Recalls in August 2004

August 27, 2004
Whirlpool freestanding ranges, double ovens, and oven-microwave combinations are being recalled. The appliances use faulty wiring, which can overheat, melt through the insulation and cause a short circuit. They may pose a shock hazard to consumers if the appliance is not properly grounded.

Department, mass merchandise and appliance stores nationwide, as well as home builders, sold the recalled units from April 2004 through July 2004. The Whirlpool Oven-Micro Combo sold for between $2200 and $2720, the Whirlpool Double Wall Oven for between $930 and $1350, the KitchenAid Oven-Micro Combo for between $2300 and $3740 and the KitchenAid Free Standing Range for between $850 and $1230.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product, unplug it by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker, and contact Whirlpool for a free repair.

The recall involves Whirlpool and KitchenAid brand freestanding ranges, double ovens, and oven-microwave combination products with the following model and serial numbers:

The model and serial numbers are located on a label inside the door of the units.

Consumer should call Whirlpool toll-free at (866) 770-6751 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday to schedule the free repair.

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

August 13, 2004
Vaxcel International has issued a second recall for about 1,200 ceiling fans assembled without the proper wire insulation sleeving, which could result in exposed wiring. Consumers could receive an electrical shock during installation or removal.

These down-rod-mount, dual-motor, 36-inch ceiling fans were sold in chrome, stone white, brush nickel, polished brass, antique brass, or weathered patina finishes. Model number 355-6645 is printed on the box and on a label located on the central housing of the ceiling fan.

The brand names of the fans are Aire Tek and Turn-of-the- Century Apollo Series which is written on the packaging only. A label located on the central housing of the ceiling fan displays the File Number E215078, the UL Listing Mark, and the model number 355-6645. Vaxcel had previously recalled the same model fan sold under the Aire Tek brand name.

The fans were sold at Menard stores nationwide between January 2002 and May 2002 for between $350 and $450.

Consumers should contact Vaxcel to verify if they have one of the recalled ceiling fans and to receive a free replacement ceiling fan if they do. To avoid the risk of shock while checking or removing a recalled fan, consumers should turn off the power source to the fan. Consumers are encouraged to use a professional electrician. Vaxcel will reimburse consumers up to $75 for charges incurred in removing recalled fans.

Consumer Contact: Call Vaxcel at (800) 482-9235 between 9 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).

August 4, 2004
Honda is facing a federal safety investigation and the potential recall of 240,193 of its 2004 Accord sedans after the driver's airbag failed during two crash tests.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began the inquiry last week after airbags failed during unrelated tests. The agency was testing the damage caused when light trucks crash into cars from the side. During the side-impact test, the Accord airbag failed.

Investigators said the bag had a large tear in its fabric and did not fully inflate.

NHTSA has opened an inquiry, which is the first step in the process that can lead to a ful-scale recall.