December 16, 2025 – A recent incident report details a safety concern involving a 2023 Kawasaki Mule SX utility vehicle, where a seatbelt reportedly broke while the vehicle was in use. The manufacturer, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., has since provided a direct replacement and offered to arrange for free installation by an authorized dealer.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On November 27, 2025, an incident was reported involving a 2023 Kawasaki Mule SX. The owner’s son was driving the utility vehicle in a field when the seatbelt suddenly broke. The failure occurred on the buckle side, specifically where the cable is attached. The owner contacted Kawasaki directly, providing a picture of the broken seatbelt and requesting a replacement. Initially, Kawasaki reportedly advised the customer to follow up with the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, which was 40 miles away. The customer expressed concern that Kawasaki did not seem more concerned about the issue, given it involved a critical safety device. As of the initial reporting, the customer had not yet had time to visit the dealer.
Safety Concerns
The failure of a seatbelt, particularly in an off-road utility vehicle like the Kawasaki Mule SX, presents significant safety risks:
- Immediate Dangers: A broken seatbelt compromises the primary safety restraint system, increasing the risk of serious injury or ejection from the vehicle during sudden stops, collisions, rollovers, or rough terrain operation. Without a functional seatbelt, occupants are vulnerable to hitting interior components of the vehicle or being thrown out, potentially leading to fractures, head trauma, internal injuries, or even fatality.
- Long-Term Risks: If a defect exists in the seatbelt mechanism, other vehicles of the same model or production batch could have similar vulnerabilities. This poses an ongoing risk to other consumers who may be unaware of the potential for seatbelt failure.
- Who Might Be Affected: Drivers and passengers of the Kawasaki Mule SX are directly affected. This is particularly concerning as utility vehicles are often used in environments where sudden movements or impacts are common.
- Property Damage Potential: While the immediate risk is to personal safety, loss of control or an accident resulting from an occupant being unrestrained could lead to significant property damage to the vehicle itself or other property in the vicinity.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Kawasaki Mule SX, particularly a 2023 model, and are concerned about seatbelt integrity, please take the following actions:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you discover a broken or compromised seatbelt, cease using the vehicle immediately until the seatbelt can be inspected and repaired or replaced by an authorized service center. Do not attempt to operate the vehicle with a non-functional seatbelt.
- How to Check for Affected Product: Regularly inspect all seatbelts in your Kawasaki Mule SX for any signs of wear, fraying, damage, or issues with the buckle mechanism. Pay close attention to the area where the belt connects to the buckle or the vehicle frame.
- Prevention Measures: Always ensure all occupants are properly buckled before operating the vehicle. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and guidelines for inspecting safety components. If you notice any unusual looseness, difficulty buckling, or visible damage, have it professionally inspected.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident or discover a defective seatbelt, contact Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. directly to report the issue. You should also report the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
Manufacturer’s Response
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) has responded to this incident. KMC states that it is committed to the quality of its products and the safety of its users. Following the customer’s report, KMC sent a replacement seatbelt component directly to the customer. Furthermore, KMC has offered to arrange for an authorized Kawasaki dealer to complete the replacement at no charge to the customer. This response aims to address the immediate safety concern by providing the necessary part and professional installation.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.