Q. What year did Yamaha introduce the first Rhino?
A. The first Yamaha Rhino Side-by-Side vehicle was the 2004 Rhino 660, which was announced in Fall 2003.
Q. How many Rhino vehicles are there in Yamaha’s line up?
A. There are currently two Rhino models in Yamaha’s Side-by-Side lineup: the Rhino 700 FI and the Rhino 450.
Q. When did Yamaha stop making the Rhino 660?
A. Production of the Rhino 660 ended in 2007 when the Rhino 700 FI was introduced.
Q. Where is the Rhino made?
A. The Rhino is assembled in the United States at the company’s plant in Newnan, Ga., using parts sourced from U.S.-based vendors. The engines for all Rhino vehicles are built at Yamaha’s worldwide headquarters in Japan and shipped to the United State for installation.
Q. What did the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announce?
A. The CPSC, in cooperation with Yamaha, announced a free repair offer for Rhino 660 and 450 models. Yamaha is offering free installation of rear wheel spacers as well as the removal of the rear anti-sway bar. All new Rhino 450 and 660 models will have the same modifications.
Q. Is the Rhino 700 included?
A. The free repair program includes Rhino 700 models.
Q. Is the CPSC announcement a recall?
A. No. This announcement was not a recall.
Q. Why am I seeing press releases on the Internet and/or news wire services stating this is a recall if it is not?
A. Plaintiffs attorneys are apparently very disappointed that the CPSC did not issue a recall, and they are doing everything they can to try to confuse consumers and convince the public that this was a recall. Yamaha is reviewing each instance and will pursue legal action against these unethical firms whenever appropriate. If you see an inaccurate press release or new story, we encourage you to email it to us here: info@truthaboutrhino.com
Q. What is the difference between the CPSC announcement and a recall?
A. Yamaha has agreed to offer these free repairs as part of a voluntary program to address a small segment of Rhino owners who have reported incidents. Yamaha is offering this voluntary, free modification program to address issues raised by CPSC. Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino as a safe, reliable off-road vehicle. The Rhino is the best-selling SxS vehicle on the market and has been shown to be the best in its class with many industry and press awards to its credit.
While more than 99 percent of Rhino owners use the product without incident, CPSC and Yamaha examined the small segment of Rhino owners who have experienced an issue with the product to develop modifications that CPSC believes “may help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling in certain situations.” These modifications cannot take the place of safe, responsible use. That is why Yamaha’s agreement with CPSC also includes a $100 helmet incentive for customers who agree to review the Rhino’s instructional and safety DVD in the dealership as the point of sale.
Q. Is there a different between a Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicle, a Utility Vehicle (UTV) or a Recreational Off-Road Vehicle (ROV)?
A. Recreational off-highway side-by-side vehicles, like the Rhino, are a relatively new category of vehicle designed primarily for recreational use, with secondary utility applications. UTV is a term most often used to refer to side-by-side vehicles that are designed primarily for work-related use. The term ROV is meant to help distinguish between the two categories of vehicles.
Q. When will the parts be available for the Rhino Repair Program?
A. Parts are being shipped to dealers almost daily. Please contact your dealer to make a repair appointment.
Q. Can customers decline this modification?
A. Yamaha encourages Rhino customers to take advantage of this free repair offer developed in conjunction with the CPSC prior to using their Rhino again. A customer must consent to the repair prior to it being performed.
Q. Can customers perform this modification themselves?
A. No. Customers should return their Rhino to an authorized dealer to complete the free repairs.
Q. Can customers just opt for the wheel spacers and leave the anti-sway bar on? Or vice versa?
A. No. The repair must include both the addition of rear spacers and the removal of the anti-sway bar.
Q. Will Yamaha also install front wheel spacers?
A. No. Yamaha and the CPSC have agreed that the free repair offer only includes the addition of rear spacers and the removal of the anti-sway bar.
Q. Must the Rhino be returned to stock condition prior to repair?
A. Yes. Any aftermarket accessories or modifications which affect the vehicle’s handling, stability or operational characteristics must be removed and the vehicle returned to stock condition before this modification can be made. You should consult with your dealer to address any questions or changes that might be necessary to perform the repair on your unit.
Q. Will Yamaha pay for transport to get customers’ Rhinos to the dealership?
A. Yamaha encourages customers to return their Rhinos to the dealer for the free repair offer, but is unable to pay to transport Rhinos to/from the dealership.
Q. How many law suits have been brought against Yamaha regarding the Rhino?
A. We can’t speak to specific cases, but Yamaha is proud of the Rhino and is actively defending cases filed against the product.
Q. Has Yamaha settled cases against the Rhino?
A. We can’t address specific cases at this time, but Yamaha is standing behind the Rhino and will fight back against plaintiff attorneys looking to make a quick buck.
Q. What is the Rhino Repair Campaign Helmet Offer?
A. Customers who have the repair performed are eligible to receive up to a $100 credit towards the purchase of a helmet at the dealership. Yamaha wants to promote participation in the repair program and to encourage all Rhino operators and passengers to know and follow the Rhino’s instructions and warnings, including the use of recommended safety equipment. To obtain the $100 credit, customers must review the Rhino instructional and safety DVD at their dealership.
Q. Who is eligible for the Rhino Repair helmet program?
A. Customers that purchased their Rhino prior to April 1, 2009, and have the Rhino Repair Campaign completed on their unit.
Q. What must a customer do to qualify for the up to $100 credit?
A. Customer must have the free repair performed, view the Rhino safety and instructional DVD at the dealership, and complete and sign the “Rhino Free Repair & Helmet Offer Form.”
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