Recall Forum

Unsafe Consumer Products and Recalls

Director’s Chair for Children
Delta Enterprise Corp., of New York, N.Y has recalled the chairs which feature popular characters such as “The Wiggles,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Spongebob Squarepants,” and “Disney Princesses.” The chair can inadvertently be misassembled so that the fabric seat can come off the chair’s frame and expose metal support rods. If fabric seat comes off the frame, there is a laceration and fall hazard to young children. The product was sold at discount department and toy stores nationwide from April to July 2004 for about $10. Call Delta Enterprises toll-free at (877) 660-3777 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their Web site at http://www.deltaenterprise.com/recall.html

Little Giant Pump Co. Announce Recall of Cooler Pumps
The Little Giant Pump Company, Oklahoma City, OK is voluntarily recalling about 150,000 Evaporative Cooler Pumps. The motor coolers pose a fire hazard to consumers. The motor caps on the cooler pumps are not made with flame- retardant material and an internal electrical failure can ignite the cap. Industrial/HVAC distributors and hardware stores sold the pumps from February 2003 through August 2004 for between $35 and $85. Contact the company toll-free at (888) 271-1369 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. CT on Saturday or log on to the company’s Web site at www.littlegiant.com/Safety_Recall_Notice.pdf

LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. Announce Recall of Work Boots
LaCrosse Footwear Inc., of Portland, Ore. is voluntarily recalling about 8,400 Polar and Trailblazer Work Boots. The protective toe cap on the boots may not provide sufficient impact and compression protection. This could result in crushing, bruising, or other injury to the wearer’s foot.  The Polar and Trailblazer style boots were sold in black or brown with the company name “LaCrosse” written on the side of the boot. Call LaCrosse Footwear at (800) 890-3505 between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday for more information or send an email to lacrosserecall@lacrossefootwear.com

Giant Bicycle Inc. Announce Recall of Bicycles
Giant Bicycle Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 160 Rainier Mountain Bicycles. The front brake mounting tabs can break, causing the brakes to fail and the rider to lose control of the bicycle.  Consumers should contact Giant Bicycle to determine whether their bicycle is included in this recall. Authorized dealers who sold these bicycles will schedule an inspection and free repair. Contact Giant Bicycle at (866) 458-2555 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Dell Inc. Announce Recall of AC Adapters for Notebook Computers
Dell Inc, is voluntarily recalling about 990,000 AC adapters used with notebook personal computers. The adapters can overheat, posing a risk of fire and electrical shock hazards to consumers.  Dell’s website mentions that they sold the computers with adapters from September 1998 through February 2002 for about $1,500 to about $3,200. The adapters also were sold separately for between $30 and $70. The advanced port replicators and docking stations sold for between $300 and $600. Consumer should call Dell at (800) 418-8590 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, log on to Dell’s Web site at www.delladapterprogram.com.

Runtal North America Inc. Announce Recall to Replace Runtal Sundance Towel Radiators
The Sundance Towel Radiator is a wall-mounted towel warmer and decorative heater. It warms towels and provides radiant heat through a thermal element inside the fluid-filled tubular rack. Runtal North America, Inc., is voluntarily recalling these Towel Radiators as they may overheat and rupture when overloaded with towels, releasing heated fluid which could result in a severe burns.  Contact Runtal North America, Inc. at 800-526-2621 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. For more information, go to www.runtalsundance.com.

Baby Trend "Passport" Strollers
Between July 2003 and February 2004, approximately 11,000 baby strollers were sold nationwide. The fold joint can collapse unexpectedly, causing the child to fall. If you have any questions, contact Baby Trend, Inc., in Ontario, CA at 800-328-7363.

Cordless Sweepers
ProSweep Rechargeable Cordless Sweepers can overheat, posing a fire hazard during use. There were approximately 59,000 sold nationwide from December 2003 to February 2004. For mor information, contact L&N Sales and Marketing in Hatboro, PA at 800-367-9444

Espresso/Cappuccino Makers
The steam tube of Hamilton Beach Cappuccino Plus Espresso  and Cappuccino Makers can burst under pressure, presenting a risk of injury to consumers. There have been roughly 20,000 sold nationwide since March 2003. Contact Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex at 800-672-5872.

Turbo Model HairDryers by Virgo
These electric, handheld hair dryers produced by Virgo Enterprises, do not have an immersion protection device or ground fault interrupter (GFCI) on the power cord. This poses serious electrocution risk if the dryer is dropped in water. The Turbo 2000, Laser 1500, Super Turbo 3000, Turbo Plus 2800 and Turbo Plus 1800 are included in the warning. Contact Virgo at 800-552-0961.

Casio Piano Benches
Casio Inc., has announced that piano bench models DK and LT have faulty screw and bracket assemblies which attach the legs to the bench. These assemblies can weaken and detach, causing collapse. For more information, contact Casio at 800-454-4678.

Kyocera recalls Cell Phone Batteries
Kyocera Wireless Corp. has received four reports of battery failures, including one minor burn injury. The recalled batteries are included in Kyocera model 7135 Smartphone cell phones. The product information on the bottom of the phone should indicate a product code ending with -05 printed on the underside. The black and silver flip-up phones say “Kyocera” at the top of the screen. Call Kyocera Wireless Corp. at (800) 349-4478.

GE recalls Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The recalled units fail to detect carbon monoxide after 1 year of operation due to an internal software error. These CO alarms do not provide an “end of life” signal or other indication of inoperability, even if the test button is depressed. If you believe you have one of these alarms, contact GE at www.ge-interlogix.com

Plush Spider Stuffed Animals
Mary Meyer Corporation has received five reports of the round stuffed feet of the plush spider toy detaching. No injuries have been reported. Return the toy to Mary Meyer Corp. to receive a replacement product of equal value.

Child Craft Industries recalls Legacy Cribs
The slats on the drop side rail can loosen and detach. When this happens, the space created by the gaps can allow a baby to become entangled, strangle or fall. These cribs were sold at stores nationwide from March 2002 through January 2004. Contact www.childcraftindustries.com.

General Motors recalls Cavaliers and others
General Motors is recalling about 1.8 million model year 1998-2001 cars, including certain 1998-2001 Chevrolet Cavaliers and Pontiac Sunfires built between March 1997 and April 2001. Also, some 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, Oldsmobile Achieva, and Buick Skylark cars built between March 1997 and January 1998 are being recalled. The recalled vehicles may experience high electrical current flow through the ignition switch that may cause a fire in the steering column. Contact www.gm.com.

Chrysler Recalls 430,000 Jeep Liberty SUV's
After receiving complaints of loss of control and crashes due to front suspension issues, Chrysler, a unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, will be fitting all the cars with a new heat shield and some vehicles will be fitted with new ball joints. Contact www.chrysler.com.

Target Corporation Recalls Multicolored Sidewalk Chalk
Manufactured by Agglo Corporation, Hong Kong and imported by Target Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, the multicolored sidewalk chalk contains high levels of lead, posing a risk to young children of lead poisoning. Call Target Corporation at (800) 440-0680 between 7 am and 6 pm CT, Monday through Friday or access their website at www.target.com.

Fire Control Instruments Announce Recall for Audio Evacuation Units
The Audio Evacuation Unit manufactured by Fire Control Instruments, of Westwood, Mass. can enter a "sleep" mode where it does not communicate with the system. When this occurs, audible evacuation signals associated with the failed AEU will not operate and building occupants may not be warned of an emergency. The AEUs are used in FireVac 7200 System Control Units and priced about $825. The units were sold to FCI distributors nationwide from January 1998 through April 11, 2003. According to the Consumer Product Safety Comission, distributors who do not receive the new software chip set should contact a representative at (800) 633-1311.

Britax to Conduct Safety Recall of Super Elite Car Seats
Crash tests conducted by NHTSA have deemed the Super Elite restraints unsuitable per requirements. During a crash, the restraint could cause the child’s head to move forward further than allowed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Britax will mail a free repair kit along with easy-to-follow installation instructions to owners who have returned their registration cards. Customers can contact Britax at 704-409-1700 prompt 2.

Cybex International Inc. Announce Recall of Treadmills
Treadmills sold from Cybex International, between September 1993 and October 2001, are being recalled. The units were priced around $4000.00 retail. The machines pose a fire hazard because of overheating and ignition of dust inside the treadmill's hood. The dust accumulates because of lack of regular maintenance. Call Cybex toll-free at (888) 678-3846.

Apothecary Products Inc. Recalls "Comforts" Pacifiers
Parents of children owning the pacifiers may return the pacifiers to the store where purchased for a full refund. These pacifiers fail federal safety tests, can break apart, and pose a choking hazard to infants and small children. They come in blue, pink, red and purple. They will also have the name Kroger on them. Contact Apothecary Products at (866) 274-7956, or call The Kroger Co. toll- free at (800) 632-6900.

Toyoto Recalling Sienna Minivans
Toyota Motor Co. is recalling 34,437 Sienna minivans because the fuel tank is prone to damage and could cause a fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday. A fire could result if fuel leaked from the damaged tank. Contact your dealer for more information.

Fisher-Price Inc. recalls Sparkling Symphony mobiles
A recall has been issued for about a quarter-million crib mobiles due to battery leaks. On august 5, 2003, the warning stated that children could experience chemical burns if batteries in the toy leak. The toy mobiles, which have four star and moon characters, attach to a crib's side rail and play music and flash lights. The model number, 71985, can be found in the lower arm of the mobile and in back of the toy's remote control. They were made from October 1999 through November 2000.

FireStone has recalled the STEELTEX A/T LT235/75R15
Tires with DOT tire serial W1HKRAD1003 have been recalled due to insufficient cure in the tread shoulder area. The tire may develop irregular wear, noise or vibrations and with extended use, the tires with this condition may experience tread separation. FGS will notify its customers and replace the tires free of charge. Owner notification will begin in May 2003. If you have any questions, contact Firestone at 1-800-367-3872.

Infiniti has recalled the 2003 FX35 and FX45
On certain SUVs, the bolts which attach the propeller shaft(s) to the transaxle and differential(s) may not have been adequately tightened. If the bolts come loose, the propeller shaft may come off the vehicle which could result in a crash. Notifications will begin in May 2003. Dealers will replace the propeller shaft bolts and tighten the bolts correctly. If you have any questions, contact Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.

Baby's Dream Furniture has recalled Cribs
Baby's Dream Furniture has recalled about 4600 wooden convertible cribs manufactured from January to August 2001 to repair hinges on the drop gate. The three hinges along the fold-down drop gate can crack or break and allow babies to have their fingers pinched. The company has received 38 reports of broken or cracked hinges, but no injuries reported to date. The five models include "Always Crib," "Set 4 Life," "Crib 4 Life," "Legendary Crib," and "Crib-2-College." Please call Baby's Dream at 1-800-TEL CRIB or go to the firm's website at www.babysdream.com

TNT Fireworks has recalled Party Poppers sold at Wal-Mart
Promotional Events, Inc, doing business as TNT, has recalled about 4000 Party Poppers. The coneshaped top can pop off rapidly and can hit and injure both children and adults. Wal-Mart stores sold these Party Poppers from January through May of 2003. Consumers should stop using them and return to the store for a refund. For more information, call TNT at 1-800-243-1189.

Easy-Bake Has Recalled Bake N' Design Cookie Sets
The FDA reported Easy-Bake has recalled approximately 155,000 of its Bake N' Design Cookie sets (#60813/60821 and #60814/60821). The white cookie mix that comes with each set contains milk proteins and may contain peanuts, both of which are not stated on the label. People with allergies to these substances could be at risk for a severe reaction if the substance is consumed. Consumers should not use them and contact Easy Bake at 1-800-327-8264 for information on how to return the products. Information is also available on the website www.easybake.com.

Amen Wardy Home has recalled Multi-purpose Lighters shaped like Matchsticks
The Multi-purpose lighters are refillable, gas-fueled lighters shaped like a wooden match. However, the lighters lack child-resistant mechanisms that meet federal safety standards. Young children could operate the lighters. The Amen Wardy store is in Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas. The lighters were sold since July 2002. Consumers are asked to dispose of the lighters in compliance with state and federal regulations and contact Amen Wardy at 1-877-349-5330 for refund information. Information can also be obtained by emailing info@amenwardy.com.

For more information about these or any other product recalls, do not hesitate to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov/).