were available at Polaris dealers nationwide from August 2022 through March 2025, with prices ranging from $28,000 to $38,000. Manufactured by Polaris Industries Inc. in Medina, Minnesota, the vehicles were produced in the United States, and the recall is being conducted in collaboration with both U.S. and Canadian safety authorities.
So far, Polaris has identified two vehicles with loose seat belt fasteners, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported. However, the potential for harm is serious enough to prompt swift action from the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which has assigned the recall number 25-284 and classified it as a Fast Track Recall to expedite repairs.
What Owners Need to Do
Polaris is urging owners of the affected Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar and NorthStar Crew models to stop using their vehicles immediately until the issue is addressed. The company is offering a free inspection and repair at authorized Polaris dealers, where technicians will ensure the seat belt anchor fasteners are properly secured. Polaris has already begun contacting registered owners directly to inform them of the recall and guide them through the repair process.
For owners who need to use their vehicles before scheduling a dealer visit, Polaris has provided a temporary workaround. The company advises consumers to follow the Seat Belt Fastener Verification Instructions available on its website to check whether the fasteners are secure. If the inspection confirms that the seat belt anchors are properly attached, owners may continue using the vehicle until they can get it repaired at a dealership. However, Polaris emphasizes that this is only a temporary measure, and a professional repair is essential to ensure long-term safety.
To check if their vehicle is affected, owners can visit www.polaris.com and navigate to the “Product Safety News” section under the “Safety” column or go directly to the recall page at https://www.polaris.com/en-us/recalls/. They can also contact Polaris’ customer service line at 800-765-2747, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, or reach out to the owner connections team via email at owner.connections@polaris.com or through an online help center form.
Why This Recall Matters
The Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar and NorthStar Crew models are designed for rugged off-road adventures, often used in challenging terrains where crashes or rollovers are a real possibility. Seat belts are a critical safety feature in these vehicles, providing essential protection to keep riders secure. A failure in the seat belt system, as identified in this recall, undermines the vehicle’s safety and could have catastrophic consequences in an accident.
While no injuries have been reported yet, the fact that Polaris has already found two vehicles with loose fasteners suggests that the issue may be more widespread than initially thought. Off-road enthusiasts who rely on these vehicles for recreation or work need to take this recall seriously to avoid potential accidents. The recall also raises questions about quality control in the manufacturing process, as properly tightened fasteners are a basic but vital component of vehicle safety.
Polaris’ Response and Commitment to Safety
Polaris Industries has a long history of producing popular off-road vehicles, and the company is taking proactive steps to address this issue. By offering free inspections and repairs, Polaris is demonstrating its commitment to customer safety and ensuring that affected vehicles are brought up to standard. The company’s decision to allow temporary use of the vehicles after a self-inspection provides flexibility for owners who depend on their ROVs, but it also underscores the importance of getting the professional repair done as soon as possible.
The recall is being closely monitored by the CPSC, and individual commissioners may issue statements on the matter, which can be found on the CPSC’s website at www.cpsc.gov/commissioners. This collaboration between Polaris and regulatory authorities highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need for swift action to protect consumers in both the United States and Canada.
Tips for Staying Safe as an ROV Owner
For owners of the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar or NorthStar Crew models, the first step is to verify whether their vehicle is part of the recall by checking the VIN. If the vehicle is affected, owners should refrain from using it until the seat belt fasteners have been inspected and repaired. In the meantime, they can follow Polaris’ verification instructions to ensure the fasteners are secure, but this should only be a temporary solution.
Beyond this specific recall, ROV owners can take additional steps to stay safe on the trails. Always wear seat belts and ensure they are properly adjusted before setting out. Regularly inspect your vehicle for signs of wear or damage, especially critical safety components like seat belts, brakes, and tires. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and operation, and avoid modifying the vehicle in ways that could compromise its safety features.
What’s Next for Polaris and Its Customers?
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control in the production of recreational vehicles, especially those designed for high-risk activities like off-roading. While Polaris is taking the right steps to address the issue, the recall may prompt the company to review its manufacturing processes to prevent similar problems in the future. For customers, the recall is an opportunity to ensure their vehicles are safe and to stay informed about any future safety notices.
Off-road enthusiasts who own a Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar or NorthStar Crew model should act quickly to get their vehicles inspected and repaired. By doing so, they can continue enjoying their adventures with confidence, knowing that their safety is not at risk. For more information or to schedule a repair, visit Polaris’ website or contact their customer service team today.
