CPSC Recalls in 2003
216 recalls found
April 2003
Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers Recalled for Fire Hazard
These sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the risk of death or serious injury.
Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall, so no free replacement or refund is available for its sprinklers. Nevertheless, SCM urges building owners to follow CPSC guidance by inspecting the sprinkler systems in their buildings and replacing any Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 through 1995.
Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers Recalled for Fire Hazard
These sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the risk of death or serious injury.
AHI's sprinkler replacement reimbursement program has concluded. CPSC previously announced that Mealane Corporation voluntarily agreed to recall Star ME-1 sprinklers manufactured from 1961 through 1976 and Central Sprinkler Company voluntarily agreed to replace Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1996 through 1998. The Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, which manufactured Star ME-1 sprinklers from 1983 through 1995, has no assets with which to fund a recall, but is issuing a safety notice warning building owners to replace these sprinklers.
Vintage Rose Oil Lamps Recalled for Fire Hazard
The glass wick holder can shatter when lit, posing a fire hazard.
Consumers should tightly seal the contents, and return the lamps to any Target store nationwide for a refund.
Vellux® fahrenheit™ electric blankets Recalled for Burn Hazard
When the blanket is folded, the heating element can overheat, causing the heating element and blanket to melt. This poses the risk of thermal burns to consumers.
The firm is no longer in business. For information, contact WestPoint Home at 866-643-4735.
Cordless Electric Lawnmowers Recalled for Safety Concern
Because these lawnmowers lack a safety guard, a consumer's foot could go under the plastic housing and be struck by the blade. These lawnmowers do not comply with the mandatory federal safety standard for lawnmowers under the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Country Home Products is sending all registered owners a repair kit. If consumers have not received a repair kit by May 31, 2003, contact Country Home Products to request a free repair kit.
Little People® Animal Sounds Farms Recalled for Choking Hazard
Two small metal screws that hold the toy "stall doors" in place can come off, posing an aspiration or choking hazard to young children.
Consumers should take the toy away from young children immediately and contact Fisher-Price to receive a free repair kit.
Panasonic cordless power tool battery packs Recalled for Injury Hazard
Battery packs can detach from the power tool unexpectedly and strike the operator or bystander, resulting in injuries.
Contact Panasonic Consumer Electronics to receive return instructions and a free replacement battery pack.
"Next Voltage" and "Vertical Street Blade" BMX bicycles Recalled for Fall Hazard
The stems on these bicycles can loosen during use, causing riders to lose control and fall.
Consumers should stop using these bicycles immediately and contact Dynacraft Industries for information on receiving a replacement stem.
RCA® 650-Watt Home Entertainment amplifiers Recalled for Shock Hazard
The amplifier can overheat due to a lack of ventilation, which can cause melting of the plastic front cover and pose a shock hazard to consumers.
Consumers should unplug the units immediately and contact Thomson for information on how to receive a free repair.
Toy Drumsticks (sold with the Parents Bee Bop Band drum Recalled for Choking Hazard
The end piece of the drumstick handle can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children. Additionally, the screw at the end of the drumstick can loosen and detach, posing a choking hazard.
Consumers should immediately take these drumsticks away from young children and contact Battat for a replacement set of drumsticks.
2000 and 2001 Polaris Xpedition 325, Trail Boss 325, an Recalled for Fire Hazard
The ATVs may have loose or leaking oil cooler line clamps, that can release hot pressurized oil. This may lead to thermal burns, to engine failure due to oil pressure loss and, in rare circumstances, could cause a vehicle fire.
If consumers have not had this work already performed, they should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair.
Magic Start Crawl 'n Stand Recalled for Fall Hazard
The toy, which is designed to encourage crawling babies to pull themselves up and stand, can tip over during use and strike falling babies in the head, face or neck, resulting in injuries.
Consumers should take this toy away from children immediately and contact Playskool to get information on how to return the product to receive a free replacement item of similar value.
Red Devil gas grills Recalled for Burn Hazard
The product's design allows consumers to light the grill at an air intake tube, instead of at the burner. Though the grill appears to function normally, gas inside the air intake tube ignites. The tube can reach temperatures of up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit and present a burn hazard to consumers. In grills manufactured before August 1998, the heat produced by lighting the grill at the air intake tube damaged the plastic support piece, and caused the grill to fall to the ground. When it collapses, flames from the grill can burn nearby consumers and ignite surrounding combustibles.
CPSC urges consumers to stop using these grills immediately. Consumers who purchased Red Devil gas grills from BJ's Wholesale Club Stores can return them to the local BJ's Wholesale Club for a refund.
Fiddlestick instruments Recalled for Choking Hazard
Some of the Fiddlesticks have caps that can become loose, allowing ball bearings to spill from the inside of the sticks. Both the caps and the ball bearings pose a potential choking hazard to young children.
Consumers should stop using the Fiddlesticks immediately and return them to their Kindermusik educator for a free replacement. Kindermusik will replace this product with either re-designed Fiddlesticks or an instrument of comparable value.
Bionic Crampons (used for ice climbing) Recalled for Safety Concern
Front rail of crampon could be improperly heat-treated and toe points could bend, resulting in malfunction of the crampon.
Consumers should return to Black Diamond Equipment for hardness inspection, and the front rail will be replaced, if needed.
Party Poppers Recalled for Injury Hazard
The Party Popper is a rocket-shaped device that shoots into the air when the string is pulled. The cone-shaped top can pop off rapidly, and can hit and injure both children and adults.
Consumers should stop using these Party Poppers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.
Kenmore Elite-brand TRIO model refrigerators Recalled for Shock Hazard
A screw located inside the refrigeration compartment, on the left side of the refrigerator frame, could pierce through the electrical wire harness insulation and pose an electrical shock hazard.
Sears already has contacted, by telephone or mail, the consumers who may have received an affected model, to set up a free in-home inspection. Defective refrigerators will be replaced at no cost to consumers. Sears is offering a $100 gift card as an incentive to all customers who own one of the Kenmore Trio recalled refrigerators.
Lamaze Flower Stroller Wrap and Lamaze Soft Bead Buddie Recalled for Poisoning Hazard
The paint on the metal wires of these toys contains excess levels of lead. Lead poisoning is a serious hazard to children and is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.
Consumers should immediately take these toys away from infants and young children. Consumers should contact RCE/LCI for return and replacement instructions.
"Christmas House Plush Bear" and "Christmas House Chris Recalled for Choking Hazard
Buttons on the jacket of these toys can be pulled off, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Parents and caregivers should take these toys away from young children immediately, and return the toys to the store where purchased, for a refund.
Infrared Remote Controls used with Adjustamagic, Scape Recalled for Fire Hazard
An internal component can overheat, presenting risks of fire or thermal burns to consumers.
Consumers should stop using these remote controls immediately, contact Raven and mention the recall to receive a free replacement.
March 2003
Hitachi circular saws Recalled for Laceration Hazard
The lower blade guards on these saws can stick in the open position, exposing the blade and posing a serious laceration hazard.
Consumers should stop using these circular saws immediately and return them to Hitachi for a free repair.
Maytag Gemini Gas Ranges Recalled for Fire Hazard
The range can experience a delayed ignition flashback fire in the upper oven, which poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Consumers should immediately stop using the upper oven self-clean and broil features and consumers should not use the upper oven simultaneously with the lower oven. Consumers should contact Maytag to arrange for a free in-home repair by an authorized Maytag Customer Service contractor.
1-1/2 HP Craftsman® Electric Router Recalled for Laceration Hazard
The on-off switch on the routers could stick in the "on" position, posing a risk of serious lacerations to the operator and bystanders.
Consumers should stop using these routers immediately and return them to their nearest Sears store for a product exchange.
2001 Toro Snow Commander snowthrowers Recalled for Fire Hazard
The plastic fuel tank can crack and leak gasoline, posing a risk of fire and injury.
Consumers should stop using these Toro snowthrowers and contact their local Toro Authorized Service Dealer to find out if the snowthrower is included in the recall. If necessary, the dealer will schedule a time to install a free replacement fuel tank.
Wooden Toy Chests Recalled for Laceration Hazard
The toy chest's lid support hinges can fail, allowing the lid to fall onto a child's head, neck, fingers or hands. In addition, spaces at the end of the hinge on the lid can cause pinch, crush or laceration injuries to children's fingers.
Consumers should stop children from using the recalled toy chests immediately and contact the firm to receive a $79 refund. Raymond Oak Inc. has contacted all known purchasers by phone or mail. All but 20 of the toy chests have been returned.
Detachable plugs on Targus power adapters Recalled for Laceration Hazard
The plug can break open and expose live wires, posing an electrocution or electric shock hazard to consumers.
Consumers should stop using the AC plugs immediately and contact Comarco to obtain a free replacement plug.
Girls' iridescent hooded winter jackets Recalled for Choking Hazard
The rubber petal and metal snap can break off of the jacket, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Consumers should stop using these jackets immediately and contact S. Rothschild and Co. to arrange for the jacket to be repaired and returned free of charge.
"Five 40" brand bicycle helmets Recalled for Fall Hazard
These helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer head injuries.
Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to the store where purchased or MOSA Sports for a refund or free replacement helmet.
Land's End Little Girl's Fur Trimmed Parka and Little K Recalled for Choking Hazard
The zipper box may detach, allowing the zipper slide to detach. The small parts, if detached, could pose a risk of choking.
Consumers should immediately stop using this product and contact Lands' End. Many purchasers were contacted directly by letter and provided with a replacement parka. If you have not received a letter regarding this product, please contact Lands' End to discuss the return, refund or replacement of your child's parka.
"Trudeau" fondue pots (sold as part of a 17-piece set) Recalled for Fire Hazard
The plastic handles that are attached to the fondue pots can melt and crack during heating on a range top, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.
Consumers should immediately stop using the fondue set and contact Trudeau to receive a replacement fondue pot with handles that will not melt or crack, and an incentive gift set of six stoneware fork rests.
Fire-Lite and Notifier brand power supplies used with b Recalled for Fire Hazard
Fire-Lite models FCPS-24FS6 and FCPS-24FS8, and Notifier models FCPS-24S6 and FCPS-24S8 can have incomplete solder connections. The Notifier model ACPS-2406 can have an improper circuit response with low input voltage. Both of these conditions may result in a building alarm system not functioning properly.
Building owners and maintenance personnel with Fire-Lite or Notifier power supplies should contact the Customer Service and Technical Support Center.
Kawasaki OHV engine, Model FD750D, used in Ventrac comp Recalled for Fire Hazard
Vibration during operation can result in abrasion wear to the fuel tube, leading to a fuel leak. If the fuel leak comes in contact with a spark or flame, it can cause a fire and burn hazard.
Consumers should stop using the Kawasaki engine-equipped compact tractors immediately and contact the authorized dealer from whom the tractor was purchased for a free repair. The repair will consist of installing a new fuel tube with a protective cover, and a new clamp to hold the fuel tube in place. Consumers also can call a local authorized Kawasaki engine dealer to schedule the free repair.
Christmas Candles, 6-ounce Recalled for Fire Hazard
The 6-ounce candles can have the wrong size wick, causing the flame to burn irregularly, posing a fire or burn hazard.
Consumers should stop using the 6-ounce Christmas candles immediately and return any unused candles to Blue Star Candles, L.P. at 505 32nd Street, Lubbock, TX, 79404. Consumers should include their return address information to receive a full refund, including shipping cost, of the candles.
Kitchen Gourmet® Hot Pots Recalled for Burn Hazard
The bottom of the hot pot can separate from the top, which could pose a serious burn hazard to consumers.
Consumers should stop using the hot pots immediately and discard or destroy them. The firm is out of business, and the remedy is no longer available.
Makita electric orbit sanders, models BO5000 and BO5001 Recalled for Injury Hazard
The pads on the sanders can break apart during use and strike the operator, posing an injury hazard to consumers.
Consumers should stop using the recalled sanders immediately and return them to the nearest Makita factory service center, for a free repair.
MURRAY® and STANLEY® brand Riding Lawn Tractors Recalled for Fire Hazard
The fuel tank can crack and leak fuel, posing a burn and fire hazard to consumers.
Consumers should stop using these lawn tractors immediately and discard or destroy the product. The firm is out of business and a remedy is no longer available.
IBM G51 CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and G51t Touch Screen CR Recalled for Fire Hazard
The monitor's circuit board can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Consumers should stop using these monitors immediately and contact the IBM Repair Center at (800) 426-7378 anytime for a free inspection and repair or replacement.
February 2003
Children's board book sets Recalled for Choking Hazard
The book sets were sold in cardboard boxes with plastic snaps. The plastic snaps can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Consumers should immediately cut off the lid of the box with the plastic snaps and throw away the rest of the box. Send the lid with the plastic snaps to Tri-State, c/o Anthony Armetta, 325 Rabro Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788, to receive a free replacement book set and a refund for postage.
"2-In-1 Fold-Away Tub and Step Stools" Recalled for Safety Concern
When used as a tub, babies' body parts can be pinched if the product's footrest is not fully extended, so that it clicks into place firmly.
Consumers should not use the bathtub until they receive revised instructions on the use of the tub to prevent the pinching hazard. Consumers should contact The First Years to receive free revised instructions and a warning label to attach to the product.
"Busy Bug" plush toys Recalled for Choking Hazard
The antennae of the plush toy can be chewed or pulled off, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Consumers should take the plush toys away from young children and return to the place of purchase or mail the toy to The Betesh Group at One East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, Att: Consumer Relations, to receive a refund, including postage.
Ambi Bird Trumpet toys Recalled for Choking Hazard
A small knob on the side of the trumpet can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Consumers should take these toy trumpets away from young children immediately and return them to BRIO for a replacement toy trumpet or another toy of equal value.
"Fun Buckets" Recalled for Entrapment Hazard
As children play on the play set's slide or platform, the 6- to 8-ft free- hanging rope can become entangled around the child's neck. This presents a strangulation hazard to young children.
Consumers should take down the "Fun Buckets" immediately and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund or a credit toward another product.
Bamboo Stick Color Sparklers Recalled for Fire Hazard
The sparklers' bamboo-stick handles can catch fire, burn and disintegrate and emit burning fragments during use. These sparklers present a fire hazard and a risk of burn injury.
Consumers should stop using these sparklers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Skil® Warrior drill battery chargers Recalled for Overheating Hazard
The transformer inside the charger can overheat. If this occurs, the charger housing can melt and deform, possibly igniting flammable materials near or on the charger.
Consumers should unplug the charger immediately. Consumers will receive a $25.00 rebate towards the purchase of any Skil® power tool.
Toro zero-turn riding lawn mowers Recalled for Laceration Hazard
The engines for these products had fuel lines that were too long and could possibly droop and come in contact with moving parts, which can cut the fuel lines, resulting in fuel leakage.
Consumers should stop using their lawn mowers until the fuel lines can be shortened. Registered owners should already have received a letter with enclosed instruction sheet and reply card for this modification. Contact Toro or a Toro dealer for a free repair.
Riding lawn mowers Recalled for Laceration Hazard
The engines for these products had fuel lines that were too long and could possibly droop and come in contact with moving parts, which can cut the fuel lines, resulting in fuel leakage.
Consumers should stop using their lawn mowers until the fuel lines can be shortened. Registered owners should already have received a letter with enclosed instruction sheet and reply card for this modification. For a copy of an instruction sheet detailing the modification or for a free repair, contact your Exmark dealer or call Exmark. No parts are necessary for this modification.
Dolphin-shaped cigarette lighters Recalled for Fire Hazard
These lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, as required by federal law. Young children can ignite the lighters, presenting fire and burn hazards.
Consumers should stop using the lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.
2003 Kawasaki "KFX50" All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) Recalled for Safety Concern
There is the potential for failure of a weld securing the tie-rod plate to the steering column. If the weld fails, the plate can become detached from the steering column, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Consumers should contact their Kawasaki dealer to schedule an appointment to replace the steering column.
"Viper Jr" youth ATVs Recalled for Safety Concern
The ATV contains a remote shutoff switch that shuts the ATV off. For the remote shutoff switch to work, the receiver switch on the ATV must be in the on position. It was possible for the ATV to be started with the receiver switch in the off position. The ATV could not be shutoff with the remote switch, should the rider start to act in an unsafe manner. This could cause serious bodily harm.
Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately and contact their local dealer to schedule an appointment for their ATV to be repaired. Owners of these ATVs have been notified.
Emergency Exit Signs Recalled for Fire Hazard
The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical component that could overheat and fail, when connected to 277-volt electrical systems, and melt the enclosure, posing a fire hazard.
Building managers with recalled emergency exit signs should contact Thomas & Betts to request a free repair kit.