CONSUMER Q&A

Q1:    What’s happening with the hip restraints?

A:    We recently received reports that the hip restraints on a small number of RXV golf cars have fractured (broken).  The safety of E-Z-GO’s customers and their guests is the company’s top priority. Therefore, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the hip restraints on all RXV vehicles are being replaced.
   

Q2:    How many incidents have there been?

A:    We’ve received reports of the hip restraint issue being present in a small number of RXV golf cars. Unfortunately, there have been reports of a few minor injuries resulting from a hip restraint breaking.     

 

Q3:    When did E-Z-GO first learn of this situation?

A:    We began receiving reports in late April and investigated immediately. Our team of quality engineers was able to determine the root cause of the issue and developed a resolution. As a result, all vehicles produced on or after May 13 have the modified hip restraint.

 

Q4:    How many products are affected? Which models, specifically, are affected?

A:    The recall involves approximately 16,500 RXV platform vehicles - all electric and gasoline powered Fleet RXV and Freedom RXV Golf Cars, and RXV Shuttle 2+2 manufactured between January 28, 2008 through May 12, 2008. 

 

Q5:    Does this issue impact the TXT?

A:    No. The hip restraint used in our TXT model is of proven quality, having been used for years without incident.

 

Q6:    Has this matter been reported to the CPSC?

A:    Yes. 
 

 

Q7:    Will there be a recall?

A:    E-Z-GO, working with the CPSC, has issued a voluntary recall on these vehicles.  The modification needed to correct this issue will be installed at no cost to our customers.

 

Q8:    Are you going to replace my vehicle(s)?

A:    No – it is not necessary. E-Z-GO will install the modification at no cost to our customers.

 

Q9:    When will my vehicles be fixed?  How long will it take E-Z-GO to fix all of the vehicles that are in the field?

A:    We are sending teams of technicians into the field to replace the hip restraints and expect all modifications to be complete by the end of this summer.  We will contact you to determine a convenient time to schedule an appointment. 

 

Q10:    How is E-Z-GO going to prevent hip restraint issues from happening in the future?

A:    E-Z-GO has determined the root cause of this condition and has remedied it by producing new vehicles with a hip restraint made of materials used for years without incident.   

 

Q11:    Is it safe to continue using E-Z-GO golf cars?

A:    Yes. E-Z-GO has determined the root cause of this condition and has resolved it. While we believe it is safe to continue to operate your vehicle, we want to take every precaution in ensuring the safety and comfort of you and your passengers.   When entering and exiting the golf car, please use caution and DO NOT LEAN on the hip restraint, as it may fracture if excessive force is applied and the rider could fall from the vehicle. Please use the safety handle located on the vehicle top for additional support while entering, exiting, turning or stopping the golf car.

 

Q12:    Why didn’t you know about this risk sooner?

A:    The incidents under investigation resulted randomly and represent only a small percent of the RXV vehicles that currently exist. For the safety of our customers and as a precautionary measure, E-Z-GO has made the decision to replace the hip restraints on all RXV vehicles manufactured January 28 – May 12.    

 

Q13:    What is the potential cost to customers?

A:    None. This hip restraint replacement will be performed at no cost to our customers.  

 

Q14:    What is your overall safety record with respect to hip restraints?

A:    This situation only involves the newest addition to E-Z-GO’s line of vehicles. The safety record for all E-Z-GO product lines is exemplary.  Despite operating over thousands of rounds and millions of hours annually – in virtually every type of environment – hip restraint incidents with E-Z-GO vehicles are extremely rare. The issue with the RXV was isolated and has been quickly resolved. 

 

Q15:    How do I know if my vehicle is affected?

A:    E-Z-GO has made the decision to replace the hip restraints on all RXV vehicles purchased since January, regardless of whether or not they show signs of having been affected. E-Z-GO is working to contact everyone who falls within this category. Customers can contact their E-Z-GO dealer if they want to know if their vehicle is impacted. 

 

Q16:    What have you communicated to Customers?

A:    We are in the process of contacting our customers now.

Q17:    What does this say about the safety of the RXV, overall?

A:    We believe the RXV is one of the safest vehicles offered.  Hip restraint incidents on E-Z-GO vehicles are extremely rare.  The overall per capita incidence of accidents on our vehicles is equally low.  These are very safe products to operate.

 

Q18:    Was this issue due to a supplier or E-Z-GO?

A:    Our top priority is to make the appropriate modifications to address the issue – not to assign blame.  We are working collaboratively with our supplier to ensure the problem has been addressed.

Q19:    What was the issue?

A:    Since there were a small percentage of the hip restraints breaking and the comfort and safety of our customers is our top priority, we redesigned it to be stronger.