CFMOTO UForce 1000 Common Problems

Overview & Introduction

The CFMOTO UForce 1000 is generally a pretty solid rig. It’s had zero recalls to date, and when it does have problems, they’re generally benign and can be quickly addressed or outright prevented.

We’re going to take a closer look at some of these problems, including mechanical failures of the CVT transmission (spoiler: it’s normally not the transmission), electrical issues, cabin/comfort woes, and what you should know about the support & warranty CFMOTO offers on their rigs.

Common Mechanical and Performance Issues

Most of the mechanical and performance issues with the UForce 1000 are related to the CVT transmission. Luckily, these are almost never due to internal failure of the transmission, but rather its external components like the drive belt or clutch.

The symptoms can be very similar when one of these components fails; here’s what you might notice:

● Jerking or inconsistent power delivery

● High revving before clutch engagement

● High revving when cruising

● Loss of power

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to follow Occam’s razor—it’s normally the most obvious thing. So, we’ll start with looking into the clutch and drive belt; the procedure is the same for both!

1. Remove 10mm bolts and body panel clips for plastic body panels

2. With the clutch cover exposed, remove the 8mm bolts holding it on

3. Use a 36mm socket to remove the nut on the left-side pulley

4. Use a treaded belt removal tool in its threaded hole to loosen belt tension

5. Remove the 18mm bolt from the right-side pulley (it’s reverse threaded)

6. Remove the 32mm nut located under the 18mm bolt you just removed

Now, the drive pulley will slide off. Take care to not lose the hardware underneath. You can proceed to service the clutch or belt as needed.

The Drive Belt Is a Good Place to Start

The first thing to check is the drive belt. These are wear items that can quickly deteriorate if subjected to excess load. You might have an inkling there’s a problem if you smell warm or burning rubber while running your machine. Do a visual inspection to see if it's chewed up, has a ‘glazed’ shiny appearance, or otherwise has excess wear. 

Even if a visual inspection is inconclusive, it’s not a bad idea to start by replacing the drive belt. An aftermarket unit, like one from StarknightMT, gives improved stretch resistance, meaning less chance of slipping in the future.

Try an Upgraded Clutch

If a new drive belt doesn’t fix your issue(s), the next place to look is the clutch. ‘Clutch kits’ aren’t what you’d find on a manual or normal auto transmission. These include some combination of springs, weights, and possibly other components, such as a helix, to clamp the friction surfaces tighter. 

These cost more than a drive belt, but they are still not overly expensive. Note: You’ll need some extra tools like snap ring pliers and a special spring compressing tool.

Electrical System Complaints

40A Charging Fuse Meltdowns

This problem persisted in the first model years of the UForce 1000, 2019-2021, after which it was rectified by CFMOTO. The problem occurs when the 40A fuse and fuse holder become corroded, making a poor connection. The fuse is located under the vehicle, making it vulnerable to the elements. The fuse connector is weather-resistant but not 100% weatherproof. If you frequently ride in wet conditions, or even live in a high-humidity area, moisture will slowly deteriorate the connection.

The telltale sign of this fuse failing is charging issues; if you notice dim headlights, a dead battery, or a complete loss, this fuse is one of the first things to check. 

First, if you have a UForce 1000 from the affected years, we’re going to give you some pointers that will help prevent failure.

1. Remove the passenger seat and cargo box underneath; this will give you access to the battery area
2. The fuse and fuse holder can be found attached to the frame with zip ties (to the right of the battery)
3. Lift up on the connector’s latch while sliding it backward out of its holder/cover; this will reveal the fuse
4. The fuse should slide out (there should be some resistance; if not, this indicates potential failure)

With the fuse out, you can inspect for any burn damage; if damaged, see the next section on replacement; otherwise, follow the next steps for some added weather resistance.  

Dielectric grease will help fortify the fuse and holder from moisture. Apply a liberal amount to the terminals, plus the backside of the connector—the more the merrier.

Another step is relocating the fuse higher in the battery compartment to give it more of an ‘air gap’ from the ground. Unfortunately, the leads of the fuse holder aren’t very long; however, the zip ties can be cut and the fuse holder mounted a good 5-6 inches higher on the frame using new zip ties. 

The combination of dielectric grease and a higher mounting point of the fuse will give you some extra protection. You should still periodically inspect the fuse/holder for abnormal wear.

What to Do If Your Fuse Already Melted

What if your fuse has already melted down? You’ll already know the answer either from the foul, electrical fire smell or your rig’s complete lack of charging. If this is the case, don’t worry; it can be fixed with some basic electrical tools.

You want to inspect it to see what’s salvageable. In some cases, the fuse and connector are damaged, but the pins are still intact. If this is the case, you might be able to simply depin & repin using a new fuse and connector housing (OEM part # 12085030), and possibly a terminal removal tool (OEM part # 12094430).

If the pins are damaged, your best bet is to cut the wires slightly upstream and install a new fuse holder using crimp-style butt connectors. This isn’t as clean, but it gets the job done; don’t forget to heat-shrink the joints for weather protection.

Check the Battery Terminals While You’re There

While the battery compartment is open, it's a good idea to check the battery terminals. Loose terminals can cause flickering lights or a complete loss of power when trying to crank your Uforce over (often with a loud *CLICK*). Tighten up the terminals if they’re loose. Also, check the connections on the power distribution block located a few inches from the battery. Use a bit of Loctite to ensure they won’t come loose when you don’t want them to. 

Cabin and Comfort Issues

A common complaint with the CFMOTO UForce 1000 is the odd mix and match of standard creature comforts. On one hand, you get a factory winch, a roomy cabin, and turn signals, but this is all for nothing if you find yourself freezing to death. 

Luckily, StarKnightMT specializes in all the goodies you need to make your rides that much more comfortable.

Keeping Yourself Warm

UTVs in general can feel like an icebox in cold climates and putting in a windshield is one of the first fixes that comes to mind. To be fair, CFMOTO makes their own aftermarket windshield… but they cost an arm and a leg… StarKnightMT offers a range of front and rear windshields that will suit every application, whether you just need a half-screen for road use or something that will really keep the heat in.

If windshields aren’t enough, you might want to consider a cabin heater. Again, CFMOTO offers these, but they’re expensive and have mixed reviews. You could go with an aftermarket or genuine unit, but either way, make sure you get windshields first; otherwise, all that heat is just going to flow out the back!

More Places to Store Gear

The cabin offers decent storage, but if you want to squeeze even more out of your UForce 1000, here are some ideas:

● UTV drive belt bags: We learned that this specific model can have drive belt issues. It’s not a bad idea to carry an extra. These types of bags give you a dedicated place for it. To do this job trail-side, you’ll need a flat-head screwdriver, socket driver, 8/10/18/32/36 sockets, and removal tool

● Roll bar Triangle bag: Gives you a nice place for your phone, wallet, or other mission-critical must-haves

● UTV Overhead Gun Rack: Needed if you’re going hunting, no explanation needed!

Dealer Support and Warranty Concerns

When you make any big purchase, be it a UTV or any other vehicle, you want to make sure you know about any history of recalls or how strong the warranty policies are. Also, if you do have an issue, you want to be sure there’s a support system to get you the service or parts you need—nothing is worse than having to special order parts from an overseas dealer. 

We’ll take a look at both topics, starting with warranties and recalls.

Warranties and Recalls

The UForce 1000 has had zero official recalls since launching in 2019. This is a good sign considering the CForce ATV has had a number of recalls over the past 10 or so years.

All CFMOTO vehicles come with a limited one-year warranty. The 30-day warranty covers things like the battery, spark plugs, and air filter. The 90-day warranty covers things like drive belts, wheels, throttle cables, winches, and the CVT transmission. An extended warranty can be purchased; however it is often quoted as being too expensive.

One of the gripes about the warranty is how many things void it, most notably ‘improper storage or transportation,’ ‘unauthorized repair or adjustment,’ and ‘unauthorized modifications or performance upgrades.’ In regard to the last, a simple aftermarket clutch upgrade constitutes a forfeiture of warranty. Not great considering the factory clutch leaves a bit to be desired.  

Dealer Support

So, you need all the service work to be done by an authorized dealer to not void the warranty. But how available are these dealers? This is hard to answer, as it depends on what region you are from.

There are lots of dealers on the East Coast, so you shouldn't have to travel more than a couple of hours to find one; however, folks in the Midwest or Canada might find that they’re few and far between. 

The good thing is that new dealers are popping up all the time, so this shouldn’t be a huge drawback.

Tips & Conclusion

The common issues that we looked at here are relatively mild compared to what’s seen on similar UTVs from other brands. If you do the preventive maintenance and fix problem areas, you should be able to ride with confidence. 

And remember, the key to preventing larger issues, like major drivetrain failure, comes down to the scheduled preventative maintenance, such as fluid and filter changes, adjustments, and tune-ups—but it’s best left to the dealer while you're still in warranty!

FAQs

Q1: Can I upgrade the 40a fuse to something larger?

A1: NO! The 40A fuse is more than enough. The issue is caused by corrosion. Switching to a 50 amp fuse will create a risk of burning down your UTV.

Q2: Has the UForce 1000 had any recalls?

A2: No, as of this year (2025), there have been no recalls on this model.

Q3: Will changing the clutch void my warranty?

A3: Unfortunately, yes. However, if you're still under warranty, you can bring your rig in to have it fitted with a factory upgrade, which should work similarly to aftermarket solutions.

 

 

Image Source-Cover