Recalls in April 2004

April 22, 2004
Ashley Furniture is recalling more than 22,000 bunk beds that present a strangulation hazard to children. Models involved are the Trails End, Cottage Retreat, and Stages bunk beds.

There are gaps between parts of the bunk beds that violate federal safety standards and can be entrapment or strangulation hazards. For model B383, the gap between the end rails on the upper bunk is too large. For models B213 and B233, the gap between the guardrails of the upper bunk can be widened with pressure, presenting an entrapment hazard. Federal standards for bunk beds are designed to protect children against entrapment and strangulation.

These bunk bed models are recalled for repairs: B383-58T, B383-57T, B213-58, and B233-58. The B383 models are sold under the group name Trails End. The B213 is sold under the group name Cottage Retreat. The B233 is sold under the group name Stages. The model numbers are on product stickers on each bunk bed. On the B383 model, the product sticker is on the inside of the lower rail on the top bunk end panel. On the B213 and B233 models, the product sticker is on the inside of the lower panel on the bottom bunk.

The bunk beds being recalled for repair were sold at furniture stores nationwide. Model B383 was sold beginning in December 2000. Model B213 was sold beginning in May 2003. Model B233 was sold beginning in June 2003. All sales of the recalled bunk beds ended in February 2004. Model B383-57T sold for around $299, model B383-58T sold for around $699, and Models B213 and B233 sold for around $599.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bunk beds and get a free repair kit from the retailer to cover and close up the entrapment gaps. Consumers can install the repair kit easily at home.

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

April 14, 2004
Tek Nek Toys International is recalling about 70,000 ride-on toy trucks for repair. The screw and nut assembly attaching the steering wheel can come loose, posing a choking and aspiration hazard to young children.

Tek Nek Toys has received six reports of the screw and nut coming loose, including the death of an 18-month-old boy who aspirated a screw.

The ride-on toys were sold under five model names including Butterfly Girl, Fire Rescue, Mermaid, Police Car and Tonka Construction Crew. The toys can be used as a ride-on or push walker toy, with a handle on the back of the seat rest. These toys were sold for children age 1 to 3 years old.

On the dash of the ride-on toys are buttons which produce sounds when activated. The recalled Ride-on vehicles have a date code from 20021127 to 20030319. The date code is located in the battery compartment located on the top panel next to the steering wheel.

Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Kmart, Meijer and Shopko sold the ride-on toys nationwide from December 2002 through March 2004 for about $30.

Consumers should take these recalled ride-on toy vehicles away from young children immediately and contact Tek Nek Toys for free replacement parts. For more information, contact Tek Nek toys at (888) 661-0222 anytime or visit Tek Neks website at www.teknektoys.com

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

April 13, 2004
Ford is recalling 363,440 Escape compact sport utility vehicles from model years 2001-2003 because the engine may stall at certain speeds.

Ford said some Escapes with a 3-liter, V-6 engine may experience an intermittent stall when decelerating at speeds below 40 mph. In most cases, the automaker said, the driver is able to restart immediately.

The problem comes as no surprise to consumers, who have been complaining about the problem for more than a year.

"I wound up on someone's lawn because of losing control of the vehicle," said Lynne of Austell GA. Her Escape stalled as she was going downhill and the failure of power brakes and steering caused her to lose control.

Ford said it has identified eight minor accidents that may have occurred because of the engine condition, three of which involved minor injuries.

Customers will be notified of the safety recall by mail, or they can call their dealer or Ford's toll-free hot line (800-392-3673) for more information

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