Recalls in January 1970

September 5, 2003
General Motors is recalling about 783,000 of its 2000 and 2001 model Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Alero and Pontiac Grand Am cars to replace the hazard light switches, although parts needed for the recall won't be available til next year.

The company said that exposure to temperature changes could cause the switches to malfunction, which in turn could cause the hazard warning and turn signal lights to fail. No accidents or injuries resulting from the problem have been reported.

The recall includes 671,000 vehicles in the United States, 88,000 in Canada and the remainder elsewhere.

GM said dealers will have the necessary parts by the first quarter of next year.

• 2008 Tesla Roadster

For more information, consumers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or at www.safercar.gov.

This listing may not include every recall. See www.safercar.gov for additional recalls.

WASHINGTON, June 3, 1999 -- About 3,200 white plastic baby stairway gates are being recalled because the locking mechanism can pop open when the gate is shaken.

The gates were manufactured by North States Industries of Minneapolis and sold through Ames, Ann & Hope, Value City, Hambleton & Carr stores from March through April 1999 for about $15.

The gates are white plastic, measuring 26 inches high and can be used in openings from 26 inches to 41 inches wide. A sticker on the side reads: "INTENDED FOR USE WITH CHILDREN FROM 6 UP TO 24 MONTHS OF AGE...MMFG. ID NO. 8675...NORTH STATES."

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission.  So far there has been one report of the gate's lock failing but no reports of injuries.

Consumers should stop using these gates immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For additional information, consumers should call North States Industries Inc. at (800) 848-8421 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, August 7, 2002 -- Crate & Barrel is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 media carts. The media cart has metal and plastic casters that can break, causing a television or other objects on the cart to fall and injure consumers nearby.

Crate & Barrel has received seven reports of casters breaking, all of which involved property damage. No injuries have been reported. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled media carts have the model name "Elements Media Carts." They have an ash wood veneer with a dark brown stain and measure 31.75" x 19" x 23.5". The media carts contain a VCR shelf and a second compartment shelf for CD's. These media carts were manufactured in Denmark.

Crate & Barrel retail stores, catalogues and website sold the carts nationwide from January 2001 through March 2002 for about $180.

Consumers should stop using the recalled media carts immediately and call Crate & Barrel toll-free (877) 477-0653 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or contact the store from which the cart was purchased, to receive new casters, free of charge.

Media carts that have the word "KAMA" printed on the rubber of the wheel are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 1999 -- Century Products Co., of Macedonia, Ohio, is offering a $30 cash reward for the repair of each Lil' Napper infant swing. 

The swings were recalled in 1997 following reports of three deaths and one near-strangulation from entanglement in the swings' shoulder harness straps.  Since then, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Century have since become aware of a fourth death -- an 8-month-old girl in Texas.

The swings, which were manufactured by Century from 1991 through 1997, have shoulder harness straps that are placed over each shoulder and buckled between the infant's legs. If the straps on these swings loosen or are unbuckled, an infant can become tangled in the straps and strangle.

Despite a nationwide effort over the past two years, Century believes that many of the 125,000 swings originally sold could still be in use. 

Consumers can get a free repair kit for the swing, which consists of a new seat pad and restraint system with crotch straps. To encourage consumers to repair their swings, Century is offering a $30 cash reward to each consumer who fixes the swing. 

In addition to offering the $30 reward, Century is taking further steps to get the word out, including direct mail notification to thrift stores and notices in new infant and convertible car seats.

The recalled Lil' Napper infant swings can be identified by the following model numbers, located on the bottom of the swing's seat: 12-344, 12-345, 12-347, 12-475 or 12-476. The Century brand name is on the motor assembly at the top of the swing. Each swing has a plastic, two-position seat with a removable plastic tray. The sets are covered by either a vinyl or fabric seat pad. There are four white tubular metal legs supporting the swing.

Parents and caregivers should immediately stop using these infant swings. To receive the repair kit and the $30 reward, call Century at (800) 231-1448 anytime or access their web site at www.centuryproducts.com.

Consumers can also view a video news release about this recall. It is about 13 megabytes long and the download time depends upon the speed of your Internet connection.

WASHINGTON, August 7, 2002 -- Adams Manufacturing Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 2,740 plastic folding chairs. Some of the legs on these chairs were mis-assembled by the installer and a piece of the chair could be bent out of shape. This can allow the chair to collapse during use causing consumers to suffer injuries from falls.

Adams Manufacturing has received two reports of folding chairs collapsing. No injuries have been reported. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The folding chairs have the brand names Adams Quik Fold Chair (as individual chairs) and Quik Fold Caf Set (as a set, including a table and two chairs). The recalled individual chairs include item numbers 8575-48-3750, 8575-16-3750 and 8575-38-3750. The recalled chair sets include item numbers 8590-48-3600, 8590-16-3600 and 8590-38-3600. The chairs are made of white, green or sandstone molded plastic. A label on the backrest of the chair reads "Adams Quick Fold Chair."

Discount department, hardware and home stores nationwide sold the folding chairs from February 2002 through March 2002 for about $20 for the individual chair and about $100 for the set.

Consumers should stop using the folding chairs immediately and return them to the place where purchased to receive a replacement chair or a refund. For additional information, contact Adams Manufacturing at (800) 237-8287 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.adamsmfg.com

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2002 -- Answer Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 850 mountain bicycles. The spring and adjuster can separate from the suspension fork and strike the rider, causing injuries.

Answer Products has received 18 reports of these adjusters separating from the fork and being projected at riders, causing four consumers to suffer cuts, bruises and one chipped tooth. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled 2002 model forks were installed on Specialized Rockhopper A-1 Comp and Mongoose Hot Link Sommet series bicycles. "MANITOU" is printed on the side of the fork and the model name - "Six Elite" and "Six Super" - is printed on the arch of the fork and on the side of the fork leg. The bicycles were manufactured in Asia.

Bicycle stores nationwide and mail-order catalogs sold these bicycles from January 2002 through August 2002 for between $800 and $900.

Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and call Answer Products Inc. at (800) 423-0273 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.answerproducts.com/safetynotice.htm to determine if your bicycle is among the recalled models. Consumers should take their bicycle to the dealer where it was purchased or to any authorized Answer Products dealer for a free repair.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2002 -- Unilever Home and Personal Care USA is voluntarily recalling about 4 million plush Snuggle bears. The eyes and noses of these bears can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Unilever Home and Personal Care USA has received 32 reports of the eyes and noses coming off of these bears. In three of these reports, children placed detached eyes from these bears in their mouths. No injuries were reported.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The plush, cream-colored bears come in three sizes: a 5-inch bean bear, an 8-inch bean bear and a 10-inch stuffed bear. The 5-inch bears come in four styles: Pajama Bear wears blue, one-piece pajamas with a yellow moon and star design; Nightcap Bear wears a blue nightcap with a yellow moon and star design; Purple Blanket Bear holds a purple blanket; Pink Blanket Bear holds a pink blanket. The 8-inch bean bear is made of terry or plush fabric. The 10-inch plain stuffed bear is in a sitting position and has tan paws and ears. All the bears have tags that read "Snuggle" and "Made in China."

Grocery and discount department stores nationwide sold the Snuggle fabric softener that included the 5-inch and 8-inch bears between May 1999 and July 2001. The Pajama and Nightcap 5-inch bears also were given away to consumers who sent in two proofs of purchase for Snuggle fabric softener between November 2001 and December 2001. The 10-inch bears were distributed from May 1997 through May 1998 to consumers who sent in a proof of purchase for Snuggle fabric softener and up to $4.

Consumers should take these bears away from young children immediately and contact Unilever Home and Personal Care USA for information on how to receive a coupon for free Snuggle fabric softener. Contact Snuggle at (800) 896-9479 anytime, or visit its web site at www.Snuggletime.com.

No other Snuggle Bears are involved in this recall.

Unilever Home and Personal Care USA recalled the Nightcap Bears in May 2001 because the yellow pom-pom on the nightcap can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers were asked to remove the pom-pom to eliminate the choking hazard.

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2001 -- The Gymboree Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 125,000 children's fleece pants. The cord locks on the pants can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Gymboree has received one report of a cord lock that broke off, and was found in a child's mouth. The child's parent was present and removed the lock from the child's mouth. No injuries have been reported.

Gymboree's website and stores nationwide sold these pants from September 2000 through February 2001 for about $15.

The recalled pants have blue, gray, red, or green pant legs, with stitching around the knees. The pants have a gray elastic waistband and black elastic drawcord that hold up the children's pants. The drawcord is secured in place with two plastic cord locks. A label on the back pocket says "Gymboree," and the care label inside the pants says "Made in Indonesia" and "2000 Gymboree." The fleece pants were sold in sizes 0-3T.

Consumers should take these pants away from children immediately and return them to any Gymboree store for a full refund. For more information, call Gymboree toll-free at (800) 222-7758 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or log on to the company's website at www.gymboree.com.

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2000 -- American Honda Motor Co. is recalling about 112,000 lawnmowers. The lawnmowers' fuel tanks' seam can split or crack, leaking fuel, and creating a fire and burn hazard.

The company said it has received 25 reports of fuel leaking from these lawnmowers. There have been no fires or injuries reported.

Honda power equipment dealers and The Home Depot sold the lawnmowers nationwide from May 1998 through January 2000 for about $430.

The recall involves Harmony II walk-behind mowers with model numbers HRT216, HRR216 and HRS216. "Harmony II" and the model number are written on the front of the lawnmowers. The recalled mowers have an engine serial number between 1128495 and 1438098. The engine serial number is located under the fan cover, stamped into the engine case. The lawnmowers are dark gray with red fan covers. "HONDA" is written on the top of the fan casing.

Consumers should stop using these lawnmowers immediately, and check to see if the gas tank is leaking. If there is a leak, immediately move the mower away from any possible ignition sources, for example, water heaters or electric appliances. Empty the fuel tank by following owner manual instructions. Consumers should take these mowers to a Honda power equipment dealer who will inspect and replace the fuel tanks free of charge. For dealer locations and more information, call American Honda Motor Co. at (800) 426-7701 anytime, or visit the company's Web site.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2001 -- Hamilton Beach is voluntarily recalling about 2.4 million juice extractors. The juice extractor's strainer basket and lid can break apart, posing a risk of injury to nearby consumers, who can be struck by metal or plastic.

Hamilton Beach has received 35 reports in the U.S. and Canada of strainer baskets breaking apart, including four incidents where consumers required stitches after being struck by broken metal and plastic.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled juice extractors are white plastic, about 12 inches in height, and have the name "Hamilton Beach" printed on the side of the unit. The juice extractors have the following model numbers, which can be found under each unit: 67150, 67180, 67180W, 395WS, 67199 and 3920JS.

Mass merchandise stores nationwide sold these juice extractors between 1992 and October 2001 for between $30 and $40.

Consumers should stop using these juice extractors immediately and call Hamilton Beach at (800) 298-9955 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for information on how to participate in the recall. Consumers with models for which replacement parts are available (models 67150, 67180 and 67180W) will receive a free replacement strainer basket. Consumers with models for which replacement parts are not available (models 395WS, 67199 and 3920JS) will receive their choice of a new juice extractor or a $10 refund.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2000 --

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Penray Companies Inc., of Wheeling, Ill., is recalling about 113,000 cans of starting fluid, which is a lubricant to aid starting gas and diesel engines. The cans containing the starting fluid can leak as a result of internal to external corrosion. The starting fluid is extremely flammable and the leaking fluid poses a fire hazard. Direct contact with the product also can irritate the consumer's eyes and skin.

Penray has received three reports of cans of the starting fluid leaking. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled starting fluid was sold under the Penray, Super-X and Service Pro brand names in 10.1 ounce cans. The recalled cans have a number printed on the dome of the can ranging from 9305 through 9365. For consumers who purchased the starting fluid by the case, the production date is written on the side of the case. The cans are mostly black with white and red writing and black plastic caps.



Automobile repair and rebuild shops sold the starting fluid nationwide from November 1999 through August 2000 for $2 to $3.

Consumers should stop using the recalled starting fluid immediately. Place it in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames. Consumers should call Penray toll-free at (800) 323-6329 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday for information on how to dispose of these cans, and how to get a refund.

"Spray String" Recalled After Child Suffers Burns

These spray strings' propellant is extremely flammable, creating a serious risk of burn injuries when sprayed near an open flame, such as birthday candles. 

Flammable products intended for use by children are banned by federal law. CPSC is aware of at least one report of a burn injury resulting from the use of these spray strings. An 11-year-old boy suffered serious  burns during his birthday party that left permanent scars.

Crazy Ribbon sprays strings of various colors, and comes in a round metal spray can about 6.5 inches high. The can is silver with a plastic cap that matches the color of the spray string. Depictions of various colored streamers cover the can. Writing on the can includes "CRAZY RIBBON" in multicolored block letters, "FOR PARTY CELEBRATION AND DECORATION," and "MADE IN TAIWAN." 

Crazy String also sprays strings of various colors, and comes in a round metal spray can about 6.5 inches high. The can is silver with a plastic cap that matches the color of the spray string. Depictions of various colored streamers cover the can. Writing on the can includes "CRAZY STRING," "FOR PARTY CELEBRATION AND DECORATION," and "MADE IN TAIWAN."

Party and hobby stores nationwide sold the spray string from October 1996 through July 1999 for between $2 and $4. Consumers should take these spray strings away from children and stop using them immediately. They can be returned to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 anytime.

The firms which distributed the products are Stelex Enterprises Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif.; Major Import, of Whittier, Calif.; and LeSa Yang Family Ltd. of Diamond Bar, Calif.,

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2000 -- RockShox is voluntarily recalling about 220,000 front suspension bicycle forks worldwide. The compression rods inside these forks can break, causing the rider to lose control of the bicycle, fall, and possibly suffer serious injuries.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

RockShox has received 23 reports of compression rods in these forks breaking, and two reports of injuries. Injuries included a concussion, a sprained wrist, scrapes and bruises.

Only 2001 Judy TT, Judy TT Special, Jett and Metro model RockShox front suspension bicycle forks are included in this recall. They have serial numbers beginning with "01." The serial number can be found engraved on the back side of the fork's crown and on a bar code sticker attached to the fork's lower leg. "RockShox" and the model name are written on the bicycle forks. These forks were sold as original equipment on numerous brands and models of bicycles. These forks also were sold separately.

Bicycle dealers nationwide sold these forks with bicycles and separately from July 2000 through October 2000. Bicycles with these forks sold for between $399 and $1,300, and forks alone sold for between $89 and $149.

Consumers should stop riding bicycles with the recalled forks immediately, and return them to the bicycle dealer where purchased for inspection and repair if needed. A list of bicycle brands and models sold with these forks can be found here, or for this list and more information, call RockShox at (866) 888-6192 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, visit the firm's Web site or write to: RockShox Inc., Customer Service Dept., 1610 Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2000 -- The Gymboree Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 plush shape sorter toys. The stuffing of the toys can contain sewing needles and sharp metal pieces. Young children could ingest or be cut by these sharp metal pieces.

There has been one report of a part of a sewing needle being found in the stuffing of the plush shape sorter toy. After searching through its inventory, the firm found five additional plush shape sorter toys with sharp metal pieces. No injuries have been reported.

The toy is a multi-colored, plush fabric sorter box with six shapes that rattle, crackle or squeak, and have a multi-pattern design including, green with blue polk-a-dots, red and orange checks, and blue and green stripes. A label on the toy reads, "GYMBOREE" and "Made In China." Gymboree and Play & Music Stores, and the Gymboree web site sold the toys nationwide from November 1998 through April 2000 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the toys immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, contact Gymboree at (800) 222-7758 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16, 1999 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Restoration Hardware Inc., of Corte Madera, Calif., is recalling approximately 12,000 Sock Monkey stuffed animals. Sewing needles or pins have been found in the stuffing of these monkeys presenting a laceration hazard.

CPSC and Restoration Hardware are aware of one injury when an 18- month old girl in Utah received a needle stick on her lip. Restoration Hardware has since found an additional 17 monkeys in store inventory containing needles or pins.

These monkeys are about 16 to 20 inches tall and made of a brown tweed-like knit fabric with white hands and feet. They have red lips, black felt eyes and a red patch directly under the tail. They have a brown tweed and white knit caps on their heads. They do not contain any buttons or other plastic parts.

Restoration Hardware's stores, catalogs and web site sold the monkeys from October 1997 through May 1999 for about $29. The monkeys were produced both domestically and overseas.

Consumers should return the monkeys to any Restoration Hardware store for a refund and a discount merchandise certificate. Catalog purchasers will be contacted directly by Restoration Hardware. For more information, call Restoration Hardware at (877) 747-4671 anytime.

Only sock monkeys sold by Restoration Hardware are subject to this recall.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2002 -- API Outdoors is voluntarily recalling about 9,000 treestands used by hunters. A cable that secures the treestand to the tree can break, posing the risk of falls and serious injuries to hunters.

API Outdoors has received two reports of the treestand's cable breaking, including one person who fell from a tree and suffered leg abrasions.

The recalled treestands have the following brand names and model numbers: API Hi-Point Cable Cat Climbing Treestand, Model #CC501 and API Buckmaster Grand Slam Climbing Treestand, Model #GS3800BM. The treestands have an olive green frame, camo seats and seatbacks with black nylon cinch straps, and a yellow "WARNING" or "DANGER" label that reads in part, "Safety Restraint Must Be Used At All Times." The treestands are manufactured in Tallulah, La.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Retailers and distributors nationwide, including Wal-Mart, sold the Cable Cat treestands through mid-October 2002 for about $180 and Cabelas stores nationwide sold the Buckmaster treestands through mid- October 2002 for about $230.

Consumers should stop using these treestands immediately and call API Outdoors toll-free at (866) 215-2419 anytime to receive a free, replacement chain. For more information, consumers can log on to the company's website at www.apioutdoors.com.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2002 -- XL Machine Ltd. is voluntarily recalling about 3,300 toy chests. Screws in the chests' lid support hinges can loosen over time, and come out from the base of the toy chests. If this happens, the lids of the toy chests can collapse suddenly, possibly causing injuries to children's head, neck, fingers or hands.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and XL have received one report of screws in the lid support hinge of a toy chest coming out, resulting in one injury, a bruise to the neck.

These blue toy chests measure 18.5-inches by 12-inches by 12- inches, and were sold under the Playskool brand name. On the toy chest lid top are depictions of "Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head" characters and the "PLAYSKOOL" logo. The front panel has a "Glow Worm" figure and a dog. The bottom of the toy chests contains "DISTRIBUTED BY: XL MACHINE LTD, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55347." The chests were made in China.

Target stores sold the toy chest nationwide from October 2001 through December 2001 for about $50.

Consumers should take these toy chests away from young children immediately and return them to the Target store where it was purchased for a refund or store credit. For more information, contact XL Machine toll-free at (866) 746-8097 anytime, or go to Target's web site at www.target.com.

WASHINGTON, Dec 11, 2001 -- Lawn-Boy Inc. is recalling about 90,000 Lawn-Boy power mowers. Stress cracks can develop in the mower's fuel tank, allowing gasoline to leak and posing a risk of fire and burn injuries.

Lawn-Boy received nearly 400 reports of fuel tanks on these mowers leaking, and one report of a fire. No injuries or property damage were reported.

The recalled Lawn-Boy SilverPro and GoldPro Series are walk-behind, 21- inch mowers powered by 2-cycle Duraforce engines. "Duraforce" is written on the top of the recoil starter. A decal on the right rear of the mower's housing has one of the following model numbers: 10247, 10252, 10323, 10324, 10424, 10550 or 10552. The decal also has a serial number starting with "21."

Lawn-Boy dealers, and department and home center stores sold these mowers from December 2000 through November 2001 for between $300 and $600.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Consumers should stop using these recalled mowers immediately and contact Lawn-Boy to arrange for a free replacement fuel tank to be installed. To locate the nearest Lawn-Boy service dealer or for more information, consumers should call Lawn-Boy at (800) 444-8676 anytime, or go to the firm's web site at www.lawnboy.com.