Intimidator UTV throttle cable freeze + GC1K MY2022 speed limiter software crash hazard (CPSC June 9, 2022, #22-152)

## Affected machines This bulletin covers the **Intimidator-branded portion** of CPSC recall #22-152 (June 9, 2022). The Mahindra-branded portion is covered separately in **TNB02600086** — same defect family, sister bulletin. About **16,000 combined Intimidator + Mahindra units** in the recall total. Manufactured by Intimidator LLC in Batesville, Arkansas. The UTVs were sold in a variety of colors. **"Intimidator"** is displayed on the front grill, and the model series is printed on the rear-side panels. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is on a label inside the **glove box**, inside the **hood compartment**, and **below the driver's seat**. ### Affected Intimidator models | Model | Years | |---|---| | GC1K Classic | 2018-2022 | | GC1K Crew | 2019-2022 | | GC1K Truck | 2019-2022 | | 750 Classic | 2013-2022 | | 750 Crew | 2014-2022 | | 750 Truck | 2013-2022 | | 800 Classic | 2015-2018 | | 800 Crew | 2015-2018 | | 800 Enforcer | 2016-2018 | | 1000 Series Diesel Classic | 2013-2022 | | 1000 Series Diesel Crew | 2013-2022 | | 1000 Series Diesel Truck | 2013-2022 | Specific affected serial numbers are listed at https://intimidatorutv.com/recall/ (lookup by VIN). ### Production / sales window Sold at **authorized Intimidator dealers nationwide** from **August 2013 through February 2022** for **$11,000 to $21,500**. ## Issue The CPSC notice **combines two distinct hazards** in one recall, both of which received the same recall ID 22-152. They share a remedy visit (single dealer trip resolves both) but are otherwise separate defects: ### Hazard 1 — Throttle cable freeze (broad scope) The **throttle cable can freeze at low ambient temperatures**, resulting in a **stuck throttle** which can cause the **brakes to fail to stop the vehicle**, posing a crash hazard. This affects all model series in the recall (750, 800, 1000, GC1K) when operated in cold weather. The freezing is caused by moisture intrusion into the throttle cable housing combined with low temperatures. When the throttle sticks open, the vehicle continues to accelerate even when the operator releases the throttle pedal. On these UTVs, the brake system is not designed to overpower a stuck-open throttle — attempting to brake against a fully-engaged throttle will cause brake fade and ultimately brake failure. ### Hazard 2 — GC1K MY2022 speed limiter software (narrow scope) On certain **Model Year 2022 Intimidator GC1K vehicles**, the onboard software does not prevent consumers from exceeding **15 mph when the seatbelt is disengaged**, posing a crash hazard. This is an industry-standard safety interlock — UTVs are required to limit speed when the seatbelt is unbuckled (so passengers exiting briefly can't be unexpectedly accelerated, and so operators don't drive standing up). The MY2022 GC1K software fails to enforce the 15 mph cap. The remedy is a **software update/fix** for the speed limiter, applied at the same dealer visit as the throttle cable repair. ### Reported field incidents at recall time - 393 reports of throttle cables freezing - 4 crashes resulting in bruises (throttle freeze) - 0 incidents of excess speed when the seatbelt is disengaged (the software defect was identified in design review, not in the field) ## What to do 1. Find the **VIN on a label inside the glove box, inside the hood compartment, or below the driver's seat**. 2. Check your VIN against the recall list at https://intimidatorutv.com/recall/. 3. If your UTV is in scope, **stop using it immediately**. 4. Contact an **authorized Intimidator dealer** to schedule a free repair, which includes throttle cable replacement and (for MY2022 GC1K only) the software update for the speed limiter. 5. Or call Intimidator toll-free at **855-307-0933** Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT. 6. Online: https://intimidatorutv.com/recall/ ## Hazard Severity is rated **warning**. Throttle freezing is a manifested defect with 393 reports and 4 crashes (bruises only — no serious injuries). The software defect for the speed limiter has zero field reports. ZRT-class UTVs reach speeds up to 65 mph (GC1K), so a stuck-open throttle is a serious failure mode, but the mitigating factors (low ambient temperature requirement, gradual cable failure rather than instant) and the field record (4 minor crashes on 16,000 units) keep this below the critical threshold. ## Related bulletins - **TNB02600086** — Mahindra-branded sibling bulletin covering the Mahindra portion of this same CPSC #22-152 recall. Direct sister — same defect family, distributed under the Mahindra brand by Mahindra USA. Mahindra serial range 000000-010545. - **TNB02600087** — CPSC April 11, 2024 Intimidator universal joint brake-line sever recall. Different defect, same Intimidator UTV families. The 2024 recall covers a broader population (sales window extends through Nov 2023). ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Intimidator Recalls Intimidator and Mahindra Utility Vehicles (UTVs) Due to Crash Hazard," June 9, 2022 (CPSC #22-152). - Manufacturer: Intimidator LLC, of Batesville, Arkansas. - Intimidator recall page: https://intimidatorutv.com/recall/