Recalls in February 2021

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, several automakers have already announced plans to convert to all-electric production in the coming years. But a recent recall reveals the cost that automakers may face if they don’t get it right.

Hyundai announced this week that it will be replacing the batteries in approximately 82,000 of its electric vehicles because of an increased risk of those models catching on fire. At the time of the report, there had been 15 fires that had already occurred in four different countries.

Replacing these batteries won’t come cheaply for Hyundai, with the company paying around $900 million in total to address the issue. Until a more permanent fix can be put in place, Kona and Ioniq owners are being asked not to charge their batteries past 90 percent of capacity.

Mercedes-Benz recalls over a million vehicles with faulty software

Emergency systems in vehicles have improved quite a lot over the years. Now, it’s possible for a crash to be identified much faster so that emergency personnel can be dispatched to help those in need -- well, unless that system doesn’t work properly. 

Mercedes-Benz announced a recall of nearly 1.3 million vehicles covering a wide range of models because of an issue that causes a communication module in its eCall emergency call system to fail. In the event of a crash, this could cause the vehicle to send out the wrong location information to emergency services. 

The automaker says it will be contacting owners and working with dealers so that a software update can be applied to affected vehicles. The recall will reportedly begin on April 6, 2021.

Children’s science kits contained high levels of lead

Anker Play Products is recalling approximately 13,000 of its 10-in-1 Incredible Inventions Science kits because they contain levels of lead that exceed federal limits. Additionally, the packaging apparently doesn’t include the proper warning labels for the magnets and balloons included in the kits. 

Although no incidents have been reported yet, children who are exposed to the product’s high levels of lead or ingest the magnets or balloons could be injured. 

Consumers who bought one of these products between August 2020, and November 2020, are advised to remove the magnets so that children cannot play with them. Buyers can also contact Anker Play Products for a full refund.

Cooper Tire recalls over 430,000 tires that may deflate and fail

The Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is initiating a massive recall for over 430,000 of its tires because they may develop sidewall bulges or separations that could cause the tires to rapidly deflate and fail. If this happens while the vehicle is being used, it could drastically increase the risk of a crash.

The company says it will notify owners and dealers so that the affected tires can be replaced at no charge. The recall is expected to go into effect on March 25.

For more information, consumers can call the company’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-854-6288, or they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Company recalls ALL of its smoked fish products 

An Oregon-based company -- Aaron’s Gourmet Smoked Fish -- is recalling all of its smoked fish products because they were produced without a license or regulatory oversight in the state. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the products. 

Consumers are advised to either dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

SmartPool of Lakewood, N.J., is recalling about 480 Bee Free children’s helmets.

The helmets were incorrectly advertised and marketed for children aged 2 years or older. However, they do not comply with minimum safety requirements for children younger than 5 and pose a risk of head injury to those children.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Bee Free-branded children’s multi-purpose helmets which can be used for multiple sports.

The helmets were sold in yellow with black straps and black clip in size small, fitting head circumference from 48 cm to 53 cm (18.9 to 21.2 inches).

Bee Free is printed on the back of the helmets. Model RPBFHYS is printed on a label on the inside of the helmet. S for small is printed on another label also on the inside of the helmet.

Only the small-sized helmets are included in this recall.

The helmets, manufactured in China, were sold online at Amazon.com, Lowes.com, Homedepot.com and Walmart.com from May 2020, through January 2021, for about $16.

What to do

Consumers with children between the ages of 2 and 4 should immediately stop using the recalled helmets and contact SmartPool for a full refund.

Consumers may contact SmartPool collect at (609) 212-0221 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, by email at jcieri@smartpool.com or online at https://www.spqbrands.com/small-helmet-safety-recall/ for more information.

Bigfoot Industries is recalling 75 1500 Series and 2500 Series truck campers, models 15C8.2, 15C9.5FS, 15C9.5FR, 25C9.4, 25C9.6, 25C10.4, and 25C10.6 with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves.

The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak.

A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.

What to do

Bigfoot will notify owners, and Dometic dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts and two round orange labels free of charge.

The recall was expected to begin February 22, 2021.

Owners may contact Bigfoot customer service at (250) 546-2155.

Giant Eagle is recalling Market District Gourmet Pretzel Platters and Gourmet Pretzel Bags.

The products contain pecans, an allergen not declared on the label.

One illnesses has been reported to date.

The recalled products with“sell by” dates through April 3, 2021, and PLUs 25206 and 45505 in the upper right corner of the item’s scale tag, were sold in the Sweet Shoppe department in the Township of Pine Market District and the Settler’s Ridge Market District in Pennsylvania and the Portage Crossing Market District in Ohio.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should dispose of it and return a qualifying receipt local Giant Eagle or Market District store for a refund.

Consumers with questions may call Giant Eagle at (800) 553-2324 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. -- 9 p.m. (EST).

Jimco Lamp & Manufacturing Co., of Austin, Texas, is recalling about 100,000 J Hunt Home and J Hunt and Co. accent tables with charging receptacles sold in the U.S. and Canada.

The convenience charging receptacles and/or USB ports installed in the accent tables can have an electrical issue resulting in reverse polarity, which can pose a shock hazard to the user.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves multiple styles and colors of side accent tables with convenience charging receptacles and USB ports.

The product is made of MDF, solid wood, veneers, and other materials. Some of the units have mirrored accents, one drawer or two drawer units.

All of the recalled units contain convenience receptacles for AC and DC electricity for ordinary receptacles and for USB charging pins.

The units are sold with hangtags marked as “J Hunt Home” or “J Hunt & Co.” The different styles of the recalled units measure about 14 inches by 14 inches by 28 inches high for many of the units up to 24 inches by 15.5 inches by 74 inches high on certain other bookcase style units. They weigh between 13 and 26 pounds.

All recalled units have a white adhesive label on the underside or back of the unit with the item number and date codes between April 2019 and November 2020.

The date code is listed as a two-digit month followed by a slash and a four-digit year code such as 04/2019.

A complete list of affected item numbers may be found here.

The tables, manufactured in China, were sold at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and other home furnishings stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and other online sites from May 2019, through December 2020, for between $60 and $130.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the charging receptacles and ports and contact Jimco Lamp for a full refund or free replacement accent table.

Consumers may contact Jimco Lamp toll-free at (833) 659-0753 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday, by email at recall@nbg-home.com, or online at https://jhunthome.com/ and https://jimcolamp.com/ and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

National Presto Industries of Eau Claire, Wis., is recalling about 25,000 Presto Indoor Electric Smokers.

The heating element/wiring on the smoker is defective, posing an electric shock hazard.

The firm has received reports of five smokers tripping circuit breakers and outlets. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves all units of the Presto Indoor Electric Smokers with Model No. 0601304 or 0601405. The smokers prepare smoked meat, fish and vegetables.

The model number is displayed on a sticker located on the underside of the smoker. “Presto” appears on the top of the digital display on the side of each unit.

The smokers were sold in black stainless steel and camouflage finishes.

UPC codes 075741060132 and 075741060149 are located on the packaging.

The smokers, manufactured in China, were sold at Shopko, Sears, Kmart, Belk, Veterans Canteen Store and other home appliance stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Wayfair.com, Kohls.com and Walmart.com and other online sites from June 2018, through December 2020, for between $70 and $110.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled smokers and contact the firm to receive return instructions, or return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumers may contact National Presto toll-free at (833) 909-1524 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday or online at www.gopresto.com/recall.

Sunstar Americas is recalling GUM Hydral Dry Mouth Relief Oral Spray with an expiration date from 2021‐11 through 2022‐05.

The product may be contaminated with the bacteria Burkholderia

cepacia, which may result in life‐threatening infections, such as pneumonia and bacteremia.

No adverse reactions have been reported to date.

The following lots of the recalled product, packaged in 2.0- fluid oz. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles with white polypropylene caps and a separate spray nozzle, are being recalled:

 SKU#  Lot       Expiration

• 1800R 493538 2021/11
• 1800R 493539 2021/11
• 1800R 493540 2021/11
• 1800R 493541 2021/12
• 1800R 498339 2021/12
• 1800R 498340 2021/12
• 1800R 498341 2021/12
• 1800R 498342 2021/12
• 1800R 511571 2022/01
• 1800R 516383 2022/02
• 1800R 516384 2022/02
• 1800RA C140DD 2022‐05

It was sold through grocery and drug chains, web distribution and sales, and direct sales to consumers nationwide.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled product should stop using it immediately.

Consumers with questions may contact Sunstar at (800) 528‐8537 Monday ‐- Friday from 8am -‐5pm (CST) or by email at us.pcr@us.sunstar.com.

Bigfoot Industries is recalling 90 model year 2020-2021 25b25FB, 25B25RQ, 25B21FB and 25B21RB recreational vehicles with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves.

The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal, causing a continuous gas leak, which can increase the risk of a fire.

What to do

Bigfoot will notify owners, and Dometic dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels free of charge.

The recall was scheduled to begin February 22, 2021.

Owners may contact Bigfoot customer service at (250) 546-2155.

Aaron’s Gourmet Smoked Fish is recalling all smoked fish products.

The items were produced without licensure and regulatory oversight by the state of Oregon.

No illnesses have been reported.

The recalled products, packaged in both glass jars and vacuum-packed plastic bags, were distributed to Growers Outlet and Berry Good PDX in Portland, Ore.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but discard or returned them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Aaron's at (503) 372-9849 or by email at Aaronsfood@gmail.com.

Primark US of Boston, Mass., is recalling about 800 5-pack nose piercings and body bars.

The nose piercings and body bars have elevated levels of nickel, posing a risk of skin irritation.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves two Primark piercings: 5-Pack nose and body bar piercing.

Both piercings are sold in white and yellow.

Only 5-Pack nose piercings and body bars with the product numbers listed here are included in the recall.

The product number appears on the product packaging.

The nose piercings and body bars, manufactured in China, were sold at Primark US stores located in the northeast region, Florida and Chicago from August 2020, through December 2020, for about $3.50 for the 5-pack nose piercing and about $2.50 for body bar piercing.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled piercing products and return them to a Primark store for a full refund.

Consumers may contact Primark US collect at (617) 946-3236 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, or online at www.primark.com and click on “Customer Service” at the bottom of the page, then click on the “Recall” tab in the middle of the page for more information.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is recalling 8,281 model year 2019-2021 YZF-R3 motorcycles, model year 2019-2020 XMAX (CDZ300) scooters, and model year 2020 MT03 motorcycles.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) printed on the federal certification label may not match the VIN stamped on the vehicle.

Owners, referencing an incorrect VIN label, may not recognize their vehicle is involved in a safety recall, and may not have the recall remedy performed, which could increase the risk of injury, fire or a crash.

What to do

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a correct certification label free of charge.

The recall was expected to begin February 16, 2021.

Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at (800) 962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990144.

AH Company International Distribution of Garden Grove, Calif., is recalling approximately 30,081 pounds of pork pâté.

The products, imported from an ineligible establishment did not undergo federal import re-inspection.

There are no confirmed reports of adverse reactions.

The following heat-treated shelf stable items are being recalled:

• 240-gram cans of Monique Ranou Pâté de Foie
• 240-gram cans of Monique Ranou Pâté de Campagne
• 180-gram jars of Monique Ranou Pâté de Campagne Supérieur

The recalled products, bearing the French establishment number “FR 56-246-008 CE”, an ineligible establishment, were sold throughout the U.S.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but discard or return them to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may contact Quynh Nguye at (779) 772-2354 or by email at nguyenky_ngocquynh@yahoo.com.vn.

The Toro Company of Bloomington, Minn., is recalling about 6,700 Toro Power Max Snowthrowers.

The auger can fail to disengage when the control lever is released, posing an amputation hazard.

The firm has received five reports of incidents related to the auger failing to disengage when the control lever is released. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Model Year 2021 Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snowthrowers with Model Number 37802.

The model and serial number are located on the back of the snowthrower.

Serial numbers included in this recall are listed on Toro’s website at https://www.toro.com/en/product-safety-information/product-recall-information.

The snowthrowers, manufactured in Mexico, were sold at The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Toro Authorized Dealers nationwide and online at www.homedepot.com, www.acehardware.com, and www.toro.com from November 2020, through January 2021, for about $1,200.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Toro Power Max Snowthrower and contact a Toro authorized dealer for a free repair.

Consumers may contact Toro toll-free at (833) 254-8856 to access the 24-hour Toro Dealer locator system, or online at www.Toro.com/locator to locate a Toro authorized service dealer near them.

Consumers across the U.S. have been breaking out the shovels this past week due to a rash of winter storms, but those who splurged on a snowthrower made by Toro will need to ensure that the product is safe. 

The company is recalling approximately 6,700 of its Toro Power Max Snowthrowers because the auger can fail to disengage when the control lever is released, creating an amputation hazard. Thus far, the company says it has received five reports of the auger not disengaging when it was supposed to, but no injuries have occurred. The products were sold at The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and other Toro Authorized Dealers across the U.S.

Consumers who have an affected product are urged to stop using it immediately and to contact a Toro Authorized Dealer to get a free repair.

Fitness equipment makes the recall rounds

Consumers who rushed to buy fitness equipment for their homes at the beginning of the pandemic won’t be happy to hear that multiple companies are recalling products. 

First, Nautilus has recalled 3,700 of its Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbells with Curl Bar because the weights can fall off the ends. In one case, the company says the weight fell off the bar and caused property damage. Consumers are being told to stop using the products and contact Nautilus for a free replacement kit. 

Next, Rep Fitness recalled nearly 2,000 of its Strap Safety brackets. The company says the products -- which are used for safety purposes when weightlifting -- can become detached if a large amount of weight is suddenly dropped on them. The company received three reports of this happening, but no injuries apparently occurred. Consumers can contact Rep Fitness for free replacement brackets.

Ford recalls 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles

The recall hits keep coming for Ford, which was featured in two of our previous Recall Roundups. This time, the company is recalling 1,664 of its 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles because the rear suspension modules were not fully secured. 

The company says that loose or missing bolts in the recalled vehicles could decrease stability and increase the risk of a crash. The risk of injury in the event of a crash would also be higher since the problem reduces rear impact crash performance.

Ford says dealers can ensure that the rear suspension bolts in affected vehicles are secured properly, and they can replace them if need be. 

Lexus recalls RX350s over fire hazard

Another week, another possibility of a consumer’s vehicle catching on fire; Lexus is recalling over 1,000 of its 2019 and 2021 RX350s for exactly that reason. 

The company says the transport hook used to move the vehicles may have not been removed before they were sold. In the event of a rear-end collision, the hook could damage the fuel filler pipe and cause the vehicle to catch on fire. 

Lexus says it is notifying owners and dealers about the issue and that consumers who have an affected vehicle can have the hook removed at no charge. 

NZXT recalls tens of thousands of computer cases

Some consumers have been relying on their personal computers even more during the COVID-19 pandemic as they work from home. But those who own a PC with a case produced by NZXT could see their machine go up in smoke. 

The California-based company says that the metal screws that attach the PCIe riser assembly to the chassis can cause an electrical short. This can lead to overheating and increases the risk of a fire. The company has received 11 reports of overheating units, some of which did catch fire. 

Consumers who have an affected product should stop using it immediately and contact NZXT for a free repair kit. 

Royal Enfield North America Limited is recalling 4,043 model year 2018-2020 Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 motorcycles.

Road salt may cause corrosion on the brake calipers.

Corroded brake calipers may cause the brakes to drag or decrease braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Royal Enfield will notify owners.

The remedy is currently under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification.

Owners may contact Royal Enfield customer service at (262) 617-2129.

NZXT of City of Industry, Calif., is recalling about 33,000 NZXT H1 computer cases sold in the U.S. and Canada.

Metal screws that attach the PCIe riser assembly to the chassis can cause a short in the printed circuit board and overheating, posing a fire hazard due to the circuit board’s design.

The firm has received 11 reports of circuit boards overheating or catching fire worldwide, six of them in the U.S. No injuries have been reported.

CA-H16WR-W1 (matte white) and CA-H16WR-B1 (matte black) and serial numbers 1200233400001 to 1203962204202, 00648999610844189725 to 00648999610844206361, and 0120AC00100001 to 01211C01900285.

The computer cases have a black tempered glass front with the NZXT brand name at the bottom. The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of the case.

The computer cases, manufactured in China, were sold online at www.NZXT.com and in electronic stores nationwide from February 2020, through February 2021, for about $350.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled computer cases and contact NZXT for a free repair kit.

Consumers may contact NZXT toll-free at (888) 965-5520 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday, by email at h1support@nzxt.com, or online at https://info.nzxt.com/h1-recall/ or www.nzxt.com and click on “Contact” at the top pf the page, then “Customer Support” for more information.

Forest River is recalling 53 model year 2021 Wildcat travel trailers, models WCT247RXX-OR and WCT276FKX-OR.

The safety chains do not meet the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and could break.

If the safety chain breaks, the trailer could detach from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash

What to do

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the safety chains with correctly rated safety chains free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin March 19, 2021.

Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (503) 831-5410. 

Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1189.

Adamssecret.co is recalling all lots of Adam’s Secret Extra Strength 1500 and Adam’s Secret Extra Strength 3000 capsules.

The product contains undeclared sildenafil and/or tadalafil, ingredients in FDA approved products for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction.

The presence of sildenafil and/or tadalafil in Adam’s Secret Extra Strength products makes them unapproved new drugs for which the safety and efficacy have not been established.

There are no reports of adverse events to date.

The recalled product, marketed as a dietary supplement for male sexual enhancement and packaged in blister foil sheets and a box containing ten capsules, was sold on the internet at www.adamssecret.co nationwide.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled product should stop using and return it to place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may contact the firm by e-mail a at adamssecret.co@gmail.com or regular mail at 29-31 Industrial Ave. Fairview, NJ 07022.

Shyft Group is recalling 548 model year 2020-2021 RV Chassis K2, K3 and K4 vehicles.

The steering gear mounting fasteners may come loose, and fall out or interfere with other steering components.

If the steering gear mounting fasteners interfere with other steering components, difficulty in steering may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Shyft Group will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the steering gear mounting fasteners free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin in February 2021.

Owners may contact Shyft Group customer service at (800) 582-3454.