Yamaha Rhino off-road vehicles are being recalled for repairs, following reports of dozens of accidents and deaths involving the vehicles. The recall involves all Rhino 450 and 660 models sold since 2003.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 120,000 such vehicles are affected.

According to the CPSC, it  has investigated more than 50 incidents involving 46 driver and passenger deaths in these two Rhino models. More than two-thirds of the cases involved rollovers and many involved unbelted occupants. Of the rollover-related deaths and hundreds of reported injuries, some of which were serious, many appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain, the CPSC said.

Yamaha’s repair includes the installation of a spacer on the rear wheels as well as the removal of the rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling, and continued installation of half doors and additional passenger handholds where these features have not been previously installed to help keep occupants’ arms and legs inside the vehicle during a rollover and reduce injuries. The company is also extending a free helmet offer to owners of the affected Yamaha Rhinos.

Owners of the deadly Yamaha Rhino are being warned not to use them until the repairs are made. Once these repairs have been made to their vehicles, the CPSC is urging Rhino users to always wear their helmet and seatbelt and follow the safety instructions and warnings in the on-product labels, owner’s manuals and other safety materials. The Rhino is only recommended for operators 16 and older with a valid driver’s license. All passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with their back against the seat back.

For additional information, consumers may contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.yamaha-motor.com