John Deere XUV590/XUV590 S4 ECU software speedometer crash hazard (CPSC May 20, 2021, #21-748)

## Affected machines About **90 US units** of John Deere **XUV590** and **XUV590 S4** Gator utility vehicles. This is a very small recall by unit count - the smallest in-scope JD Gator UTV recall in the TractorNuity library. The narrow scope reflects a build-window-limited software image that affected only a brief production batch. The model number **"XUV590"** or **"XUV590 S4"** is printed on the hood. **"John Deere"** and **"Gator"** are printed on the cargo box. The serial number is on the **frame on the rear of the machine above the hitch** and begins with **1M0590**. The recalled vehicles have **four-wheel suspension** with side-by-side seating for two or four people, and were sold in **green and yellow, olive drab, and camouflage**. ### Production / sales window Sold at **John Deere dealers nationwide** from **October 2020 through April 2021** for **$11,100 to $14,100**. This recall is on the same model line as TNB02600090 (XUV590/590 S4 first-generation, sold 2017-2018) but covers a later build window. The naming convention (XUV590 / XUV590 S4 without the M/E suffix) places this in the legacy Mid-Size XUV generation, prior to the XUV590E/M/M S4 rebrand that took over for the 2022+ model years. ## Issue An **error in the ECU (Engine Control Unit) software** can result in the **speedometer and several speed-related safety systems not functioning as designed**, posing a crash hazard. The ECU software image deployed during the affected build window contains a defect that affects the speedometer reading and downstream speed-dependent functions. The CPSC notice and Deere materials don't enumerate every affected speed-related safety system, but on a Gator UTV the speed-dependent systems typically include: - Speedometer display - Seatbelt-disengaged speed limiter (typically caps at 15 mph) - Reverse speed limiter When the ECU software defect manifests, the operator may operate the vehicle without accurate speed feedback and the speed-dependent safety interlocks may not engage as designed. The remedy is a **software update applied at the dealer** - no hardware replacement is required. Reported field incidents at recall time: - 4 reports of speedometers malfunctioning - 0 injuries ## What to do 1. Find the **serial number on the rear frame above the hitch** and confirm it begins with **1M0590**. 2. Check your serial number against the published list at https://www.deere.com/en/parts-and-service/recall-information/. 3. If your Gator is in scope, **stop using it immediately**. 4. Contact your **authorized John Deere dealer** for the free ECU software update. 5. Or call Deere & Company at **800-537-8233**. ## Hazard Severity is rated **warning**. Very small unit count (~90), low manifested incident rate (4 reports), software-only fix, and the failure mode (speedometer + speed-related safety systems) is less severe than direct vehicle-control-loss failures. This severity rating is consistent with TNB02600082 (Stihl MS 361 C-Q throttle trigger sticking, similar small-population low-rate operator-presence safety-system defect). ## Related bulletins - **TNB02600090** - CPSC September 2018 XUV590/590 S4 powertrain throttle stick recall. Same model line, earlier build window, different defect (mechanical vs software). - **TNB02600093** - CPSC June 2023 XUV590E/M/M S4 fuel cap recall. Successor XUV590 generation, different defect. ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "John Deere Recalls Gator Utility Vehicles Due to Crash Hazard (Recall Alert)," May 20, 2021 (CPSC #21-748). - Manufacturer: Deere & Company, of Moline, Illinois. - John Deere recall page: https://www.deere.com/en/parts-and-service/recall-information/