Class action law suit for drive train clunks/ unacceptable noise after the sale?

[Papa Hoc]

Good morning to all. I have just picked up the Ranger from the dealer number two stating the noise you can hear at the rear differential is normal. This noise was not present when new, and had it been I would have not purchased it, and I don't think I am alone. This noise is coming from the rear differential and can be actually felt if your hand rests on the case or yoke. A snap/ clunk/ tick noise that develops with time is simply an interaction between two components where a gap exists, or where one component shifts or moves under load against another.

While this may never develop into a break down, it cheapens the vehicle feel and gives the sense of lack of reliability.

Polaris does not like to give numbers publicly, and they are far from transparent in virtually every way when it comes to information. No actual sales figures are offered by Polaris as to how many Ranger 1500's have been sold, service bulletins are guarded secrets when they are readily available to automotive/ truck owners, and trying to get specific info from Polaris is met with avoidance. They refuse to actually explain what the noise really is, why it develops AFTER THE SALE, or what effect it may have on long term reliability. Keep in mind, they are only on the hook for a year- in my case I have lost 2 months of use- I have a 10 month warrant essentially.

Polaris charged us the same money as a 2026 F150 4X4 nicely equipped- Thats a lot of money to have Polaris's "extreme duty" side by side clunking every time you touch the gas. Keep in mind, just 20 of us represent $1 million in sales for Polaris.

I am wanting to know how many owners are unhappy enough they would consider a class action suit? I am ignorant to how they work but would look into it if enough owners are unhappy.

I attempted to attach a video, but it was too large. Anyone that wants it can send me a message with an email and i will forward it.

Please respond if interested. If I am the only one that it bugs this much I may just file a complaint with our A.G in Washington state.

Thanks for taking the time. Greg H

 

[jj46]

The only people that make money in class action suits are the attorneys. You're much better off handling this 1:1. I would file a complaint with the BBB and the AG. No offense, but every time there is a known problem with a machine/vehicle, people on the forums start talking about class action suits. I can predict for you what a judge would likely say... Does this issue prevent you from using your machine to its advertised ability? No? Dismissed. Then you get the bill from your attorney for a lot more than what the machine cost you. If you hate the machine that much, cut your losses and get rid of it, I don't think anyone here would think less of you for doing so. It's a crap spot you're in... but again, sometimes you can get traction with the BBB.

 

[Weather Man]

Your money ahead just trading for another brand if truly dissatisfied rather than getting a lawyer. Getting a lawyer just drags out forever an experience you aren't happy with.

 

[Big Red]

It sucks that you have this problem, it obviously really frustrates you. That said I agree with the statements above. If you sue for axle noise the only ones that will win are the lawyers.

 

[Northwoods Ranger]

Follow the Money !

 

[Papa Hoc]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the insight. I really love the vehicle. The noise just seems so indicative of a failure in my automotive experience, it makes it hard to trust it to be reliable when I’m 10 miles from any paved road with a five-year-old grandson. I am also not used to the lack of transparency, this was addressed over 10 years ago in the automotive sector and actually worked out very well for owners and manufactures alike. We’ve decided to do nothing, drive it hope for the best and maybe in the future Polaris will come up with a fix. I guess more miles I get on it the more comfortable I’ll be. Went out yesterday solo ringing hells bells for about 50 miles-no change it’s still loud, but not louder! I actually had a lot of fun! 62 years old, never did grow up.

Looked at a couple Can-Am models yesterday when I was picking the Ranger up. There are other lesser manufacturers also, but I gotta be honest overall Polaris has the best design in terms of cab, space and features. Surprised nobody else has got on the bandwagon with the fully sealed steel belt transmissions like in the automotive sector. That was the number one selling point for me along with the torque from the three cylinder engine. Enough babbling from an old man thank you all for your input and perspective.

 

[gdh]

I agree with Papa Hoc. I had the clunk and they did the Loc tite fix and so far it has held. But it seems like a band aid not a complete fix. I for one will never but another Polaris product based on this that they will not stand behind there product and admit they have a flaw. I would take a beating on resale or trade in so I have to drive it for a bit before getting rid of it.

 

[dirtclod]

I have used Loctite for over forty years on keeping bolts tight. Someone please explain to me how Loctite fixes loose splines?

 

[Big Red]

I have used Loctite for over forty years on keeping bolts tight. Someone please explain to me how Loctite fixes loose splines?

It fills the gaps between the mating surfaces.

 

[Papa Hoc]

I have used Loctite for over forty years on keeping bolts tight. Someone please explain to me how Loctite fixes

 

[TSkeen]

Good morning to all. I have just picked up the Ranger from the dealer number two stating the noise you can hear at the rear differential is normal. This noise was not present when new, and had it been I would have not purchased it, and I don't think I am alone. This noise is coming from the rear differential and can be actually felt if your hand rests on the case or yoke. A snap/ clunk/ tick noise that develops with time is simply an interaction between two components where a gap exists, or where one component shifts or moves under load against another.

While this may never develop into a break down, it cheapens the vehicle feel and gives the sense of lack of reliability.

Polaris does not like to give numbers publicly, and they are far from transparent in virtually every way when it comes to information. No actual sales figures are offered by Polaris as to how many Ranger 1500's have been sold, service bulletins are guarded secrets when they are readily available to automotive/ truck owners, and trying to get specific info from Polaris is met with avoidance. They refuse to actually explain what the noise really is, why it develops AFTER THE SALE, or what effect it may have on long term reliability. Keep in mind, they are only on the hook for a year- in my case I have lost 2 months of use- I have a 10 month warrant essentially.

Polaris charged us the same money as a 2026 F150 4X4 nicely equipped- Thats a lot of money to have Polaris's "extreme duty" side by side clunking every time you touch the gas. Keep in mind, just 20 of us represent $1 million in sales for Polaris.

I am wanting to know how many owners are unhappy enough they would consider a class action suit? I am ignorant to how they work but would look into it if enough owners are unhappy.

I attempted to attach a video, but it was too large. Anyone that wants it can send me a message with an email and i will forward it.

Please respond if interested. If I am the only one that it bugs this much I may just file a complaint with our A.G in Washington state.

Thanks for taking the time. Greg H

I am on board with getting this issue resolved. Mine is terrible. It's actually embarrassing to get around other riders when they here this noise.
I totally agree with you, I would not of purchased it if it made this noise when I bought it.

 

[dirtclod]

It fills the gaps between the mating surfaces.

So the mating surfaces have wore that much on some machines or the mating surfaces are are the wrong specs to begin with? If some machines do it and others don't, what does that mean? We have a mfg. problem or a driver problem? Polaris warranty sucks! If, you read the warranty, Warranty states, "This warranty excludes damages or failures resulting from surface imperfections caused by external stress, heat, cold or contamination; improper component alignment, tension, or adjustment".
I am lucky so far, no clunk, but if it did I would be irate and wouldn't be drinking Polaris KOOL AID !!!!

PS they told me to go fish concerning unwanted air intrusion !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Captain Bob]

I have posted this before but I will post again "I have the 2025 Ranger XD, mine started that clunk shortly after I got it, the dealer that I purchased it from tried Loctite on the axles but that did not help. It continued to get worse so I asked that dealer again to look it and he said there was nothing they could do. A week after that I called another dealer in Cobb WI and he said they recently received a bulletin from Polaris about the clunk and they had already repaired 3 with good success. I took mine there and they fixed it in less than a day. Bulletin R-24-09-01 explains the fix, they Loctite the Yoke in the differential. I have just over a 1,000 miles on it since they did that and absolutely no clunk, Yippee!"

 

[vm2]

I have used Loctite for over forty years on keeping bolts tight. Someone please explain to me how Loctite fixes loose splines?

In other words like Big Red said it fills the space that there engineers screwed up!
When I got my clunk at 400 miles I back axle nuts off then torqued them to 89 ft pounds. My problem was fixed and it was driving me nut! over 1700 miles on so far now no clunk.

 

[Rockotoby]

I have posted this before but I will post again "I have the 2025 Ranger XD, mine started that clunk shortly after I got it, the dealer that I purchased it from tried Loctite on the axles but that did not help. It continued to get worse so I asked that dealer again to look it and he said there was nothing they could do. A week after that I called another dealer in Cobb WI and he said they recently received a bulletin from Polaris about the clunk and they had already repaired 3 with good success. I took mine there and they fixed it in less than a day. Bulletin R-24-09-01 explains the fix, they Loctite the Yoke in the differential. I have just over a 1,000 miles on it since they did that and absolutely no clunk, Yippee!"

I had same problem, Loctite didn't last. Took it back, got new hubs and axles, this worked. Then had backlash in rear end, after they shimmed it, it was fixed. Now the only metal to metal noise is the front suspension, and it mainly happens when turning, and Polaris said it was normal. I saw on one of these threads where someone said it was the front wheel bearings with end play. Haven't worked on that part yet.

 

[dirtclod]

Loctite is a short fix to a long term issue. Loctite will last past warranty Polaris hopes! then tough titties!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Clubin]

I have posted this before but I will post again "I have the 2025 Ranger XD, mine started that clunk shortly after I got it, the dealer that I purchased it from tried Loctite on the axles but that did not help. It continued to get worse so I asked that dealer again to look it and he said there was nothing they could do. A week after that I called another dealer in Cobb WI and he said they recently received a bulletin from Polaris about the clunk and they had already repaired 3 with good success. I took mine there and they fixed it in less than a day. Bulletin R-24-09-01 explains the fix, they Loctite the Yoke in the differential. I have just over a 1,000 miles on it since they did that and absolutely no clunk, Yippee!"

Mine was a successful fix too. But that axle will be impossible to get out.

 

[Mr.C]

I’ve supposedly had the loctite fix from my dealer and it worked for awhile. Then the clunk came back. I just make sure to mention it every time I talk to them or my machine is in for any type of service. That way it’s noted. I did purchase the full extended warranty. It’s the first year of a new model, which I normally never do. But I got to inpatient.

 

[MSRanger]

Suddenly I have silence! No clunking for the past week or so. 1350 miles.
Took me awhile to realize it I think since my wife brought it to my attention.
I was like, oh yea, no clunking.
So I don’t know when it stopped.
Or, why?
The annoyance of the clunk had gone away for me so I think if it starts again I will go through the frustration all over again.

 

[Big Red]

The "Clunk" went away...................Now that's got to be the first time I heard that one.