Recalls in January 1970

August 19, 2004

Meco Corp. is recalling its Kids Essentials Five-Piece Folding Furniture Set. The red paint on the chair contains excessive lead levels, posing a lead poisoning hazard to young children.

The recalled product is a red folding chair with a metal frame and vinyl padded seat back and base. The chair was sold as a part of a five-piece juvenile table furniture set with a green table, blue chair, yellow chair, green chair and red chair. Only the red chairs with model numbers 11-88-3E1 and 11-88S3E1 and date codes H3, B4, D4 or E4 printed underneath the seat bottom are included in the recall. Meco or Samsonite brand names are also printed on the seat label.

The chairs were sold at furniture and wholesale club stores nationwide from July 2003 through June 2004 for between $25 and $40.

Consumers should stop using this red chair immediately and contact the firm for instructions on returning the red chair and receiving a free replacement chair.

Consumer Contact: Call Meco at (800) 251-7558 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit Mecos Web site at www.meco.net.

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

March 23, 2005
General Motors is recalling more than 25,000 commercial trucks because of faulty electrical wiring which could set off the airbags.

The world's largest automaker recalled more than 10 million vehicles in 2004. The auto industry saw a record number of recalls in the United States last year.

GM manufactured some of the Chevrolet and GMC medium-duty commercial trucks from the 2003 to 2005 model years without protective covering for electrical wiring according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The wiring, located under the driver's feet, could wear over time and trigger the airbags to deploy and causing injuries.

GM dealers will inspect the trucks and replace the wiring if necessary, NHTSA said.

GM has also recalled 916 large sport-utility vehicles because they were built without a brake part, which could cause the brakes to fail, according to a GM spokesman.

GM said only five of the SUVs, which includes the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and the 2005 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, were delivered to customers, all of which were commercial businesses. GM notified those customers and recovered the vehicles, the spokesman said.

February 11, 2005
Stihl Inc. is recalling about 45,000 of its KombiSystem multi-task tool.

An internal clip may become dislodged and as a result, the clutch shoes could be projected from the clutch housing and strike consumers, posing the risk of injury.

Stihl said it has received no reports of incidents.

The recalled product is a KombiSystem Multi-Task Tool powerhead, Models KM55, KM55R, KM55RC, FS55T or FS55RT. The recalled models, which have Stihl printed on the engine head, have serial numbers lower than 263868001 which can be found on the engine head. The product is a powerhead that can be fitted with attachments for a variety of tasks, including edging, trimming and sweeping.

The units were sold at authorized Stihl dealers for between $180 and $210. The FS models were sold between October 2001 and October 2002 and the KM models were sold between September 2002 and October 2004.

Consumers should stop using this multi-task tool immediately and return it to an authorized Stihl dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: Call Stihl Inc. at (800) 610-6677 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET or visit Stihls Web site at www.stihlusa.com.

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

April 2, 2004
Valley Dynamo is recalling about 15,000 air hockey tables. The blower motor, located under the table, has an opening large enough for a childs finger, posing a laceration hazard.

Valley Dynamo is aware of a minor laceration injury to a child who crawled under the air hockey table and stuck his finger in an exposed opening.

This recall involves Arctic Flash, Arctic Wind and Air Elegance model air hockey tables. The Arctic Flash model has an overhead scoring display and black-light graphics. It measures 45-inches wide and 65-inches tall and 85-inches long. The Arctic Wind measures 45-inches wide and 31-inches high. The words Arctic Wind or Arctic Flash are printed on the tables play field.

The tables were sold at sporting good and specialty stores nationwide since 1994 for between $1,000 and $2,200.

Consumers should stop using the product and contact Dynamo for instructions on receiving a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: Call Dynamo toll-free at (800) 304-2929 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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

February 6, 2004
Playwell Toy Company is recalling the PlayWell Crayola Activity Cube. Small parts can detach from the cube, posing a choking hazard to small children.

PlayWell has received three reports of small parts detaching, including one report of a child mouthing a piece of the activity cube. No injuries have been reported.

The Crayola activity cube is about 9-inches tall and is made of wood. Each side of the activity cube has a different game, including shape sorting cut-outs and crayon character wheels. The top of the activity cube has crayon characters and beads that slide along a spiral glide. The packaging is labeled Crayola Activity Cube and Playwell.

The cubes were sold at Shopko Stores nationwide from October 2003 through January 2004.

Consumers should take the product away from small children immediately and contact PlayWell for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call PlayWell Toy Company toll-free at (800) 836-7928 anytime or visit the firms Web site at www.regcen.com/activitycube.

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

July 6, 2004
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. is recalling 45 ratchet winch kits sold as accessories for snowbiles. When the ratchet winch, or hook, is under tension, it can detach and be projected, posing a risk of serious injury or death to user or bystander.

The ratchet winch kit was sold as an accessory for the Elite model snowmobile and is used as a tow line if the snowmobile is immobilized. The ratchet kit is made of black metal and has a metal wheel with about a 5-inch diameter attached to a metal arm that measures about 9-inches in length.

The winch was sold by Ski-Doo dealers nationwide between July 2003 and March 2004 for about $82.

Consumers should return the ratchet winch kit to your Ski-Doo dealer for a refund. For additional information, contact Bombardier Recreational Products at (888) 864-2002 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

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

July 13, 2005
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating complaints that in some 2003 and 2004 Ford Mustangs the carpet may interfere with accelerator pedal return following wide open throttle applications.

NHTSA has received 11 complaints describing these sorts of incidents. During the preliminary evaluation, the agency will assess the scope and frequency of the alleged defect.

No crashes, fatalities or injuries have been linked to these complaints.

The vehicles that will be targeted include the 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra as well as the 2003 Mustang Convertible and the 2003 Mustang GT. There are about 20,546 vehicles are subject to the investigation.

In seven of the 11 complaints, consumers reported that the problem was related to the carpet's position, design or installation. NHTSA also said it observed the potential for interference between the gas pedal and carpeting during an inspection of a vehicle that was not linked to the complaints.

November 10, 2004
Aloha Housewares is recalling about 30,000 Aloha radiant heaters sold at Wal-Mart stores. A recessed thermal protector may cause a fire hazard if the heater is left on while covered by a blanket or similar item.

These electric radiant heaters are Model 02931, with date code 02/07. The model and date code are printed on a silver UL label on the bottom of the heater. The heater is gray, and the name Airtech is printed on the heater.

Wal-Mart stores nationwide sold the heaters from mid-September 2002 through April 2003 for about $16.

Consumers should stop using these recalled heaters immediately and call Aloha Customer Service to arrange for a free replacement.

Call Aloha toll-free at (800) 295-4448 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., and between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.CT Monday through Friday, send a FAX to (817) 385-4958, or send an email to ahitexaslg@aol.com. consumers also can write to Aloha Customer Service at 841 N. Great Southwest Parkway, Arlington, TX 76011.

If the heater is subject to the recall, Aloha Customer Service will send the consumer a UPS call tag enclosed in a box for the return of the heater. The consumer should remove the call tag, place the heater in the box, attach the call tag to the outside of the box, and give the box to the UPS driver or drop it off at a UPS facility. Aloha will verify that the item is recalled and send a replacement heater at no charge. If the heater is not recalled, Aloha will send it back to the consumer at no charge.

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

March 9, 2004
The Lado Co. is recalling about 600 electric hand-held hair dryers. These hair dryers do not have an immersion protection device or ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on the power cord, which poses a serious electrocution hazard if dropped in water.

In 1991, a voluntary standard was implemented that called for all hair dryers used by consumers to protect against electrocution in both the on and off positions.

The recalled units are the Formula 3000, Energy Turbo, and Rapid 1085 electric hand-held hair dryers. These hair dryers have a pistol grip, black or dark blue colored plastic casing, two-prong power cord, and a label that reads in part: Lado Professional and 110V/60HZ. The model name and number also are printed on the label.

The dryers were sold at retail beauty supply stores in the metropolitan New York area from March 2003 through December 2003 for about $50.

Consumers should stop using these hair dyers immediately and return the unit to the firm for a refund or replacement.

Consumer Contact: Lado Company of America representatives at (800) 368-1130 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Media Contact: David Chung at (718) 886-4160.

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

May 5, 2004
Casio is recalling about 18,000 piano benches. The screws and bracket assemblies attaching the legs to the bench can weaken and detach, causing the bench seat to collapse during normal use.

Casio has received four reports of bracket assemblies failing, including one report of a consumer sustaining a fractured wrist when their bench collapsed.

This recall involves two model benches, the Bench DK, made of dark wood and the Bench LT, made of light wood. The bench has a plush leather covering and measures about 22-inches by 13 -inches with 17 -inch tall legs. Each bench comes with a small sticker that reads, Made in China and some units have a gold emblem that reads, GAO JI CHUANG. Benches were sold separately and with Casios electronic pianos.

The units were sold at music instrument retailers, Sams Club, Costco Wholesale and on Casios Web site nationwide between September 2003 and March 2004 for about $99. The benches sold by Sams Club and Costco were unassembled and included a Casio Electronic Piano and piano stand. The benches distributed by music instrument retailers were assembled and sold as stand-alone products.

Consumers should stop using the benches immediately and contact Casio for instructions on how to return the product for a full refund plus an incentive payment. Consumers who purchased a Casio Eighty Eight key digital piano, model AP31 from Costco Wholesale Corporation should return only the bench to their local Costco retailer. Consumers who purchased a Casio Eighty Eight key digital piano, model AP31 or PX100 from Sams Club will receive a box, instructions, and a return label to return the bench back to Casio. Do not return benches to Sams Clubs.

Consumers who purchased the keyboard and bench together will receive $125 toward the purchase of a replacement bench and consumers who purchased a bench separately will receive a full refund of the purchase price plus a $25 incentive payment.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should call Casio toll-free at (800) 454-4678 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms Web site at www.casio.com.

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

September 29, 2004
Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. is recalling its Allez Sport, Allez Elite, Roubaix, and Sequoia Bicycle models.

The handlebar may loosen and turn unexpectedly, which can cause the rider to lose control and fall. Specialized has received two reports of the handlebars loosening. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled handlebars were sold on the 2005 Allez Sport, 2005 Allez Elite, 2005 Roubaix (base model) and 2005 Sequoia (base model) bicycles. The model names are on the frame of the handlebar.

The bicycles were sold by Specialized retailers from July 2004 through August 2004 for between $900 and $1,600.

Consumers should stop using the bicycles with these recalled handlebars and return the recalled handlebars to the place of purchase for replacement handlebars.

Consumer Contact: Contact Specialized at 800-432-4144 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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

September 7, 2005
Toyota is recalling 978,000 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold in the U.S. because a steering relay rod on the vehicles may fracture, causing a loss of control.

Toyota vehicles affected by its recall are from the 1989-1996 model years and include power-steering equipped 4Runner sport utility vehicles and compact pickups and T-100 pickups, Toyota said.

Toyota said no accidents or injuries had been reported due to the potentially faulty steering component.

August 27, 2004
BMW SlideCarver Scooters are being recalled. The front column of the scooter does not meet impact resistance standards. The handlebar column can break if the scooter hits an object, which can cause the rider to fall and suffer injuries.

BMW has received one report of a scooter front column breaking, causing a rider to fall and suffer minor injuries.

The SlideCarver is a three-wheeled scooter which is designed to be steered both in the front and back. The steering design allows riders to shift weight and change direction while maintaining control. It has twin-disc brakes, and wide tires equipped with wear indicators. The SlideCarver stands 39.5 inches high by 20 inches wide, has a 26.5-inch wheelbase, weighs approximately 26.5 pounds, and can be folded. BMW and SlideCarver are written on the underside of the rider platform of these scooters.

The scooters were sold at BMW dealerships and on the firms Web site from December 2003 through July 2004 for about $700.

Consumers should return the SlideCarver scooters to any BMW dealership or contact the firm for information on returning the scooter to receive a refund. Additionally, consumers will receive a $200 gift certificate for BMW lifestyle merchandise.

For more information, contact BMW at (800) 831-1117 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

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

August 31, 2005
Target is recalling about 450,000 Back Trails Jr. Toddler, Youth and Child Bicycle Helmets. Some of the helmets do not meet federal safety standards for bicycle helmets.

The recall includes Targets Back Trails Jr. brand toddler, youth and child bicycle helmets sold in various colors. They were manufactured after January 1, 2004. Helmet model numbers: 89888 or 88003 (toddler), 89951 or 88001 (girls 8-vent youth), 89952 or 88002 (boys 8-vent youth), or 89917 (14-vent childs) appear on a white label inside the helmets, along with date of manufacture (YYYY/MM/DD) and the words Made in China. Target product identification numbers: 082-01-0520 (toddler), 082-01-0149 (girls 8-vent youth), 082-01-0189 (boys 8-vent youth), and 082-01-0334 (14-vent childs) and the brand name back trails jr., appear on the product packaging.

The helmets were sold at Target stores nationwide from April 2004 through July 2005 for about $13.

Consumers should take the helmets away from children and return them to the nearest Target Store for a gift card in the amount of a full refund.

Consumer Contact: 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).

July 28, 2009
Lyne Yi International is recalling about 600 "Reflections of Magic" hanging mirrors. The metal plate used for hanging the mirror can become detached and cause the mirror to fall, posing an impact or laceration hazard to consumers.

Ten reports were received of metal plate detachment from the mirrors while hanging on the wall. One consumer reported being cut while cleaning up the broken mirror.

Reflections of Magic is an oval mirror that measures 29 inches high and 26 inches wide. It has a border decorated with animated characters and its SKU number 01-4326-001 can be found on the package.

The mirrors, made in China, were sold through the Bradford Exchange, Ltd. mail order catalogue and direct mail, and collectiblestoday.com Web site from November 2008 through March 2009 for about $165.

Consumers should stop using the mirrors with loose hanging devices immediately and contact the Bradford Exchange for instructions and to receive a refund.

For additional information, contact The Bradford Exchange toll free at 866-903-2755 Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CT or log on go to www.collectiblestoday.com.

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

August 19, 2004
Apple Computer is recalling the rechargeable batteries used in 15-inch PowerBook G4 computers. An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Apple has received four reports of batteries overheating, though no injuries have been reported.

The recalled batteries are used with the 15-inch PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) laptop computer. The batteries, which contain cells manufactured during the last week of December 2003 only, have the model number A1045 and serial numbers that begin with HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label on the bottom of the battery. The battery is approximately 4 inches long, 3 inches wide, and inches tall. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall.

The batteries were sold at national and regional resellers, catalogers, and Apples online and retail stores sold the computers with the batteries from January 2004 through August 2004 for between $2000 and $2600. The batteries also were sold separately for about $130.

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge.

Consumer Contact: Contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apples Web site at www.apple.com/support/powerbook/batteryexchange.

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

November 17, 2004
About 1,170 Jenn-Air Downdraft Gas Cooktops are being recalled. They have switches located too close to the gas tubing leading to the grill burner. Electrical arcing can cause the tubing to leak gas and ignite, resulting in a fire hazard.

Maytag has received four reports of cooktops catching fire during use as a result of a gas leak. There have been no reports of injuries.

The recall includes built-in Jenn-Air model JGD8348CDP downdraft gas cooktops. The cooktops were manufactured by Maytag between January 1, 2004 and September 17, 2004. The model name and serial number are printed on a label on the vent fan housing, which is visible in the cabinet under the cooktop.

The units were sold at appliance stores nationwide from January 2004 through September 2004 for about $2,000.

Customers who have purchased one of these recalled cooktops should contact Maytag to schedule a free, in-home repair. Consumers should stop using the grill or burners activated by the two left hand controls until the repair is completed. The center and right hand burners can be used.

Contact Maytag Corp. at (888) 330-3810 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.maytag.com.

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

December 9, 2004
Norton McNaughton of Squire, Inc. is recalling about 157,000 Energie Brand Hooded Sweaters. The sweaters' drawstrings pose a strangulation hazard to children.

The recalled hooded drawstring sweaters were sold in a variety of colors and youth sizes S, M, L and XL. They were sold in either the pull-over hooded style or with a zipper. The RN Number 33364 and the word energie, together with a small red flower, are printed on the collar tags. Only sweaters with drawstrings are included in this recall.

The sweaters were sold at various retailers nationwide from July 2004 through November 2004 for between $15 and $25.

Consumers can remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard or return the hooded drawstring sweater to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Norton McNaughton toll-free at (800) 258-5663 anytime or visit the Web site at www.nortonmcnaughton.com.

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

In February 1996, the CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings of upper garments such as jackets and sweatshirts. These garments were identified by the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection.

March 4, 2009
Nautilus is recalling about 70,000 home gyms to fix a hazard that can cause serious injury. It's the second major Nautilus recall. About 68,000 home gyms were recalled in December 2007.

The home gym's horizontal seat rail is designed to be latched in a vertical position for storage. If the seat rail is not manually latched, it can fall unexpectedly on the user or a bystander, posing a risk of serious injury.

Nautilus has received 18 reports of injuries caused by unlatched seat rails that have fallen, resulting in head and shoulder lacerations, some requiring stitches or staples.

This recall involves the Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gyms. The home gyms are equipped with pulleys, resistance rods, and other equipment, which allow the user to perform a variety of exercises. Bowflex Ultimate 2 is written on the vertical part of the frame.

The gyms were sold at specialty fitness retailers nationwide and through direct Nautilus sales from June 2005 through January 2009 for about $2,300. They were made in China.

Consumers may continue to use their home gyms for exercising, but should not place the seat rail in the vertical (storage) position until the repair is performed. Registered owners are being sent a free repair kit. Owners who have not received a repair kit by March 10, 2009 should contact the firm.

For additional information, contact Nautilus at (800) 259-9019 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.bowflex.com.

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