Washington -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of BRP US Inc. Ski-Doo snowmobiles due to drive axle failures.

About 18,000 of the snowmobiles, made by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., of Valcourt, Canada, were sold between June 2007 and September 2008 for $7,000-$12,000, the commission said.

Cracks can develop in the welded drive axle assembly joints, leading to breakage that would cause the vehicle to lock unexpectedly. An incident could lead to loss of control or the driver or passengers being thrown from the vehicle, the commission said.

The recall involves 17 Ski-Doo snowmobiles from model year 2008 and one from model year 2009.

Consumers were advised to stop using the recalled snowmobiles and schedule a free repair with a Ski-Doo dealer.

Consumers can call 888-638-5397 for information.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.