Recalls in January 1970

September 3, 2009
Toyota is recalling certain 2008-2009 Scion XD, 2009-2010 Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with the 1.8-liter engine and originally sold or currently registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

When driving under certain conditions in low temperatures, the intake manifold suction port for the brake vacuum can become blocked due to freezing condensation. This could lead to poor brake performance and increased stopped distance.

Dealers will install a newly-designed intake air connector. The service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September.

Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

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.

October 2, 2003

Energizer back-up power supplies are being recalled because when used in conjunction with another power protection device, the power supply can spark, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

The manufacturer has received 16 reports of units sparking or smoking, though no injuries or fires have been reported.

The recalled back-up power supply systems include the Energizer-brand UPS Model ER-PRO1000, which can be identified by a label on the back of the device. The black, breadbox like unit is about 14 inches deep, 6 inches wide, 8 inches tall and weighs about 20 pounds. The words, "Energizer" and "energizerups.com" appear on the front of the unit.

Staples stores nationwide and www.technuity.com sold the units for about $140.

Consumers should stop using the recalled back-up power supply devices immediately and contact the company for a free replacement unit and instructions on returning the recalled product.

Contact Technuity toll-free at (877) 577-0046 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the Web site www.technuity.com.

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

March 20, 2003

Comarco Inc. is voluntarily recalling to replace about 125,000 detachable plugs on power adapters. The plug can break open and expose live wires, posing an electrocution or electric shock hazard to consumers.

Comarco has received 12 reports of the plugs breaking open, though no injuries have been reported.

The recalled AC plugs, which were sold with 70-watt AC power adapters, have the word "ChargeSource" printed on top of the plug. The black adapters have a model name of "Targus" and model number of PA-AC- 70W-2, which can be found on a label on the back of the adapter. The name "Targus" also appears in white letters on the front of the adapter. The adapters were manufactured in the United States.

Major retail stores nationwide sold the adapters between July 2002 and March 2003 for between $90 and $120.

Consumers should stop using the AC plugs immediately and contact Comarco to obtain a free replacement plug. Consumers should contact Comarco at (800) 859-7928 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.regcen.com/comarco.

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

September 17, 2009
Clarks Children's Shoes is recalling about 2,000 pairs of shoes because molded rubber pieces on the sole can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants and young children.

No incidents have been reported in the United States. In the United Kingdom there have been six reports of the rubber pieces detaching, including two reports of children mouthing the rubber piece. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Clarks childrens shoes sold under the crawlers and hazy daze style names. The crawlers were sold in infant sizes 2 to 3 1/2; and the hazy daze in sizes 4 to 6 1/2. Clarks is printed on the sole underneath the heel and the words Clarks First Shoes is printed on a multi-colored label inside the shoes heel area. The following names and model numbers are included in this recall.

The shoes were sold at Clarks retail stores nationwide from February 2009 through July 2009 for between $35 and $40. They were made in Vietnam.

Consumers should immediately take the shoes away from children and return them to the nearest Clarks store for a full refund.

For additional information, contact C & J Clark America at (800) 425-2757 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.clarkskidsusa.com.

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

March 4, 2009
About 210,000 pairs of Havaianas children's flip flops are being recalled. Decorative paint on the sole of the flip flops can contain levels of lead in excess of the federal standard.

Flip flops of the Havaianas brand containing decorative paint were sold under the following model names: Baby Estampas, Baby Pets, Kids Apple, Kids Fairy, Kids Flores, Kids Lighthouse, Kids Monsters, Kids Surf, Baby Letrinhas, Kids Sports, Kids Candies, Kids Fun, Kids Love, Kids Sereias, Kids Speed, Kids Lucky Bug, Kids Pets, Kids Rock, Kids Slim, Kids Wonder Woman, Kids Small Flowers and Kids Tropical w/Kit.

The flip flops were sold by department and specialty stores nationwide from November 2006 through February 2009 for about $15 to $24 a pair. They were made in Brazil.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled flip flops away from children and return them to Alpargatas USA, Inc. to receive a replacement.

For additional information, please contact Alpargatas USA at (888) 289-5306 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the companys Web site at www.havaianasus.com.

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

May 28, 2009
The Step2 Company is recalling about 4,300 Step2 Play Up Gym play sets sold at Toys 'R' Us.

The triangular hangers that attach the swings ropes to the upper rail of the play set can break, posing a fall hazard to children.

Step2 has received 17 reports of hangers breaking. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Step2 Play Up Gym play sets. The recalled outdoor play sets include a platform, climber, slide area and two swings and have a model number of 797300. A red Step2 logo plate is attached to the front of the play set. Play sets that have hangers with white plastic bushings are not subject to this recall.

The gym sets were sold at Toys 'R' Us stores nationwide from January 2009 through April 2009 for about $400.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled play sets and contact Step 2 to receive a set of replacement hangers and instructions.

For additional information, contact Step2 at (800) 347-8372 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.step2.com.

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

September 9, 2009
Grizzly Industrial is recalling about 500 bandsaws. Some of the recalled bandsaws do not have a grounding wire installed, which poses an electric shock hazard to consumers.

The recall involves the G0640X 17-inch metal/wood bandsaw with an inverter motor. The product's model number (G0640X) is printed on the front of the machine.

The saws were sold at Grizzly's showrooms, catalog and Web site, and Amazon.com from February 2008 through July 2009 for about $1,600. They were made in Taiwan.

Consumers should stop using the recalled bandsaws immediately until the repair kit is installed. The firm is sending repair kits directly to consumers.

For additional information, contact Grizzly Industrial at (800) 523-4777 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.grizzly.com.

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

April 7, 2009
About 25,000 Simplicity Travel Tender play yards are being recalled. One or more rails can collapse unexpectedly, posing a fall or entrapment hazard to young children.

Federal safety regulators say they are aware of at least five reports of one or more rails collapsing. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled play yards are portable and were sold with a bassinet, changing table and mobile features. The play yards bear the Simplicity logo. The model numbers are 5500DRM, 5500WDS, 5500FEL, 5501FEL, 5502MON, 5520PRO, 5550HAN, 5700MAN, and 5750MIR. The model number is located on a sticker on one of the legs underneath the play yard.

The play yards, made in China, were sold at Burlington Coat Factory stores nationwide and online at Babiesrus.com, Target.com and Kohls.com from March 2005 through January 2009 for about $100.

Consumers should immediately stop using the play yards and return them to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement product.

For additional information, contact the following retailers:

• Burlington Coat Factory, of Burlington, N.J. Call toll-free at (888) 223-2628 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday;

• Babies R Us, of Wayne, N.J. Call (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday ET or visit the firms Web site at www.babiesrus.com;

• Target, of Minneapolis, Minn. Call (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firms Web site at www.target.com;

• Kohls Department Stores, of Menomonee Falls, Wis. Call toll-free at (866) 887-8884 between 7a.m. and 3 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firms Web site at www.kohls.com.

The play yards were imported and distributed by Simplicity, Inc. and SFCA, Inc., which regulators said are no longer in business.

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

November 18, 2009
Gorilla, Iinc. is recalling its EXO-Tech Safety Harness used by hunters.

The webbing of the waist belt on the safety harness is not routed through the linemans loop located on the front of the harness near waist level. Since the loops are not properly anchored to the harness webbing but are attached only through stitching not intended to restrain a user during a fall, they that can pull away from the harness when force is applied, leaving the user unrestrained. In addition, the manufacturer of the harness used a previously untested carabiner connector located at the end of the tether at the back of harness, which is the portion of the tether that attaches to the tree.

This safety harness, used as a fall restraint for hunting, is comprised of two leg straps and two shoulder straps, which connect to a waist belt and padded back support. There is a long, black tether strap at the top rear of the safety harness, which has grey and red accents. The name EXO-Tech is located on the right front shoulder strap and the name Gorilla is located on the left front should strap both in white lettering. Similar to a shirt tag, there is a white manufacturing label on the inside of the back of the harness with the model number 45111 and manufacturing dates, 4/22/2009 or 6/26/2009. These are the only harnesses recalled.

The harnesses were sold at Cabelas, Bass Pro and at various sporting goods stores nationwide from May 2009 to August 2009 for about $200. They were made in the Philippines.

Consumers should immediately stop using the harness and contact Gorilla Inc. to receive a refund.

For additional information, contact Gorilla Inc. at (877) 685-7817 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms Web site at www.gorillatreestands.com. Consumers can also write to the firm at Gorilla, Inc., P.O. 378, Flushing, MI., 48433 or 3475 Eastman Drive, Flushing, MI. 48433.

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

FTC and States Launch Another Crackdown on Telemarketers Offering Credit Cards and Loans That Never Arrive

In another aggressive sweep targeting corporations and individuals that promise loans and credit cards for an advance fee, but never deliver them, the Federal Trade Commission, state Attorneys General from six states and state banking officialstoday announced the results of the latest crackdown on telemarketing companies and individuals allegedly engaging in advance fee loan scams. This sweep also includes the participation of Canadian law enforcement authorities who have taken criminal actions against Canadian advance fee loan scam operators who prey on American citizens. "OPERATION ADVANCE FEE LOAN (AFL)" - a multi-agency law enforcement sweep against telemarketers of fraudulent advance fee credit schemes - is a follow-up to two previous sweeps announced in 1996 and 1997. "Operation AFL" involves eight cases filed and/or settled by the Commission, and ten cases filed by state Attorney Generals, including three cease and desist orders issued by state banking officials.

"Advance fee loan scams are especially appalling because they prey on the most vulnerable consumers who are in need of credit or a loan," said Jodie Bernstein, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "Working with the states and our Canadian partners, we are stopping lenders who illegally charge consumers a fee for the promise of a loan. Our message to these disreputable lenders is, we will track you down and stop your illegal practices. Our message to consumers is, don't pay for a promise - it's illegal for lenders to ask you to pay for credit before you get it."

According to the FTC, fraudulent advance fee loan schemes prey on particularly vulnerable consumers - the unemployed, the working poor, those who have bad credit ratings, or those in immediate need of money for emergencies. Most advance fee loan telemarketers snare consumers through cold calls, or in response to advertisements in various local newspapers, on cable television, on the Internet and through direct mail. Ads promising "money to loan ... regardless of credit history" lure consumers into paying fees that range from $25 to several hundred dollars in advance of receiving "guaranteed" loans. In many instances, consumers never receive the promised loans or credit cards, and either never hear from the loan companies again or are merely sent credit card applications.

Under the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule, which went into effect December 31, 1995, a telemarketer who guarantees consumers a loan or other form of credit, or who claims he or she can arrange such credit for a consumer, is prohibited from asking consumers to pay any money before they receive the loan or credit. The rule empowers each of the state Attorneys General to file actions in federal District Court and seek an order that applies nationwide against violators of the rule. Some of the cases announced today (see attached list) allege rule violations, others allege violations of the FTC Act or state laws that prohibit unfair or deceptive practices. These latest law enforcement actions show a continuing coordinated effort among domestic and international law enforcement agencies to combat such fraud.

In all of the FTC cases announced today, the defendants were charged with violating the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) by misrepresenting that consumers would receive a credit card for an advance fee; by charging a fee in advance of consumers receiving the promised credit card; and in two of the cases, misrepresenting that consumers would receive a refund of their fee if they did not get the promised credit card.

ADVANCE FEE LOAN SWEEP LAW ENFORCEMENT

The FTC filed its actions against:

American Consumer Membership Services, Inc., and Darryl Smith, alleging that the defendants fraudulently telemarketed, through cold calls, advance fee credit cards to low income consumers and those with credit problems. After paying a $69 fee, which was debited from their checking accounts, consumers received vouchers, coupons and other offers, and occasionally credit card applications with lists of banks to apply to for secured or unsecured credit cards, with additional application fees ranging from $20 to $79.95. Some consumers received nothing at all from the defendants after their checking accounts were debited. Few received the promised refunds.

1263523 Ontario, Inc., doing business as Consumer Credit Services, Donald M. Davies, Lloyd Charles Prudenza and David Seymour Wells, alleging that the defendants telemarketed advance fee credit cards to consumers with poor credit histories, for an up-front fee of $159 that also was debited from their checking accounts. Consumers never received the promised credit cards. If they received anything from the company at all, it was information on how to improve their credit rating, lists of banks that market secured credit cards, and/or bundles of worthless coupons. Most of the consumers never received a refund.

Modern Credit Financial Services, Inc., Matthew A. Hammack and Robert Hansel, alleging that the defendants, through cable tv ads and telemarketing, promised advance fee credit cards for $89, payable through a bank draft from their checking accounts. After making the payment, consumers received materials on credit management, a 100 percent guarantee certificate, and information about the two banks that were supposed to issue the credit cards. Additional requirements and charges were imposed if the consumer attempted to apply to the banks for the credit cards. Most consumers did not receive a credit card or a refund.

Credit National, Inc. and Mark Wolf, doing business as Credit America, alleging that the defendants marketed "guaranteed approved" credit cards and lines of credit to consumers in print and Internet ads, as well as via direct mail, for a $28 "application fee" and invited consumers to call an "800" number. Consumers who called the number in response to the ads were sent a packet of materials containing written guarantees of unsecured credit cards regardless of past credit history, along with applications requiring the $28 fee. Consumers who responded by sending the fee received various credit card applications or nothing at all, rather than the promised credit cards.

At the request of the FTC, the federal District Courts in three of the four cases have issued temporary restraining orders to halt the deceptive practices and freeze the defendants' assets pending trial. In American Consumer Membership Services, the FTC has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, and a hearing has been scheduled for August 27, 1999.

The Commission also announced today that staff had obtained three default judgments against advance fee loan telemarketers in Georgia, Concepts and Ideas, Source One, Inc., and GBS Group, and reached a settlement agreement with another advance fee loan company, Franklin Credit Services, Inc..

In an earlier proceeding, the FTC, in conjunction with the state of Arkansas, brought an action against SureCheK Systems, Inc., alleging that SureChek was engaged in a deceptive scheme to defraud consumers nationwide through the telemarketing of advance fee credit cards. In addition, the FTC brought separate actions against Bill Owen d/b/a Source One; George B. Schewe, d/b/a GBS Group; and Jarrell Andre Goolsby d/b/a Concepts & Ideas. Defendants Owen, Schewe, and Goolsby provided third-party telemarketing (Op AFL--08/12/99) services to the defendants in the SureCheK matter. These telemarketers solicited business on behalf of SureCheK, using SureCheK's name, and while under contract with and utilizing scripts provided by SureCheK, misrepresented that consumers would receive a major credit card in exchange for an advance fee with absolutely no security deposit, regardless of their past credit history. Despite paying the fee, the consumers did not receive the credit cards as promised.

The Southeast Regional Office (located in Atlanta) of the FTC also brought an earlier action against Loan byPhone Financing, Inc., d/b/a Burlington Credit Services; Action Credit Services, Inc.; ABCO, Inc.; Beaumont Credit Services, Inc.; Budget Credit Services, Inc.; Hunter Credit Corporation; Jodi Wolin; and Laurence J. Smith, Esq. According to the FTC, the defendants sold a "debt consolidation" service, and consumers who called were led to believe that the company was offering low interest loans to enable consumers to consolidate their debts. Consumers were told that, after an initial sign-up "origination fee," the company would pay off the consumers' debts, leaving consumers with only the monthly loan payment. Contrary to the representations made during the call, the defendants did not provide a loan to the consumer, nor did they pay off the outstanding debts. In the proposed consent orders to settle the charges, the defendants would be banned from engaging in, or assisting others engaged in, any credit related services, and would be prohibited from making the representations alleged in the complaint. Under the terms of her proposed settlement, defendant Wolin, who created the scheme and formed the corporations used to further it, would pay consumer redress totaling approximately $185,000. Defendant Smith would pay $10,000 in redress over a period of 18 months.

James Michael Christensen, principal owner of Franklin Credit Services, Inc., and Amansco Credit Services, Inc., has agreed to pay $100,000 for consumer redress or disgorgement, and agreed to be permanently banned from telemarketing as part of an agreement with the FTC. Christensen and his companies purportedly offered low-interest, debt consolidation loans for a one-time fee. Instead of receiving a loan, consumers were offered a bill paying service that required them to pay an additional fee, the FTC alleged. The proposed settlement, which requires the court's approval, would prohibit Christensen from: accepting fees in advance when representing a high likelihood that a person will be receiving a loan or other extension of credit; making certain misrepresentations and non-disclosures in marketing credit and credit-related goods or services; and selling or transferring customer lists. On June 7, 1999, a default judgment was entered against corporate defendants Franklin Credit and Amansco Credit.

U.S. military personnel and their families were targeted by the advance fee loan con artists through advertisements for these scams that appear in civilian newspapers circulated on U.S. military bases. "We are pleased to be able to work with the armed services in putting a stop to the despicable practice of targeting scams at the military community," Bernstein said.

CANADIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY

Under The Loan Brokers Act of Ontario, enacted in1994, the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations ("MCCR") for the Government of Ontario was authorized to bring criminal charges against unscrupulous "up front fee loan scam companies" and their owners. Within the past two years, the Investigation Unit of MCCR has worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Milton Detachment and Toronto Police Services Fraud Squad to close down over 120 of the fraudulent advance fee loan companies operating in Canada and marketing to Canadian and U.S. consumers, and to return thousands of dollars in advance fees.

In the last three months, the following Canadian advance fee loan companies, all located in Toronto, Ontario, have been shut down by Canadian law enforcement authorities in conjunction with the Commission's sweep: Belmont Associates, Berkley Associates, Northwind Traders, Starline Traders, Globe Securities, Q.A. Marketing, and North Star Trading. Each of these companies promoted advance fee loans via telephone to American citizens exclusively, and they and their owners were charged with criminal fraud. Their cases are now pending before the Canadian courts.

OPERATION AFL CONSUMER EDUCATION

The FTC and the state Attorneys General, along with our education campaign partners, The American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, The National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, and The Navy Personnel Command, offer the following tips for consumers to keep in mind before responding to ads that promise easy credit, regardless of credit history:

• Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that you are likely to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy;

• If you apply for a real estate loan, it is accepted and common practice for lenders to request payment for a credit report or appraisal;

• Never give your credit card account number, bank account information, or Social Security Number over the telephone or Internet unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is needed; and

• If you don't have the credit offer in hand - or confirmed in writing - and you are asked to pay, don't do it. It's fraud and it's against the law.

The Commission is also alerting commercial mail receiving agents (e.g., Mail Boxes, Etc.), often used as "mail drops" by advance fee loan scam operators, that they may be involved in a fraudulent scheme when they are asked by a mailbox holder to forward large volumes of mail to other addresses within the United States or to other countries. Additionally, the FTC is writing to more than 7500 publishers of classified ads through the country to encourage them to warn their readers that ads promising loans or extensions of credit are likely to be scams.

The FTC's Northeast Regional Office (located in New York) coordinated this project for the FTC.

The Commission votes to file the four complaints in the appropriate federal district court were 4-0. American Consumer Membership Services was filed in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York, in Binghamton, NY on August 5, 1999. Consumer Credit Services was filed in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, in New York City on August 5, 1999. Modern Credit Financial Services, Inc. was filed in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, on August 5, 1999; and Credit National was filed in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Western Division, in Los Angeles, on August 5, 1999. The settlement in the matter of Franklin Credit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale Division, on August 10, 1999. The Commission vote to file the settlement was 4-0.

NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendants have actually violated the law. The case will be decided by the court.

NOTE: A consent decree, such as in the Franklin Credit matter, is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the defendant of a law violation. Consent decrees have the force of law when signed by the judge.

Copies of the news release are available from the FTC's web site at http://www.ftc.gov and copies of the consumer education materials, as well as the complaints, are also available from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-FTC-HELP (202-382-4357); TDD for the hearing impaired 202-326-2502. To find out the latest news as it is announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180

American Consumer Membership Services
Consumer Credit Services 
(FTC File No. 992 3031; Civil Action No. 99 CV 1206 -- American Consumer Membership)
(FTC File No. 992 3036; Civil Action No. 99 CV 8679 -- Consumer Credit Services)

Rhonda McLean or Robin E. Eichen or Carole Paynter
Northeast Regional Office
One Bowling Green, Suite 318
New York, New York 10004
212-607-2811

Modern Credit Financial Service
(FTC File No. 992 3218; Civil Action No. 3-99 CV 1756-G -- Modern Credit Financial Services)

Thomas Carter or Gary Kennedy
Southwest Regional Office
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 2150
Dallas, Texas 75201
214-979-9350 or 214-979-9379

Credit National
(FTC File No. 992 3223; Civil Action No. 99 CV 07989 -- Credit National)

Thomas Syta or Bret Smart
Western Regional Office
10877 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700
Los Angeles, California 90024
310-824-4324 or 310-824-4366

Franklin Credit
(FTC File No. 982 3550 Civil Action No. 98 CV 7375-G -- Franklin Credit)

Andrea Foster or Ronald Laitsch
Southeastern Regional Office
Suite 5M35, Midrise Bldg., 60 Forsyth Street, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 656-1356 or (404) 656-1358

CANADIAN CONTACTS:

Helen Czerniak or Dermot Jennings
Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations
250 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
Canada M5B 2N5
(416) 326-8623 or (416) 326-8625

(Operation AFL)

February 24, 2010
Cooper Tire is recalling certain Discoverer H/T and Discoverer LSX tires, size 245/70R17, produced between November 15 and December 12, 2009. These tires fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139, "New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles."

At various mileages, the subject tires may develop and exhibit tread chunking or cracking in the tread shoulder area. Tread chunks may separate from the tire casing resulting in body damage to the vehicle or the driver may lose control resulting in a crash.

Cooper Tire will notify owners and replace the tires free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2010.

Owners may contact Cooper Tire Customer Relations toll-free at 1-800-854-6288.

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.

April 2, 2009
Best Buy is recalling about 1,400 Rocketfish portable power sources. While charging the battery, the power source can unexpectedly ignite, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

The firm has received three reports of fires resulting in minor property damage. No injuries reported.

This recall involves Rocketfish Universal AC/DC/USB portal power sources with model number RF-INV80. The model number is printed on the back of the power source and Rocketfish is printed on the cover.

The power sources, made in China, were sold exclusively at: Best Buy stores nationwide and at bestbuy.com from July 2008 through February 2009 for about $100.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power sources and contact Best Buy to receive a gift card for the value of the product.

For additional information, contact Best Buy at (800) 233-0462 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT daily, or visit the firms Web site at www.bestbuy.com.

For additional information, contact Best Buy at (800) 233-0462 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT daily, or visit the firms Web site at www.bestbuy.com.

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

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 -- Backyard Products Corp. is recalling its 60,000 "Acrobatic Swings," sold with backyard gym sets in the U.S., for in-home repair.

The trapeze swings have exposed bolts that can cause serious lacerations to children. Backyard Products has received reports of six children suffering severe lacerations that required stitches to the arms.

The injuries occurred when children dropped down from the overhead ladder, or fell or climbed onto the exposed bolts.

The recalled trapeze swings were sold with Backyard Escapes, Backyard Products and WOW Wooden Play Centers brand gyms. Each gym set comes with various equipment, which can include an overhead ladder, slide, swings, or fort.

The trapeze swing has a wooden bar and rings. The wooden bar is attached to the swing chains by a "U-bolt" bracket, whose bolts are too long and extend upward above the nuts.

Department, toy, discount, lumber and hardware stores nationwide, Including Toys "R" Us, Service Merchandise, Costco and Sears, sold the gyms with trapeze swings from December 1998 through July 1999 for between $250 to $450.

Consumers should remove the trapeze swings from the gyms immediately and call Backyard Products at (888) 446-0750 anytime to order a free repair kit. The repair kit will include new hardware and instructions for reattaching the trapeze swing to the gym.

Consumers also can write to the company at 530 Third St., Collingwood, Ontario Canada L9Y 4X6.

Trapeze sets that are attached by a rope-type assembly are not included in this recall.

April 20, 2009
Hyundai Motor Co. is recalling about 170,000 2001-2003 Elantras and 2003 Tiburons to fix a problem with the front control arm.

The recall affects vehicles sold or registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Salt used to de-ice roads may result in internal corrosion and thinning of the steal in the front lower control arms, which could cause a fracture, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Dealers will inspect the suspension, add drainage holes and treat the front lower control arms with rust-proofing material. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 about Recall No. 091.

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.

June 17, 2009
Macy's is recalling about 33,000 children's hooded sweatshirts sold under the Epic Threads and Greendog labels. The sweatshirts have a drawstring sewn at the base of the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

This recall includes boys and girls Epic Threads sweatshirts and girls Greendog sweaters with nonfunctional ties in numerous styles. The Epic Threads sweatshirts are white, gray, maroon, yellow, blue, green, and black, with images on the front and/or back. The girls Greendog sweaters are brown and gray. Only sizes small and medium are subject to the recall.

The sweatshirts were sold at Macys stores nationwide from July 2008 through March 2009 for between $32 and $50. They were made in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Consumers should immediately remove the ties from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard, or return the garment to any Macys for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Macys toll-free at (888) 257-5949 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit Macys website at www.macys.com.

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

February 24, 2009
Aviva Sports is recalling about 14,000 trampolines because of a fall hazard. The metal support legs of the trampoline can bend or break and the bungee cords that secure the mat to the frame of the trampoline can fray or break, posing a fall hazard to the user.

The recall affects Aviva Leaps and Bounds Folding Trampolines with Safety Pad (L&B) and Aviva Pirate Jump N Play Trampolines (Pirate).

Aviva Sports has received 24 reports of the legs on the frame of the trampoline bending or breaking. Aviva also received three reports of injuries including one adult who injured his hand while assembling the product, one child who chipped their tooth after falling off the product and one child that cut his leg on the product.

The recall includes two separate model trampolines. The Leaps & Bounds Trampoline is a 34 inch by 34 inch trampoline with a hold-on handle with model number 12731 printed on the pad that goes around the frame of the product. The Pirate Jump & Play Trampoline has an enclosure and model number 0840525.

The trampolines were sold by sports equipment e-retailers and catalog companies and by Chelsea & Scott through its Web site and the Leaps and Bounds catalog from September 2006 through January 2009 for about $100 to $200. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the trampoline and contact Aviva to receive instructions for returning the trampoline and to receive a full refund.

For additional information, contact Aviva Sports at (888) 352-9763 anytime Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.aviva-trampoline-recall.com.

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

October 6, 2009
Daiso is recalling wooden toys that have small parts which can break and detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

This recall involves four models of Daiso wooden toys including Penguin Handbell, Pull Doll, Alligator Pull Toy and Rolling Animals. The Penguin Handbell has a small metal bell inside its hollow interior. The Pull Doll's limbs move up and down when the string is pulled. The Alligator Pull Toy is green and yellow will move in an undulating fashion when pulled. The Rolling Animals are in the forms of a dog, rabbit, cat and mice, and their tails are connected to their bodies by metal springs. Daiso is printed on the product's packaging.

The toys, made in China, were sold at Daiso stores in California from December 2008 through May 2009 for between $1 and $4.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Daiso for a free replacement toy or a full refund.

For more information, contact Daiso toll-free at (888) 580-8841 between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firms' Web site at www.daisorecall.com.

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

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2001 -- Baby Buzz'r International is voluntarily recalling about 8,800 Baby Buzz'r toys. The red, green and blue button covers on the toy can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Baby Buzz'r has received five reports of button covers coming off. No injuries have been reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

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

Baby Buzz'r is a round plastic baby toy with a face on the front, a red and blue "teethable ear" on each side, and a yellow circular mirror on the back. The Baby Buzz'r toy has three colored buttons (red, green, blue) on the top of the product. When the buttons are depressed the toy vibrates, sounds music, or the eyes light up on the toy.

Juvenile specialty stores nationwide, catalogues and internet sites sold the Baby Buzz'r toys from June 2001 through September 2001 for about $13. Consumers can identify the recalled toys by squeezing the button covers on the top of the toy with pliers. Button covers on toys that are part of the recall can be squeezed out of shape, and button covers on toys not included in the recall can not be squeezed out of shape with pliers.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled Baby Buzz'r toys away from young children and contact Baby Buzz'r International to participate in the recall. Consumers can contact Baby Buzz'r International toll-free at (866) 222-9289 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.babybuzzr.com.

Baby Buzz'r toys currently being sold are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2001 -- Five firms are recalling about 50,500 backpack blowers. The fuel tanks can leak, posing a fire hazard and risk of burn injuries to consumers.

The recall is being conducted by: Husqvarna, John Deere, Makita, Carswell Import & Marketing Associates Inc., and Tilton Equipment Co.

Carswell has received 159 reports of leaking fuel tanks on these blowers. Makita U.S.A has received 55 reports of leaks. John Deere has received five reports of leaks. No injuries have been reported. The other firms have not had reports of leaks.

The recalled blowers all have their brand name, model number and serial number written on the units. Consumers should check with the manufacturer to determine if their blower is part of the recall. Consumers should have their serial number available when they contact the firm.

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