Recalls in January 1970

June 5, 2004
Chrysler recalled 438,391 PT Cruisers because a power steering hose could leak and cause a fire under the vehicle's hood, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The recall covers 2001 through 2004 models with automatic transmissions and 2.4-liter engines that are not turbocharged.

There have been nine reports of fires but no injuries or deaths, DaimlerChrysler said. The company said the likelihood of a fire was "very, very low."

Dealers will notify owners of the affected vehicles.

June 21, 2005
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC is recalling 61,000 models of C-Class sport sedans because of problems involving the drivers side air bag. The irregularities were discovered during government testing.

The recall affects the 2005-2006 model years of C-Class sport sedans. The vehicles will have new drivers side air bag modules installed as part of the recall.

Mercedes-Benz said it did not think the irregularity, which was not specified, was a risk in real-world driving situations, only in the test setting.

October 6, 2004
New York Zion Trading Corp. is recalling about 2,500 portable oscillating electric fans. The wiring is undersized and the power plug is not polarized, creating fire and shock hazards.

The recall involves 16-inch diameter 3-speed oscillating fans which mount on adjustable stands. NYZT appears in the center of the front fan guard. The model numbers, FS-1601A and FS-1607C, are found on a silver label on the back of the controls. The fans come in two color combinations: either blue and white, or all gray.

Discount and variety stores in the New York City metropolitan area sold these electric fans during May 2004 for about $10.

Consumers should stop using these fans immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call New York Zion Trading Corp. collect at (718) 909-7899, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

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

April 14, 2004
Mattel is recalling the Batmobile. The rear tail wings of the Batmobile are made of rigid plastic and come to a point, posing a potential puncture or laceration hazard to young children.

Mattel has received 14 reports of injuries consisting of scrapes, scratches, lacerations and punctures. Four of the injuries required medical treatment.

The Batmobile toy car is a 20-inch blue and gray plastic vehicle with a detachable motorcycle. Model number B4944 is written on the bottom of the toy vehicle.

The cars were sold by mass merchants and toy stores nationwide from June 2003 through February 2004 for about $27.

Parents should take these toys away from children immediately and contact the firm for information on receiving free replacement wings. Mattel is providing free repair kits containing two replacement wings without pointed ends that snap onto the toy vehicle. The repair can be done quickly and easily at home; instructions will be provided.

Consumer Contact: Consumers can call Mattel at (888) 271-9891 anytime or visit www.service.mattel.com to determine if their toy is among the recalled models and to order the free replacement wings if needed.

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

July 1, 2004
Dell is recalling about 28,000 notebook power adapters. Using power cords not intended for these adapters can pose a shock hazard.

The units were sold as an option for Dell notebook computers including their Latitude D400, D500, D505, D600, D800, X300, and Inspiron 300M, 500M, 510M, 600M, I8500 and I8600. Dell, Dell P/N W1451 is printed on top of the adapters.

The adapters were sold at Dells Web site, through their mail order catalogs, and by phone order from December 2003 through May 2004 between $90 and $110.

Free retrofit kits are provided by the manufacturer. These retrofit kits will prevent incorrect cables from being connected to the adapters. In the meantime, consumers should only use the power cables intended for these adapters.

Consumer Contact: Call Dell toll-free at (888) 245-3844 between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to order free retrofit kits. Consumers also can write to the company at Dell Inc., RR2E, MSC #8222, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682. Additional information can also be found on Dells web site at www.support.dell.com

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

July 30, 2004
More than 500,000 combination TV/VCRs are being recalled because the cabinets can break when lifted by the ventilation holes in the top rear of the cabinet, permitting the TV/VCR to fall and injure hands and feet.

The units carry Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney brands. They were manufactured by Matsushita Electric Corporation.

About 10 incidents have been reported in which the TV/VCR cabinet broke at the ventilation holes when lifted or carried, resulting in the TV/VCR dropping to the floor. Minor cuts and bruises have been reported in four incidents.

The recalled combination TV/VCRs are gray/black. The cabinets have ventilation holes in the top rear of the cabinet. Only the 13 and 20 Combination TV/VCR sets manufactured between January 1, 1995, and December 30, 1995, are recalled. These sets can be identified by the model number which appears on the front and rear of the cabinet. The following model numbers are included in this recall:

The units were sold by retail stores nationwide from January 1995 through December 1996 for between $300 and $490, depending on the model.

Consumers should contact Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney to receive a free retrofit kit to cover the ventilation holes and prevent lifting from this area. Call Panasonic at (800) 833-9626 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. Visit Panasonics web site at www.Panasonic.com.

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

June 14, 2005
Perrigo is recalling its H.E.B. vitamins with iron. The vitamins contain iron, but do not have child-resistant packaging as required by federal law, which could cause serious injury or death if ingested by a child.

The recalled H.E.B. Super B-Complex vitamins with iron and 300 mg Vitamin C was sold in a container of 80 caplets. The white plastic bottle is labeled, H.E.B. and Super B-Complex with Iron and 300 mg Vitamin C and Energy Metabolism and has a blue lid.

The vitamins were sold at H.E.B. retail stores, only in Texas, from December 2003 through April 2005 for about $4.

Consumers should keep this product out of the reach of children and return it to the nearest H.E.B. retail store for a refund or replacement.

Consumer Contact: Call The Perrigo Co. of South Carolina toll-free at (866) 354-3815 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit www.heb.com for information about this recall.

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

December 17, 2004
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Ramond Geddes Co. are recalling about 155,000 children's metallic necklaces which contain high levels of lead.

CPSC regulations ban children's products from containing high levels of lead due to the risk of lead poisoning resulting from contact with these products. The necklaces also contain a sharp point, posing a laceration hazard to young children.

The recalled necklaces have medallions that came in four different designs depicting frogs, dolphins with a small bead on the tail, a sunshine smiley face and an alien face on a starburst. The medallion is on a black rope chain surrounded by a metallic bead with a coil section.

The necklaces were sold through mail order catalogs nationwide and on the Internet from August 1998 through November 2004 for about $1.

Consumers should immediately take these necklaces away from young children and contact the company to receive a refund.

Call Raymond Geddes toll-free at (888) 431-1722 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can contact the company via e-mail at: consumeraffairs@raymondgeddes.com

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

February 9, 2005
Vernier Software is recalling about 4,000 "Go! Temp" Temperature Sensors.

When connected to a computer, a static discharge to the sensor can cause the sensor to draw too much current from the computer, causing the sensor to get hot. The sensor can get hot enough to cause a burn to the skin or damage objects in contact with it.

Vernier reported one incident in which a teacher suffered burns to her palm.

Verniers "Go! Temp" is a temperature sensor that connects directly to a computer USB port and collects data (temperature) from the probe. The sensors are used in science classrooms. They have serial numbers 0104XXXXXXXX through 2004XXXXXXXX. The serial number is found by connecting the sensor to the computer after installing Logger Lite software, which is included with the sensor.

To determine the serial number, connect the sensor, start Logger Lite, pull down the Experiment menu, choose Set Up Sensors, and choose Go!Temp. The serial number will appear in the dialog box displayed on the computer screen.

The units were sold by Vernier Software & Technology and its resellers through their catalogs and Web sites from February 6, 2004 through December 3, 2004 for about $39.

Consumers should stop using the sensor and contact Vernier Software & Technology for a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Vernier Software & Technology at (888) 837-6437 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

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

October 21, 2004
International Playthings, Inc. is recalling the Earlyears Spirolly Rattle. The spiral section of the rattle can come apart, releasing small balls inside. This can pose a choking hazard to young children.

The firm has received one report of the spiral section of the toy coming apart. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled product is a rattle designed for children ages 3 months and up. It is approximately 5.5-inches long with a clear, spiral tube in the center containing eight yellow and purple balls inside that travel around the spiral. The ends of the rattle are green and purple and orange and yellow. The straight center tube is blue with a shaker inside. The item number E00148 is written on the packaging.

The rattles were sold at specialty toy stores nationwide from August 2004 through September 2004 for about $9.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled rattle away from young children and contact International Playthings for a refund or replacement.

Consumer Contact: Consumers should contact International Playthings at (800) 445-8347 anytime or visit the firms Web site at www.intplay.com/recall.

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

February 27, 2004
Bloomingdales By Mail is recalling tree-shaped candleholders sold between September 2003 and December 2003. The candleholders can tip over, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

The firm has received two reports involving concerns with the candleholders stability, though no injuries have been reported.

The recalled candleholders are shaped like a tree, made of metal, and gold in color. The tree is about 24 inches tall and 15 inches wide and contains six metal hooks and glass cups for placing votive candles. The candleholders have a style number of 3562745.

Bloomingdales By Mail sold the candleholders exclusively between September 2003 and December 2003 for about $40.

Consumers should stop using the candleholders immediately and return them to the firm for a full refund. Consumers were sent letters by mail with a pre-paid label for return of item.

Consumer Contact: Call Bloomingdales By Mail at (800) 472-0788 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday.

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

August 11, 2005
About 180,000 Holmes and Bionaire Tower Heater Fans are being recalled. The power cord on the units can fray or sever causing the fan to stop working and overheat. This could pose a fire hazard to consumers.

The Holmes Group has received 98 reports of minor property damage to the surface under the heater. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves Holmes models HFH6498-U, HFH6500-U and HFH6500TG-U and Bionaire model BFH3530-U. The recalled heaters also have date codes beginning with 2604 through 3804 for all units, except for Holmes model 6500TG-U, which has date codes ranging from 2604 through 4704. The model and date code can be found on the silver label on the back of the unit. The heater fans are 26 inches tall; come in all gray, two-tone gray, or black and gray; and have either the word Holmes or Bionaire printed on the front of the base.

The fans were sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Linens N Things, Bed Bath & Beyond and additional department and specialty stores nationwide from July 2004 through June 2005 for between $40 and $90.

Consumers should immediately stop using the heaters and contact The Holmes Group for instructions on receiving a replacement unit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call The Holmes Group at (800) 593-4269 anytime.

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

May 24, 2004
The Fondue Factory is recalling several fondue sets because the top piece of glass that supports the fondue pot can shatter, posing a burn and laceration hazard to consumers.

The Fondue Factory LLC has received three reports of the glass breaking. There have been no injuries reported.

The recalled fondue sets include: the Modern Set I White (Item #10201), the Modern Set in Black (item #10202), the Modern Set in Stainless (Item # 10203), the Classic Set in White (Item # 10301), the Classic Set in Black (Item # 10302). The item number is printed on the invoice and on the assembly directions for the set.

The items were sold directly by The Fondue Factory LLC from April 2003 through February 2004 for about $45 for all of the sets except the Modern Set in stainless which sold for about $47.

Consumers should stop using the recalled fondue pot immediately and contact the firm for a replacement wire frame stand that replaces the glass stand.

Consumer Contact: Contact The Fondue Factory LLC at (866) 8-Fondue or via e-mail at recall@fonduefactory.com or by mail at P.O. Box 3736, Boardman, OH 44513 for a replacement stand. The Fondue Factory LLC is directly contacting owners of these recalled products.

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

April 13, 2005
Chrysler and Audi are recalling more than 50,000 vehicles because of headlight problems before the lights go out.

Chrysler dealers will inspect and if needed replace the low-beam halogen bulbs and wiring in about 43,000 2005-model Chrysler Pacificas.

The low beam headlights on some Pacificas were made with the wrong terminals. The bulbs can loosen and fail.

Audi is asking owners of nearly 10,000 A4 Cabriolets and S4 Cabriolets built for the 2003 and 2004 model years to return their cars for replacement of headlight reflectors.

A coating in the xenon headlight reflector deteriorates over time and reduces headlight brightness.

August 25, 2004
Federal safety regulators have upgraded their probe of problems with door latches on the 2000 Ford Focus. The little car has already been recalled 13 times.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a "preliminary evaluation" a few months ago and said it is now upgrading the probe to an "engineering analysis," the last step before a full-blown recall.

NHTSA opened the investigation after receiving complaints that the rear door latches were difficult to close and that the doors sometimes came open while the car was in motion.

NHTSA also said it is opening an analysis of complaints about Toyota Tundra pickup trucks from the 2002 model year.

Consumers had complained of a faulty ball joint in the front suspension of the trucks that resulted in a loss of vehicle control or front braking ability. The agency said at least one crash has been linked to the failure of the ball joint.

November 3, 2004
Quality Bicycle Products is recalling its Salsa Campeon Bicycle Fork. The steering tube on the bicycle fork can crack or break, causing a sudden loss of steering control and causing a fall hazard to bicyclists.

There have been two reports of forks cracking or breaking, including one incident resulting in abrasions and bruises to the rider.

The recall involves carbon fiber/aluminum forks included with the Salsa model F-01 Campeon frame set in either White/Black or Red/Black color combinations. Units included in this recall have a code of CK, DA, or DB and a serial number from 03400 to 04600. The model number, date code and serial number are located on a label at the base of the steerer tube near the crown of the fork.

The forks were sold at bicycle specialty stores nationwide from April 2004 through June 2004. The Salsa frameset that included the recalled bicycle fork sold for about $940.

Consumers should contact their local Salsa dealer to schedule a free repair. Salsa dealers have notified consumers directly about this recall.

Owners of the recalled bicycle forks should immediately stop using the product and contact their Salsa dealer directly. Authorized Salsa dealers can be found online at www.salsacycles.com. Consumers who do not live near an authorized Salsa dealer should call Quality Bicycle Products, Inc. at (952) 941-9391 ext. 2004 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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

May 23, 2005
Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 4,900 of its 2005 model year Avalon sedans in the United States to fix a defect in the steering wheel column that could result in a loss of control of the vehicle, according to company and U.S. safety regulators.

The recall is another setback for the world's second-largest automaker, which last week recalled about 880,000 sport-utility vehicles and pickups worldwide due to a defect in the front suspension that could hamper steering.

Toyota is a perennial leader in quality among mainstream automakers.

July 19, 2005
Target is recalling about 17,400 "So Hot Way Cool Free Wheel Trucks." Small parts could break off the truck, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The recall includes four-piece So Hot Way Cool Free Wheel Truck sets. Various trucks sold in the sets include a combination of fire trucks, oil trucks, vegetable trucks, sanitation trucks, tow trucks and box trucks. Writing on the trucks includes, EMERGENCY or CITY SERVICE. The words So Hot Way Cool Free Wheel Truck and the item number 204 02 0838 are written on the packaging.

The trucks were sold at Target Stores nationwide from April 2005 through May 2005 for about $5.

Consumers should take the toy trucks away from children and return them to the nearest Target store for a gift card in the amount of a full refund ($5.00, plus applicable state taxes).

For more information, consumers can contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or log on to the firms Web site at www.target.com.

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

October 18, 2005
Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 1.41 million cars around the world -- the largest recall ever. None of the recalled cars are in the United States, according to Toyota.

Most of the recalled vehicles, 1.27 million, are in Japan with the remainder in South Asia.

The recall includes the gas saving Corolla and 15 other models because of trouble with their headlight switching systems.

The largest previous recall was also by Toyota in 1999 and involved 797,797 vehicles.

Toyota has not disclosed the coast of this recall, in part to play down the impact on the companys earnings report. The headlight switch is inexpensive, according to Toyota.

Toyota said the vehicles to be recalled were manufactured between May 2000 and August 2002.