Recalls in January 1970

October 6, 2005
Greenheck Fan Corp. is recalling about 4,200 Greenheck Sidewall, Rooftop and Centrifugal Inline Ventilation Units. LUX 3/8-inch spinlock bolts supplied with these units may not have been properly heat treated, which can result in the bolts breaking.

Bolt failure during lifting for rooftop installation or after installation could cause the unit or components to fall and injure bystanders.

Greenheck is aware that 309 LUX bolts that have failed in the field. There are no reports of ventilation units falling or any injuries.

Affected units are Sidewall, Rooftop and Centrifugal Inline ventilation units built between August 11, 2004 and April 29, 2005 containing 16 thread-per-inch 3/8-inch by -inch spinlock bolts with LUX head markings. Affected model numbers are RBU, RBUMO, RDU, RB/R, SB/S, and BSU 360-420 with serial numbers 04HXXXXX through 05DXXXXX. The model and serial numbers are found on metal identification plate on the units.

The units were sold by independent sales representatives and original equipment manufacturers from August 2004 through July 2005.

LUX spinlock bolts in affected units will be replaced at no cost to the end user.

Consumer Contact: Affected sales representatives and original equipment manufacturers are being contacted directly. For additional information, contact Greenheck at (800) 931-6579 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).

September 15, 2005
Pier 1 Imports is recalling about 10,000 glass candle holders. The candle holder can unexpectedly break, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

There have been eight reports of the candle holders breaking. No injuries or property damage has been reported.

This recall includes clear, Glass Floater Bowl candle holders. The candleholders measure 3-inches high, 10 inches in diameter and have a 3-inch diameter base. A sticker on the bottom of the candle holder has model number SKU 2040310 printed on it.

The candle holders were sold at Pier 1 Stores nationwide from February 2005 through August 2005 for about $15.

Consumers should stop using these candle holders and return them to their nearest Pier 1 store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pier 1 Imports at (800) 245-4595 between 9 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Sunday. Consumers also can visit the firms Web site at www.pier1.com.

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

February 9, 2005
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. is recalling about 1,500 2005 Mach Z 995 and Summit 995 Ski-Doo Snowmobiles without functional electric starter.

Inappropriate clutch ring gear installed on some units. This may cause ring gear fragmentation at high speeds and debris could act as projectiles. A projectile could cause serious injury or death.

The recalled models are:

The units were sold by Ski-Doo dealers nationwide from Sept. 2004 through Jan. 2005 for $10,599 to $11,599 depending on model.

Owners of affected units will be notified directly. Consumers should stop using the snowmobile immediately and contact an authorized Ski-Doo dealer to schedule an appointment for repair, free of charge.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact BRP at (888) 864-2002 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET

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

July 7, 2005
Graco is recalling more than a million Duo Tandem and MetroLite strollers. The strollers can fail to latch properly and unexpectedly collapse while in use. This can result in broken bones, cuts, bumps, bruises and other injuries to young children riding in the stroller and consumers pushing the stroller.

For the Duo Tandem strollers, Graco has received reports of 306 collapses causing 230 reported injuries, including a broken arm, and a cut to a child requiring 46 stitches.

For the MetroLite strollers, Graco has received reports of 223 stroller collapses causing 34 reported injuries including 18 bumps and bruises to the head or body. Other injuries associated with both strollers include cuts, scrapes, scratches, pinched fingers and muscle pulls.

The recalled Duo Tandem strollers, manufactured between 1994 and 1999, have two seats, one seat in front and one seat in back. The strollers have a blue, white or green plastic and steel frame. They have four wheels in the front and two wheels in the rear. The cloth seats and tops have various colors and patterns. There is a label with the model and serial number on the strollers frame. Only strollers with serial numbers and model numbers listed below are included in this recall.

The recalled MetroLite strollers, manufactured in 2000 and 2001, have a blue, gray or black plastic and steel frame. The cloth seat and top have various colors and patterns. The strollers have four wheels in the front and two wheels in the rear. These strollers were sold as a stand-alone stroller and also as part of a travel system that included an infant car seat/carrier and a base. The car seat/carrier is not affected. There is a label on the cross bar under the foot rest containing the model and serial number. Only strollers with serial numbers between 10012000 and 12312001 in the first 8 digits and the following model numbers are included in this recall.

The strollers were sold at discount, department and juvenile product stores nationwide.

Consumers should stop using these strollers immediately and contact the firm to receive a free repair kit. The kit includes a custom-designed latch that consumers should attach to the strollers frame to ensure it is properly latched. The repair kit will be available in approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

Consumer Contact: Call Graco at (800) 981-4412 anytime or log on to the firm’s Web site at www.gracobaby.com

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

September 23, 2005
Monogram International Inc. is recalling about 145,000 Disney Princess Bracelet Keyrings. The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

The Bracelet Keyring is a pink plastic keyring attached to a bracelet which consists of pink and white beads or red and white beads, a metal pendant and metal dividers between the beads. It was sold under the brand Disney Princess. Item #24405 and Made In China are printed on the back of the packaging.

The items were sold at various retailers including Walgreen and Wal-Mart nationwide from November 2003 through June 2005 for about $3.

Consumers should take these recalled bracelet keyrings away from children immediately and return them to Monogram International for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Contact Monogram International at (800) 736-1941 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their Web site at www.monogramdirect.com to receive instructions for returning the keyrings.

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

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2001 -- An auto accessories ecommerce site will pay a $15,000 fine for charging a "cancellation" fee to consumers whose shipments were delayed.

The Federal Trade Commission said that Salesco of San Dimas, Calif., violated the FTC's Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule by making unsubstantiated shipment representations and failing to provide consumers with timely and complete delay notices.

The Commission also alleged that the defendants violated the Rule by substituting merchandise that was materially different from what consumers ordered without the consumers' prior consent, and by charging consumers a 20 percent "cancellation" fee when consumers cancelled because of delayed shipment.

Besides the fine, Salesco will pay refunds to consumers who were illegally charged for cancelling a delayed order.

"The Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule guarantees that consumers get what they ordered -- and get it when it was promised," said FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Howard Beales. "The FTC expects catalog, telephone, and Internet retailers to deliver the goods as required by law, not only because it's good business, but because it enhances consumer confidence."

The FTC's Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers - in addition to orders by mail - orders by any "direct or indirect" use of the telephone, including orders by Facsimile or the Internet.

Salesco sells automobile accessories including audio equipment, seat belt extensions, canopies, chrome plated wheels, dashboards, seats, carpet kits, and car covers to consumers throughout the United States via mail order, telephone, and the Internet.

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2002 -- Seismic Safety Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 600 Earthquake gas shut-off valves. The gas valves could stick in the open position allowing gas to flow freely, which poses a risk of serious injury to consumers from fire and explosion during an earthquake.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Seismic Safety Products has not received any reports of incidents.

The recalled Northridge 2000 Earthquake Valves are about 3-1/2 inches wide by 2-1/2 inches high by 2 inches deep. The valves' bodies are made of aluminum and are coated with a blue color. The recalled valves have a white reset knob in the front that reads, "Northridge 2000 Valve" and a white label on the back that reads in part, "Models M75 [or M100], ASCE 25-97, RR#5370, CSA-OSA, 2 PSI Max Gas Flow." These valves were manufactured in the United States.

Seismic Safety Products sold the valves to plumbers in the Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle, Wash. areas from February 2001 through April 2001 for between $200 and $300.

Consumers should contact Seismic Safety Products immediately at (800) 948-3782 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to have their shut-off valve replaced free of charge. For more information, consumers also can write to : Pacific Aerospace & Electronics Inc., 430 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2001 -- Safety 1st is voluntarily recalling about 1.7 million packages of safety latches used to prevent children from opening cabinets and drawers. If the safety latch breaks, a small spring could be released. Young children could choke on the small spring or gain access to a cabinet or drawer where dangerous items are stored.

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

CPSC and Safety 1st are aware of 27 incidents with these latches breaking. There have been two injuries reported. A 13-month-old girl placed the broken spring from one of these latches in her mouth and suffered a minor abrasion inside her mouth. Also, a 2-year-old girl was able to open a cabinet protected by a safety latch, gained access to a bathroom cabinet and sprayed tile cleaner into her mouth. She received chemical burns to her throat.

The latches are made of white plastic with a spring which holds the latch closed. "SAFETY 1 st" is written on the top of the latches. Their packaging reads, in part, "SAFETY 1ST" and "CABINET & DRAWER SPRING LATCHES." They were sold in a package of three or four latches. The straight ends of the metal springs are uncovered on the recalled latches. The replacement latches have a plastic tab over the short, straight end of the metal spring.

The springs are uncovered on the recalled latches (left). The replacement latches have a plastic tab over the spring (right).

Toy, hardware and department stores nationwide sold the set of three or four latches from January 1993 through December 1999 for about $7.

Consumers should contact Safety 1st for free replacement latches immediately. For more information, call Safety 1st at (800) 366-1282 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to he firm's web site at www.safety1st.com.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2002 -- The Carlisle Co. Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 snake lights. The circuit board in the lamps can overheat and melt the plastic housing, posing a fire or thermal burn hazard to consumers.

The Carlisle Co. has received one report of the plastic base melting, though no injuries have been reported.

The recalled lights were made in China and have the model number 8311, which can be found on the package. The blue, red, green, or multi-colored lights are about 17 inches in height and have a curved, colored piece of glass (the bulb) that inserts into a black base. When the snake light is turned on it gives off the appearance of "lightning" running through the lamp and into the bulb. "Snake Light" is written on the bottom of the light.

Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants nationwide provided the lights as a redemption prize from July 2002 through September 2002.

Consumers should stop using these lights immediately, unplug them, and return them to any Chuck E. Cheese restaurant for a replacement prize of the same value. Consumers also can call the Carlisle Co. at (800) 233-3931 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2000 -- Small Beginnings Inc. is recalling about 16,000 pacifiers. The pacifiers failed federal testing standards and present a choking hazard to infants.

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

CPSC and Small Beginnings are not aware of any injuries involving these pacifiers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The "Pacee" pacifiers are aqua blue with a soft, butterfly- shaped shield and semi-circle tab handle. "Pacee" and "Small Beginnings" are imprinted on the shield along with the firm's toll-free number. They are packaged in a plastic bag and labeled "Small Beginnings" and "pacee." Also on the bag is a picture of a baby sleeping with a teddy bear.

Various hospitals and medical supply distributors sold these pacifiers nationwide from October 1999 through April 2000 for about $1.

Consumers should take the pacifiers away from infants immediately, and return them to the firm for a refund. For more information, consumers should call Small Beginnings at (800) 676-0462 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Consumers testing electrical sources could fail to be warned of the presence of live current if the tester is not powered, posing a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.

Fluke is aware of two incidents involving these testers where consumers received a mild electric shock.

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

Fluke conducted a previous recall in November 1998 on T2 Electrical Testers because of a different electrical connection problem. Even if consumers had their testers repaired previously, their testers are part of this new recall and need to be repaired again.

These testers measure 24 to 600 volts alternating current (VAC), and 6 to 220 volts direct current (VDC). "Fluke" and "T2" are written on the front of the unit. The tester body is yellow and black, and measures about 6.25 inches long by 1.75 inches wide and 1.25 inches thick. The wire leads are black and have one black and one red probe. Recalled units have a serial number lower than 74165430. The serial number is located on the back of the unit above the wire leads.

Home centers, hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide sold these testers between December 1997 and September 1999 for about $45.

Consumers should stop using these voltage and continuity testers immediately, and contact Fluke to obtain a free repair kit or arrange to send your unit to Fluke for repair. For information on returning your unit to Fluke or obtaining a repair kit, consumers should call Fluke toll-free at (800) 753-8646 between between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.  Consumers can also access Fluke's web site for more information. 

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2002 -- The Brinkmann Corporation is voluntarily recalling about 45,000 outdoor tabletop propane heaters. The heaters can emit high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), which poses a risk of CO poisoning to consumers.

Brinkmann received one report of a CO death involving the use of this outdoor heater inside of a camper. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled Outdoor Tabletop Heaters are about 33 inches tall and operate with a disposable 1 lb. propane tank, commonly sold in outdoor and camping stores. The base of the heater has a label that reads "BRINKMANN OUTDOOR TABLETOP HEATER" and has the model number 883-1000-0. The heater also has 'mood lighting' around the base that is battery operated. These heaters were manufactured in China.

Retailers, including Wal-Mart, Menards, and Galyan's, sold these heaters from September 2001 through May 2002 at a range of prices up to $100, depending on the retail location.

Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately and call Brinkmann at (800) 675-5301 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to receive a full refund.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2001 -- Sandberg Manufacturing Co. is voluntarily recalling about 8,200 children's dressers. The dresser can tip over during use, posing a serious injury hazard.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Sandberg and CPSC have received one report of a dresser tipping over, though no one suffered injuries.

The recalled 4-drawer children's dressers have the model number (#26224) and production date (09-01 or older) located on the lower half of the back of the dresser. The wooden dressers come in light brown or off- white and have heart-shaped handles.

Independent home furnishing stores nationwide sold these dressers from July 1999 through November 2001 for about $230.

Consumers who have the dressers should immediately stop children from using them. Consumers should contact Sandberg Manufacturer Co. at (800) 498-2979 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to receive simple instructions for conducting an in-home repair.

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2002 -- Luxo Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 18,300 portable fluorescent lamps. The ballast (the electrical part located in the arm of the lamp) in these lamps can overheat, short-circuit, and melt the insulating cover of the ballast causing the lamp to fail and posing a skin burn hazard to consumers.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Luxo has received 10 reports of these lamps overheating and shorting out the fixture. No injuries have been reported.

The lamps are 18-watt portable fluorescent lamps that have a black plastic housing and mount to a desk or sit on a base. Model PS355 and PS360 with serial numbers between 198076 and 244871 and between 35500001 and 36003256 are included in the recall. The PS355 model has a 34-inch swing arm and the PS360 has a 19-inch swing arm. The serial number and "MADE IN TAIWAN" can be found on a silver label located on the back of the light bulb cover. The lamps have also been sold under the names "Big Dipper" and "Little Dipper."

Office furniture distributors and dealers nationwide sold these lamps from January 2000 through February 2002 for between $155 and $170.

Consumers with the recalled units should unplug the lamps and stop using them immediately. Contact Luxo to return the lamp and receive a replacement lamp. Luxo will extend the warranty on the replacement lamps for 3 years from the date of replacement. Luxo can be reached at (800) 222-5896 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers may also contact the firm's web site at www.luxous.com

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2001 -- Cosco is voluntarily recalling about 171,000 bungee baby jumpers. The device allows a baby to bounce while supported in a seat by an elastic "bungee cord," suspended from a doorway.

The problem is that the metal clasps can detach from the bungee cord, causing the unit to fall to the floor. Babies can suffer injuries from the fall.

Cosco has received 82 reports of the bungee jumper falling to the floor. Fifteen babies suffered bumps, bruises and scratches, the majority of which were to the head.

Only model numbers 04-461 and 04-468 are being recalled. The model number is located on the bottom of the tray. Model number 04-461 is the Bungee Jumper and model 04-468 is the Bungee Combo Pack, which consists of the Bungee Jumper and parts to convert the Bungee Jumper to a stationary exerciser. The stationary exerciser, called the Bungee Bouncer Exerciser, is not part of this recall.

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

Both bungee baby jumper models have a multi-colored fabric seat with a white plastic frame with a red foam trim. Three yellow cords connect the seat to a blue plastic strap holder, which says "Cosco." Above the blue plastic strap holder is a thick yellow strap, which connects to a green bungee cord. The bungee cord attaches to a blue door hook.

Juvenile product, mass merchandise, discount department and specialty stores nationwide sold the Bungee Baby Jumpers from May 1996 through March 2001 for about $40 to $50.

Consumers should stop using the bungee baby jumpers immediately and contact Cosco at (800) 314-9327 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free repair kit. The repair kit also can be ordered through their web site at www.coscoinc.com.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models: Dodge Ram Truck Years: 1994-1996

Number Involved:  690,000

Dates of Manufacture:  June 1993 - April 1996

Defect:   Certain trucks were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. High electrical current loads pass through the switch when the blower motor is operated on high for an extended period of time. This could cause the ignition switch and wiring to overheat and possibly lead to a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a relay and overlay harness. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during June 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V13/Chrysler Recall No. 875]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:

Jeep Cherokee Years: 1996-1999
Jeep Grand Cherokee Years: 1996-1998

Number Involved:  637,973

Dates of Manufacture:  July 1995 - October 1998

Defect:   On certain multipurpose vehicles, the front disc brake rotors could experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in certain "salt belt" states. If the rotors are not replaced before this occurs, the corrosion could eventually compromise the structural integrity of the hub section of the rotor. The reduced strength of this rotor could allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle. Vehicles included in the recall were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, the states of Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the rotors with rotors that utilize a stainless steel hub section.The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began June 5, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V136/Chrysler Recall No. 879]

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford Crown Victoria Year: 2000
Mercury Grand Marquis Year: 2000

Number Involved:  23,000

Dates of Manufacture:  March - April 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, a windshield wiper control module may not be capable of carrying the current required during high load conditions on the wipers (i.e., ice, snow or other debris), and could potentially result in inoperative wipers with no advance warning.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the wiper control modules and replace if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during June 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V136/Ford Recall No. 00S09]

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Oldsmobile Alero Years: 1999-2000
Pontiac Grand Am Years: 1999-2000

Number Involved:  487,400

Dates of Manufacture:  October 1997 - September 1999

Noncompliance:  These vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of FMVSS No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact." The console cover on these vehicles may not stay closed in a crash, and the cover or items stored under it could injure an occupant.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during late-May or early-June 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V140/GM Recall No. 00036]

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Buick Century Year: 2000
Buick Regal Year: 2000
Chevrolet Lumina Year: 2000

Number Involved:  18,754

Dates of Manufacture:  November 1999 - February 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes, the bolt heads on the rear spindle rod can separate. The affected rear wheel can shift, causing loss of vehicle control.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the rear spindle bolts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V140/GM Recall No. 00047]

Land Rover North America, Inc.

Models: Land Rover Discovery II Years: 1999-2000

Number Involved:  7,120

Dates of Manufacture:  May 1998 - April 2000

Defect:  On certainsport utility vehicles equipped with Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE), the loading conditions on the vehicle's left side engine idler pulley can cause the pulley to fracture. Failure of the pulley causes the serpentine belt to be thrown off, resulting in a loss of engine auxiliary functions (power steering, water pump, alternator, air conditioning and ACE).

Remedy:  Dealers will install an improved idler pulley. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during late-May or early-June 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V142/Land Rover Recall No. D216]

Mazda (North America), Inc.

Models: Mazda 626 Year: 1998

Number Involved:  31,000

Dates of Manufacture:  August 1997 - August 1998

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.0 liter engines, an external spring in the timing belt tensioner could break. The broken spring can get caught in the timing belt, resulting in possible engine stalling.

Remedy:  Dealers will check the tensioner installed and replace it if the vehicle is equipped with the affected tensioner. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during August 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V134/Mazda Recall No. 92007]

Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc.

Models:

Mercedes Benz S Class Year: 2000
Mercedes Benz CL Class Year: 2000

Number Involved:  7,100

Dates of Manufacture:  January - May 2000

Defect:   Due to an internal defect in the circuitry of the blower motor regulator, the regulator may overheat, causing surrounding plastic, insulation, and wiring to deform and possibly melt or burn.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the blower motor regulator. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during late-May or early-June 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V141/Mercedes-Benz Recall No. 2000050002]

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Models: Audi A6 Years: 1998-2000

Number Involved:  48,500

Dates of Manufacture:  August 1998 - November 1999

Defect:   Sulfur in the fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline, causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of the fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. Sulfur deposits could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could be empty. Running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank could result in a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace all three fuel sending units. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during June 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V137/VW Recall No. LB]

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Models: Volkswagen Passat Four Motion Year: 2000

Number Involved:  2,400

Dates of Manufacture:  September 1999 - January 2000

Defect:   Sulfur in the fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline, causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of the fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. Sulfur deposits could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could be empty. Running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank could result in a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace all three fuel sending units. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during June 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V147/VW Recall No. UR]

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Safety 1st Inc., of Canton, Mass., is voluntarily recalling to repair about 170,000 Mobile "4 Wheelin" Walkers, which are shaped like cars. Babies can lose their lower teeth when the teeth are caught in parts of the three-spoke steering wheels. Also, on some of these walkers, the telephone could break apart, releasing small parts and posing a choking hazard.

Safety 1st has received eight reports of babies catching their teeth in parts of the three-spoke steering wheels. Six babies lost lower front teeth. There also are 44 reports of the telephone button loosening. One 6-month-old baby girl gagged on a telephone button from a phone that came apart.

The Mobile "4 Wheelin" Walker is intended for babies 6 months old until the age they begin to walk. The walker has a green body, and includes a three-spoke steering wheel with squeaking horn, clicking keys, two rearview mirrors and a phone with electronic ring. Model number 45701, 45701A or 45701B is written underneath the walker tray. Only walkers with these model numbers are part of the recall. Other writing under the body includes, "Made in the U.S.A.,(1997," and "Safety 1st, Inc." Mass merchandise, juvenile products and major discount department stores nationwide sold the walkers from April 1998 through April 1999 for about $50.

Consumers should stop using these walkers immediately, and contact Safety 1st to receive a free, replacement steering wheel and electronic telephone with installation instructions. To order repair kits, call Safety 1st at (800) 964-8489 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write to Consumer Relations Dept., Safety 1st Inc., 45 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021.

This recall does not include walkers with model number 45701C, 45701D, 45704 or 45705. These models have different steering wheel and phone designs.

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2002 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing three companies for failing to report serious safety hazards associated with Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chain links.

A metal link can rapidly and unexpectedly detach during use of the Weed Wizard trimmer attachment. If the link strikes the user or a bystander, it can penetrate skin and bone causing serious injury or even death.

The lawsuit seeks fines against U.S. Home and Garden Inc. (USHG), of San Francisco; Easy Gardener Inc. (EGI), of Waco, Texas; and Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp. (WWAC), of San Francisco for failing to inform the CPSC that the trimmer heads and replacement chain sets have a substantial product defect and present a substantial risk of injury to the public.

Under the Consumer Product Safety Act, manufacturers, distributors and retailers are required to immediately report to CPSC products that have a defect that could create a substantial risk of injury to the public or that present an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.

"Companies cannot withhold safety information about a defective product, when consumers may be at risk of injury or death. Firms have an obligation and a responsibility to inform CPSC, so that we can protect consumers," said CPSC Acting Chairman Thomas Moore. "The courts have agreed with CPSC that companies must report to us in a timely and complete manner."

Between May 1987 and April 2000, 2.7 million Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains and about 857,000 trimmer replacement chain sets were designed and sold. They were designed and manufactured to be used as replacements for string trimmer heads on any gas powered weed trimmer.

The lawsuit alleges that beginning in February 1998, the companies had enough information to reasonably support the conclusion that the Weed Wizard products were defective and could injure or kill consumers, though the companies never contacted CPSC with incident or product-related information.

USHG purchased Weed Wizard Inc. in February 1998. The lawsuit alleges that at the time of the purchase, USHG, EGI, and WWAC knew of one death and at least 19 incidents, involving consumers struck by metal chain links. The August 1997 death of a 3-year-old Alabama girl, who was killed when a chain link flew off of a Weed Wizard trimmer being used by a family member and lodged in her skull, was among these incidents.

The three companies failed to report any incidents, injuries, or product defects to CPSC. Instead, CPSC had to specifically request WWAC provide information about the safety of the Weed Wizard. Among the other charges in the lawsuit are:

• The three companies failed to provide CPSC with a February 1998 engineering report which was critical of the Weed Wizard trimmer heads' safety until December 2000, 17 months after it was requested and seven months after a recall was announced.
• More than 590,000 Weed Wizard products were produced and distributed after USHG purchased Weed Wizard Inc. in 1998.
• The companies involved became aware that a testing laboratory, a distributor, and the Australian government all identified the serious safety hazard with the Weed Wizard and either banned it or publicly warned consumers of the dangers associated with using it. Yet, the companies made no report to CPSC.

Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp. and CPSC announced a recall on May 3, 2000 of the Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains and trimmer replacement chain sets. Consumers who still have this product should stop using it immediately and contact the firm to obtain free plastic replacement blades and installation instructions. For a free replacement kit, call Weed Wizard toll-free at (888) 810-7536 anytime, or visit the firm's web site at www.weedwizard.com.

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2001 -- Remington Products Co. is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 hairdryers. The hairdryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter plug (ALCI plug) to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water. If dropped in water, the hairdryers pose an electrocution hazard to consumers.

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

CPSC and Remington have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The 1600 watt hairdryers have a chrome body, with black speed and heat controls. The model name, "Remington Vortex Ultra," is printed in black on one side of the air intake grill; with the model number, V-1030, and the words, "Do Not Immerse In Water" and "Made in China" printed in silver on the other side. The hairdryers have a UPC number of 0-74590- 87541-6, which is located on the packaging box.

The recalled hairdryers were sold nationwide in K-Mart; Sears; Target; Bed, Bath & Beyond; K's Merchandise; Service Merchandise; Eckerd; and Army and Air Force Exchanges and other retailers from July 2000 through January 2001 for between $18 to $25.

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers also can mail the hairdryers to Remington Products Co., LLC, 60 Main St., Bridgeport, Conn. 06604. Consumers will be reimbursed the cost of shipping and should indicate whether they prefer a full refund or replacement hairdryer (which includes an ALCI plug). For more information, call Remington toll-free at (800) 992-9686 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to Remington U.S.A.'s website at www.remington-products.com.