Recalls in January 1970

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.

July 7, 2004
Ford is recalling 170,500 vehicles in North America because of a variety of defects that could lead to rattling seats, squeaky wheels and trouble starting engines.

The recall affects 145,500 F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks, Excursion sport utility vehicles, Crown Victoria police vehicles, and Lincoln Town cars.

The 2003 model-year pickup trucks and Excursion SUVs equipped with diesel engines have problems with battery connectors, which could affect the performance of the engine, cause it not to start and potentially melt other vehicle parts due to the high voltage, Ford said.

Ford says 35 fires were reported on the trucks and SUVs, but no injuries or accidents have been reported on any of the above-mentioned vehicles.

The Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town cars have defective axles that could cause wheels to squeak or the vehicles to come to a stop, the Ford said.

Ford also recalled 25,000 2004 model-year Taurus, Mercury Sable and Thunderbird cars due to problems with the front seats, which could rattle or come loose.

Dealers have been asked to stop selling and demonstrating the Taurus and Sable models with driver-side power seats built from Nov. 17, 2003, through Jan. 15, 2004. The Thunderbirds with driver-side power seats built from Dec. 15, 2003, through Jan. 20, 2004, are involved in the recall.

December 14, 2004
First Team Inc. is recalling about 7,600 basketball hoops. The bolt attaching the arm to the vertical post can break, causing the backboard to fall and injure someone standing below.

First Team has received one report of a backboard falling. No injuries were reported.

This recall involves First Team Attack, Force and Titan basketball hoops. The hoops have a spring-loaded E-Z crank, adjustable backboard that goes from 6-feet, 6-inches to 10-feet tall. First Team is written on the bottom left corner of the clear acrylic or tempered glass backboard. The heavy duty basketball hoops are often professionally installed.

The hoops were sold through Internet sales, distributors, and independent retail stores from January 1996 through August 2004 for between $1,000 and $1,800.

Consumers should stop using their basketball hoops and contact First Team Customer Service to receive a free repair kit.

Contact: Call First Team at (800) 649-3688 between 8 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).

December 29, 2004
Ford is expanding its recall of Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute SUVs because of problems with the rear liftgate. If left unlocked, the liftgate could open during a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 310,000 vehicles from the 2001-2005 model years are involved in the latest recall.

Earlier this month, Ford announced that it was recalling more than 600,000 Escapes and Mazda Tributes from the 2002-2004 model years because the accelerator cable may prevent the engine from returning to idle, which could increase stopping distance and result in a crash.

March 13, 2004
General Motors Corp. is recalling 93,572 Oldsmobile Aurora sedans because fuel can leak into the engine and start a fire, the federal government said Friday. The recall affects Auroras from the 1995-1997 model years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it has received 123 complaints about the problem. In one case, a fire started while the vehicle was parked in a garage attached to a home. The vehicle was destroyed and the home was damaged, NHTSA said.

The agency said the fuel is leaking because the nylon tubing used in the fuel rail can degrade and crack. Owners will be notified later this spring of GM's plans to repair the vehicles.

NHTSA also announced that DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling 34,561 Pacifica sport utility vehicles and 14,621 Jeep Grand Cherokees because their engines could stall without warning and cause a crash. Vehicles from the 2004 model year are affected in those recalls.

September 5, 2004
A time-released medication used to prevent heartworm in dogs is being recalled after thousands of dogs suffered adverse reactions, including sudden lethargy, uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, heart and liver problems and seizures.

ProHeart 6 is the only product approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be administered twice a year to treat heartworm in dogs. The product caused few problems in clincial trials but when after it won FDA approval, more problems began cropping up. ProHeart 6 is manufactured by Fort Dodge Animal Health, a subsidiary of Wyeth.

As of Aug. 4, the Food and Drug Administration said, it had received 5,552 reports of adverse reactions after dogs received heartworm shots. About 500 dogs died. While not all of the deaths were linked to the drug, the FDA said there was sufficient evidence of a problem to justify a recall.

The active ingredient in the drug, moxidectin, has been administered without problem to horses and cattle.

Fort Dodge sasid it had "concerns about how the agency interpreted these complex data." In a prepared statement the company said, "Based on a thorough evaluation of F.D.A.'s data and consultation with independent experts in veterinary medicine and epidemiology, Fort Dodge Animal Health stands behind ProHeart 6."

Dog owners were urged to consult veterinarians about other medications to prevent heartworm.

July 14, 2004
BMW is recalling 4,000 vehicles worldwide because of defective engine control units. The recall affects 5, 6 and 7-series and X5 models with V8 or V12 cylinder gas engines.

The company said a "temporary production fault of a supplier" is to blame.

The defect may cause the engine to cut off after a relatively short running time, potentially leading to a failure of the power-steering assistance as well as the brake booster following repeated operation of the brake, the company said.

"As a consequence, unexpected traffic situations including accidents may occur," BMW added.

The vehicles affected by the recall were built between May 12 and July 6 of this year.

December 3, 2008
OKK Trading is recalling about 5,400 toy soldiers because they contain excessive lead.

The recall involves 7-inch tall plastic toy Army figures. The figures are dressed in Army fatigues and have guns.

The toys were made in China and were sold at Dollar type retailers and OKK Trading's Web site. www.okktoys.com, from June 2008 through September 2008 for about $1.

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

For additional information, contact OKK Trading at (877) 655-8697 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.okktoys.com (pdf).

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

November 19, 2008    
Brownie's Third Lung is recalling about 1,000 air compressors. The air compressor's components can fail, which could cause a stoppage of air flow. This poses a risk of drowning to users.

The recalled air compressors are used to provide air to divers. The recalled products include the following models:

The serial number is printed on a metallic plate located on the compressor's base and on the storage case.

The compressors, made in the United States, were sold by Brownie's Third Lung factory and various marine/diving products resellers nationwide from July 2007 through August 2008 for between $2000 and $3500.

Consumers should immediately stop using the air compressor and contact their dealer for a free inspection and repair, if necessary. Consumers are being directly notified of this recall.

For additional information, contact Brownie's Third Lung at (800) 327-0412 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.browniedive.com (pdf)

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

January 23, 2008
Daimler AG is recalling more than 9,000 Mercedes-Benz diesel-engine cars sold in the U.S. from the 2007 model year because a potential sensor problem could cause the cars to lose power.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in certain cars the wires from the crankshaft sensor frame could separate and cause an interruption in the electrical connection to the sensor.

The car cannot be restarted after failure of the electrical connection in the sensor, increasing the risk of a crash, according to NHTSA

Mercedes vehicles in the E, GL, M and R classes are part of the recall and dealers will begin replacing the sensor next month, according to NHTSA.

September 10, 2004
Ford is recalling 234,208 Econoline vans to fix a defect in the anti-lock brake unit that can start fires even when the vehicles are parked.

The company said the electronic unit that controls the anti-lock brakes in the vehicles could electrically short out. Customers should not park the van inside an enclosed structure until the problem is remedied.

Vehicles affected by the recall are from the 2003 and 2004 model years.

Ford said the problem does not affect the braking ability of the vehicles and no accidents or injuries have been reported.

Earlier this week, Ford said it was recalling about 40,000 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans because their wheel hubs may develop cracks. Minivans from the 2004 model year are involved in the recall.

May 22, 2008
United Scientific is recalling about 2.35 million magnets of various kinds.

Surface paint on the magnets contains high levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.

This recall involves magnets listed in the chart below. The model numbers are located on the magnets packaging. Only painted magnets are included in this recall.

The recalled magnets, made in India, were sold by independent distributors nationwide from October 1996 through September 2007 for between 50 cents and $15. Distributors sold the products to schools for use in science classes.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnets and contact United Scientific to receive a free replacement magnet.

For additional information, contact United Scientific toll-free at (888) 284-8570 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or email the firm at consumeraffairs@unitedsci.com

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

February 09, 2004
General Motors is recalling about 636,0000 2002-03 model year mid-sized SUVs following two reports of crashes that resulted when windshield wiper motors short-circuited because of water leaks into a wiper module.

The recall includes certain Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy and Envoy XL, and Oldsmobile Bravada SUVs models as well as some Isuzu Motors Ltd. Ascenders, which GM builds.

Of the total, about 580,000 are in the United States and some 31,000 are in Canada.

The company said there were no injuries in the reported incidents. It's the second major recall for GM in four days. Last Friday, GM announced a recall of about 1.8 million cars to fix an electrical defect that could cause fires in the steering column.

To correct the wiper problem, dealers will patch a vent hole in the windshield wiper module and inspect a circuit board and electrical connector in the area for water intrusion and corrosion.

GM will notify owners beginning this fall, and dealers will fix the problem at no charge. The company said that if owners are having wiper problems, they should contact their dealers before then.

November 24, 2004
Federal regulators have opened an investigation into complaints of engine fires in Ford F-150 pickup trucks and in Expedition and Navigator SUVs.

The inquiry involves 2000 models of the three vehicles and follows 36 reports of engine fires that may be related to a cruise-control deactivation switch, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The fires occurred while the vehicles were parked and the engine was off, with no accidents or injuries reported, the agency said.

ConsumerAffairs.com has also received numerous complaints about Ford truck engine fires but the complaints are not restricted to 2000 model year vehicles.

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Douglas of Sharpsburg, GA, reported that his 1997 F-150 Super Cab burned to the ground while parked outside his home. "Please do not park these trucks in your garage," Douglas cautioned.

Ryan of Cypress, TX, parked his 1997 F-150 outside a Houston fire station, where he works. This turned out to be an appropriate location since the truck burst into flames later that day.

"I heard a booming sound (like a car backfire). I sprung from my chair and looked out the back door of the fire station to see the front of my truck on fire," Ryan said.

"My wife drove it to work, parked it in a parking space and 7 hours later the vehicle burst into flames! Now we have no truck," wrote Douglas of Columbia, SC.

April 16, 2004
Mazda Motor Corp. is recalling 117,000 Tribute sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) sold in North America to fix a stalling problem. The Tribute shares components with the Ford Escape, which was recalled earlier this fix for the same problem.

The recalled vehicles were manufactured in North America between April 2000 and September 2002.

Mazda has known of the problem since at least May 2002, when it sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration saying the engine stalling did not present "an unreasonable risk to motor safety." At that time, Mazda said it had received 2,087 reports of stalling, including three in which accidents occurred.

Ford has said it knew of at least eight accidents resulting from the defect.

October 9, 2008   
Effikal LLC is recalling about 45,000 gas vent dampers. The damper could fail, and if the blocked vent switch does not activate, the vent could leak carbon monoxide (CO). This poses a risk of CO poisoning to consumers.

The recall involves Effikal RVGP-PC Gas Vent Damper size 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 which are installed with the gas boiler systems listed below. The vent damper date code is located on a sticker under the motor assembly cap on the plastic base. Serial numbers are located on a label on the side of the dampers cap. All sizes and models of the RVGP-PC have the same motor assembly with black Effikal caps and black plastic bases.

The dampers were sold by plumbing and heating wholesale distributors to plumbers and contractors nationwide from August 2007 through July 2008 for between $1,000 and $4,000 for the boilers. Gas vent dampers were sold as part of the gas boiler systems. They were made in the United States.

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Consumers should immediately stop using the boilers, weather permitting, and contact their installer to confirm they have a recalled vent damper and to receive a free vent damper replacement.

For additional information, contact Effikal toll-free at (866) 790-3739, or visit the firms Web site at www.effikal.com

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

July 9, 2004
The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to feed their infants infant formula from China because the safety and nutritional adequacy of infant formula from China is unknown. Recently, infant formula from China by the name of Guan Wei Yuan was found for sale in an Asian retail market in New York.

To date, FDA is not aware of any illnesses or injuries associated with Chinese infant formula, Guan Wei Yuan. However, the analysis of certain Guan Wei Yuan powdered formulas by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food laboratory found the formula to contain less than 1/7 of the federally required minimal amount of protein per serving, approximately 1/4 the required amount of fat and only minute amounts of declared calcium and magnesium.

There is no guarantee that this product, as a potential sole source of nutrition, would provide adequate nutrients for an infant. Consumption by infants, under conditions of use described on the label and labeling, could result in outcomes including severe illness or death.

The federal law requires that any infant formula marketed in the U.S. must be registered with the FDA at least 90 days before marketing. Manufacturers are required to provide assurances that they are following good manufacturing practices and quality control procedures and that the formula will allow infants to thrive. Such assurances have not been provided for any infant formulas from China. Therefore, the agency is warning consumers that the safety and nutritional adequacy of infant formula from China is unknown.

FDA will continue to investigate and work with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and alert other states of the findings.

Consumers are advised to report any adverse reactions related to infant formula immediately to your health care provider as well as the FDA and state and local agencies.

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2001 -- Xanadu Candle Co., of Guatemala City, Guatemala, is voluntarily recalling about 2.8 million candles. These candles can burn with a high flame, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Xanadu Candle Co. has received seven reports of candles burning with high flames resulting in minor burns to consumers.

These candles were all sold in glass containers. A label on the bottom of these candles reads, "Nature's Preserves,TM" "Home Fragrance Filled" or "Spring Hydrangea." The "Nature's PreservesTM" candles include a 16-ounce canning jar container filled with imitation fruit, a 10-ounce round container filled with imitation flowers, jars containing candy corn or jelly beans, containers filled with star or tree shapes, square-shaped jars containing imitation vegetables, and "Beauty In BloomTM Botanical" candles. The "Home Fragrance" candles are sold in iced tea/lemonade glasses, champagne flutes and sherbet glasses. The "Spring Hydrangea" candles were round containers filled with imitation flowers. The bottom label on all the candles reads, "Trim wick to 1/4" before each lighting," "The White Barn Candle Co." and/or "Bath & Body Works."

Bath & Body Works and The White Barn Candle Co. stores nationwide sold these candles from June 1999 through January 2001 for between $15 and $25.

Consumers should stop using these recalled candles immediately and return them to any Bath & Body Works or The White Barn Candle Co. store for store credit for the price of the candle and a $5 coupon, or for a cash refund. For more information, call Bath & Body Works/The White Barn Candle Co. at (800) 395-1001 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

This recall does not apply to the 5.6 oz "Nature's PreservesTM" candles, which resemble small glass canning jars. This recall also does not apply to Nature's PreservesTM" Beauty in BloomTM" candles (small glass jars with imitation flowers), if there is a code on the bottom label that ends in either the letter "X" or "N."

April 2, 2004
General Motors is recalling its Cadillac SRX sport utility vehicle due to a problem with its braking system, and its Buick Rendezvous SUV to fix a faulty latch on the liftgate, the company announced.

GM will recall 12,329 Cadillac SRXs equipped with all-wheel drive, including 11,375 in the United States, following two reports of a one-second activation delay in the anti-lock brakes.

The problem, caused by a software anomaly, occurs only during the first few seconds of driving when the SUV is moving slowly, the company said. One owner crashed his SRX into his garage wall but was uninjured.

Affected owners will be notified within the next few months and told to bring their vehicles to a Cadillac dealership, where the software system will be reprogrammed at no charge.

GM will also recall about 119,000 Buick Rendezvous's, including about 104,000 in the United States, to reinforce a nylon cable that keeps the rear liftgate in place in the event of a rear-end collision.

During testing, GM discovered that the braided nylon webbing could tear in a crash, allowing the liftgate to open. Unbelted occupants could then be thrown from the vehicle. GM will add an additional metal strap to reinforce the liftgate latch.

This is GM's second attempt to make the liftgate secure. The company recalled 107,000 of the SUVs last year to install the nylon strap and began installing it routinely on later models following a report that the rear liftgate tore away in a severe crash, injuring one occupant.

GM will notify owners at a later date to take their vehicle to a dealership, where the metal strap will be installed at no charge, Schell said.

It's the latest in a series of recalls for GM.

Last month GM announced the recall of 4 million 2000-2004 model-year full-size pickups worldwide to replace tailgate support cables that may corrode and fracture. The company is also recalling 1.8 million cars to fix an electrical defect that could cause a fire in the steering column.