Recalls in January 1970

January 21, 2004
Kyocera is recalling about 140,000 batteries used in Kyocera Model 7135 Smartphones. The batteries can short-circuit and erupt with force or emit excessive heat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Kyocera Wireless Corp. has received four reports of battery failures, including one minor burn injury.

The recalled batteries are included in Kyocera model 7135 Smartphone cell phones. The black and silver flip-up phones say Kyocera at the top of the screen. The recalled batteries have the red and white Kyocera name printed on the front and a product code ending with -05 printed on the underside.

Verizon Wireless, US Cellular and ALLTEL Corporation stores, in addition to Web site and telemarketing retailers nationwide, sold the cell phones with the -05 battery from September 2003 through December 2003 for about $500. The batteries also were sold separately during this time for about $21.

Consumers with the recalled units should immediately stop using the battery in the cell phone. Kyocera Wireless will contact consumers to arrange for delivery of a free replacement battery. If consumers are not contacted by Kyocera by Feb. 6, they are asked to contact the firm to receive the free replacement battery. The batteries should be stored in an environment with non-flammable materials.

Consumer Contact: Call Kyocera Wireless Corp. at (800) 349-4478 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

February 10, 2004
Volvo is recalling about 105,000 cars with a steering defect sold in 78 countries. The recall affects Volvo S60, S80 and V70 models built between March 31 and Oct. 12.

The company said the defect involves the ball-joint nuts in the front-control arms. It could cause the "steering wheel to go out of alignment," Volvo said.

No accidents related to the defect have been reported.

Of the 105,381 Volvos being recalled, about 29,786 were in the United States, 17,081 in Sweden and 9,715 in Britain, the company said.

July 28, 2004
Highway safety regulators are looking into a potential problem involving steel wheel fractures in certain 2001 Kia Rio models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the probe involves wheels manufactured between May 12 and October 18, 2000.

The wheels had improper surface treatment, which over time could lead to cracks in the wheel. NHTSA said it has received 30 consumer complaints about wheel fractures and three complaints about wheels falling off.

Kia says it has paid 576 warranty claims for wheel replacement.

NHTSA's preliminary probe will determine whether a full-scale investigation is required. An investigation could eventually lead to a recall.

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24 de septiembre 2004
Ms o menos 9,400 chupetes Jaloma estn siendo retirados. Eses chupetes son prohibidos bajo las leyes federales de los Estados Unidos. Reprobaban los exmenes federales de seguridad, se rompen, y suponen una amenaza para atragantarse a los bebs y los nios.

Haba sido a mnimo un informe de una tetina que separ de chupete cuando estaba en la boca de un beb de siete meses. El beb no estaba lesionado.

Los chupetes, que medien tres pulgadas largo y ms o menos una pulagada y media a travs el base, son hecho de plstica rosada, azl, verd o blanca con una tetina amarilla. Los chupetes tienen una cadenita circular y el disco es etiquetado "Jaloma." Las tetinas son llenas de una sustancia azucarada.

Los chupetes estaban vendidos por varios pequeos supermercados mexicanos y minoristas comerciales por todo el pas de marzo de 2004 por agosto de 2004 por entre $0.35 y $1.

Los consumidores deberan quitar los chupones de los bebs y devolverlos a la tienda de donde comprados por un reembolso total.

Contacto Consumidor: Los consumidores deberan llamar a cobro revertido a Natura Products Downey a (323) 726-9098 entre 9 de la maana y 4 de la tarde tiempo pacfico los lunes a viernes.

La retirada es dirigida en cooperacin con la Comisin para la Seguridad de los Productos de Consumo de los Estados Unidos (CPSC).

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

December 2, 2004
Toyota is recalling 92,577 Celicas because the running lights are too bright and General Motors is recalling about 1,300 of its new Chevrolet Cobalt coupes because of a headlight problem.

Federal regulators say the Celicas' daytime running lights could be a hazard to oncoming drivers. Celicas from the 2000 and 2001 model years are included in the recall. Dealers will repair the vehicles for free beginning in March, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.

General Motors is recalling 1,378 Cobalt coupes because a headlight bulb shield can loosen or break. Without the shield, the lights cause too much glare. Dealers will install new shields free.

NHTSA has gotten thousands of complaints about headlight glare in the last few years. In October, the it said it has shut down 24 suppliers of kits that allow drivers to install their own high-intensity headlights.

Novembeer 22, 2004
Honda is recalling 257,616 of its Accord sedans from the 2004 and 2005 model years because of potentially faulty air bags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said a tear may occur in the driver's side front air bag of the Accords, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

The recall is expected to begin on Dec. 6. Owners of the vehicles affected should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

August 5, 2004
DaimlerChrysler is recalling 831,000 minivans which could have weak power steering hoses and a small number of Dodge Ram trucks that could have a lose alternator wire.

The affected hose in the minivans can become weak with age and leak power steering fluid, which could start a fire under the hood.

The minivan recall affects 2002, 2003 and 2004 Dodge Caravans and Grand Caravans, and Chrysler's Voyager and Town & Country models equipped with V-6 engines. Owners will receive letters about the problem in September, Chrysler said.

The company is also recalling immediately 2,000 Dodge Rams from 2004 with 4.7 liter engines. An alternator wire in the these trucks can hit a valve, cause a short circuit and pose a fire danger.

July 28, 2004
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is focusing on certain pre-sliced tomatoes sold at Sheetz gas stations as the likely source of a Salmonella outbreak in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Since July 2, 2004, 289 cases of Salmonella have been reported in these states. Many appear to be related to pre-sliced Roma tomatoes purchased at deli counters in Sheetz Gas Stations between July 2nd through July 9th based on epidemiological investigation of the Salmonella cases.

Salmonella is an organism which causes serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

FDA is working with the Centers for Disease Control, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and other authorities to identify the source of the current outbreak of Salmonella and help prevent any further spread of these outbreaks.

Individuals who believe they may have experienced the same symptoms of illness after consuming sandwiches from this company are urged to contact their local health department.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2002 -- The Disney Store, Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 14,500 Sulley with Boo plush dolls sold exclusively at The Disney Store nationwide. The recalled 12- inch doll is a blue monster named Sulley that is holding a 6-inch girl doll, named Boo. Both are characters in the 2001 animated film, Monsters, Inc. The Boo doll's hair has ponytail holders that could detach, posing a choking hazard for young children.

The Disney Store has not received any reports of injuries or incidents involving these dolls and is voluntarily recalling them to prevent future incidents. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recall includes only the 12-inch Sulley with Boo plush dolls. The Sulley doll is a blue monster with purple spots, a tail and horns. Sulley is holding a Boo doll in his right arm. Boo is a little girl with dark hair and small pink ball ponytail holders and rubber bands. Labels on the Sulley doll read, "Disney Store," "SULLEY W/BOO 12"," and "Made in China."

The Disney Stores nationwide exclusively sold these plush dolls from July 2002 through October 2002 for about $20.

Consumers should immediately remove and discard the two pink ponytail holders and two rubber bands from the Boo doll's hair, or return the item to any Disney Store for a full refund. For more information, call Disney at (800) 566-3161 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit their web site at www.disneystore.com.

This recall involves only the Sulley with Boo dolls sold exclusively at The Disney Store and does not reflect items sold through the Disney catalog or at other retail outlets. Additionally, the battery-operated talking version of the Sulley with Boo doll is not part of this recall.

September 22, 2004
Federal safety regulators are probing more than 1.1 million minivans from General Motors after complaints that passengers could hurt their arms or wrists when opening a power sliding door.

Vehicles targeted in its probe were from the 1998-2004 model years and included the Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Montana minivans, accordng to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The agency said it has received 21 complaints from consumers, including 19 cases of arm or wrist injuries. These include 13 cases of broken bones requiring a cast or surgery.

In addition, NHTSA said it has intensified a probe into faulty turn signals in 256,205 GM cars, including 2003 model-year Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire cars.

August 12, 2004
General Motors is recalling nearly 200,000 Buicks because of a problem with their low-beam headlights.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the recall of 1999 Buick Century and Regal sedans was necessary because reduced illumination from their headlights could prevent drivers from reading overhead road signs when driving at night.

Dealers will equip the cars with new low-beam headlamps.

GM has had a spate of recalls. It has recalled more vehicles so far this year than during all of 2003.

January 14, 2004
Kindermusik Insternational is recalled about 430 "Lily Pad Clacker" instruments. The green coating on the instruments contains high levels of lead, posing a risk of poisoning to young children.

The Lily Pad Clackers are wooden rhythm instruments designed for use with the Frog Went A-Dancing kit sold by Do-Re-Me & You!, a Kindermusik affiliate. The recalled instrument is 5.25 inches long, and is made of wood. It has two green "lily pads" that are connected to the base by a string. The Clackers were sold as part of a music kit.

The instruments were sold by Do-Re-Me & You! consultants in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Texas from October 2003 through December 2003 for about $30 for the music kit.

Consumers should return the Lily Pad Clackers to Kindermusik International in the postage paid box provided by the firm. Kindermusik will replace the product with a product of comparable value.

Consumer Contact: Kindermusik at (800) 628-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms Web site at www.drmy.com.

July 5, 2004
Chrysler Group, the U.S. arm of DaimlerChrysler, is recalling at least 20,000 vehicles due to safety defects.

The recall affects 2005 models of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum and 2004 models of the Chrysler Sebring and Jeep Liberty.

The company wants to inspect and possibly repair the battery cable connections on 20,060 vehicles; tighten safety belt attachments on 12,211 vehicles; and inspect and possibly repair the child seat anchor systems on 12 vehicles, Chrysler said.

"It is anticipated that a low percentage of vehicles will need repairs," the company said. No accidents or injuries have been linked to the recall, a company spokesman said.

The company will begin notifying customers about the recalls next week. Customers will get repairs for free.

September 1, 2004
Big V Maternity and Nursing Pillows manufactured by Theraline Inc., of Wendell, Mass. are being recalled.

If infants are placed on these pillows and left unattended, there is a risk of suffocation. Infant pillows and cushions are banned under federal law.

Infant pillows have a flexible fabric covering, are loosely filled with plastic beads, easily flattened, intended for use by infants under 1 year old, and capable of conforming to the body or face of an infant.

The pillows have a blue or peach-colored print fabric showing yellow moons, hearts and stars, or tan and blue teddy bears. The log-shaped pillows measure about 5-feet in length. THERALINE, THE BIG V and Finest Micropearl Filling are written on a fabric tag sewn on the pillow.

Independent specialty stores sold the pillows from June 2003 through May 2004 for about $60.

Consumers should stop using these pillows immediately and contact the firm for information on receiving a refund.

Consumer Contact: Consumers can contact the Theraline Inc. at (866) 843-7254 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

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

July 23, 2004
Pottery Barn is recalling about 960 Bailey Chenille Rugs because the rugs violate the federal Flammable Fabrics Act and could ignite, presenting a risk of burn injuries.

The recalled Pottery Barn Bailey Chenille Rugs are periwinkle blue color only. Two models/sizes are recalled: 4479028 (8 x 10) and 4479036 (5 x 8). They are 65% rayon and 35% cotton.

The rugs were sold at Pottery Barn retail stores nationwide, from November 11, 2002 to August 27, 2003, for $199 to $399.

Remedy: Full refund. Consumers should stop using the rugs and contact Classic Concepts to arrange for the rug to be picked up and shipped back to Classic Concepts, the manufacturer. Consumers will receive a full refund when the recalled rugs are returned.

Consumer Contact: Call Classic Concepts (ask for Eden Courtney) at (800) 254-1927, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mountain Time) or go to the Pottery Barn Web site at www.potterybarn.com.

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

May 25, 2004
Porsche and Volkswagen are recalling more than 100,000 SUVs because of potential problems with the rear seat belts.

The recall affects Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touaregs worldwide. The rival German manufacturers developed the SUVs jointly to save money.

The recall is to check the bolts that anchor the seat belts to the frame. Porsche said its quality tests found that some had been improperly welded and could come loose. No incidents involving the belts have been reported.

Front seat belts are not affected, the companies said.

Porsche said its recall affects Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo models manufactured between Oct. 1, 2002 and Dec. 17, 2003 -- a total of 40,848 vehicles. The worldwide Volkswagen recall affected all Touareg models made in the same period.

February 5, 2004
Swing-N-Slide is recalling more than 1,200 "Mega Rider" Swings. The plastic handle on the Mega Rider swing could crack at the seat connection allowing the metal connecting rod to pull out. If this occurs, a child on the swing could fall to the ground.

There has been one report of a swing breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled backyard playground "Mega Rider" swing can be used by one or two children. The blue-colored plastic "Mega Rider' is suspended from a crossbeam by four plastic-coated chains. Children sitting back-to-back push in different directions to make the swing move back and forth.

Printed on the handle below the seat connection in raised lettering are the words, "Swing-N-Slide," 1212 Barberry Drive, Janesville, WI, Made in U.S.A., 1-800-888-1232, THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN FROM THE AGES OF 2 TO 10 YEARS. READ INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO USE.

The swings were sold at Lowes and Home Depot stores by special order and through Ace, DIBC, TruServ, Handy Hardware, Emery Warehouse, and Federated co-ops and buying groups nationwide from March 2003 through October 2003 for about $90.

Consumers should stop using the Mega Riders immediately and return them to the company for a replacement product with increased material thickness. Swing-N-Slide will provide consumers with a self- addressed box to return the product.

Consumer Contact: Consumers should contact Swing-N-Slide at (800) 888-1232 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or write to Mega Rider Recall, Swing-N-Slide, 1212 Barberry Drive, Janesville, WI 53545.

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

August 4, 2004
Osram Sylvania is recalling about 5.6 million 60 watt B10 Dcor Light Bulbs. The glass bulb can separate from its base and break during use.

The broken glass can present a laceration injury to consumers, the hot broken bulb can present a burn injury to consumers, and an exposed bulb filament can present a shock hazard if handled while power remains applied to the fixture.

Osram Sylvania has received 119 reports of the glass bulbs breaking, including 29 reports of minor cuts or burns from consumers picking up broken glass from a hot bulb.

The recalled 60 watt B10 medium base light bulbs were sold in packages of two or four units. The bulbs are clear. Some were packaged as Ceiling Fan and Double Life light bulbs. SYLVANIA is printed on the front of the packaging and on the bulb base. The bulbs involved have a UPC bar code on the back of the package ending in the following five digits: 13323, 13329, 13333, 13442, 13445, 13454, 13565, 13650, and 13721.

The bulbs were sold at home improvement centers, grocery, drug and discount department stores from September 2002 through June 2004 for between $2 and $4.

If the bulb is broken, consumers should first unplug the light fixture or turn off the main circuit breaker before attempting to remove the bulb. Cloth or leather gloves should also be worn to prevent cuts or scratches during bulb removal. Remove the light bulbs from any fixture where they are installed and contact OSRAM Sylvania for free replacement bulbs.

Consumer Contact: Call Osram Sylvania toll-free at (877) 423-3772 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).