By Rita Colorito on February 16, 2012 in
Gear problems continue to plague the auto industry, with Nissan Versas the latest to trick drivers into thinking the car is parked safely, when, in fact, it's not. In other recall news, Stihl chainsaws may come apart during use. And Walmart and Whole Foods recall some sweet treats because of undeclared milk allergens.
Read on for these and other recalls.
In vehicle safety
Nissan recalled nearly 37,000 2012 Versa vehicles with automatic transmission because a problem between the shifter rod and the shift knob may cause the vehicles to be shifted out of the park position without depressing the brake pedal. This poses a crash risk for occupants and injury to bystanders. Nissan will notify owners beginning on February 20, 2012, and dealers will inspect and replace the shifter assembly as needed, free of charge. Owners may contact Nissan (800) 647-7261. Not involved in the recall was the 2011 Nissan Versa, the Best Reviewed cheap compact car in our report on Economy Cars.
Suzuki is recalling 2012 AN400, AN650, and DL650 scooters and motorcycles because the brake lights may fail to illuminate when braking. Suzuki will notify owners and distributors will replace the brake light actuating switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Suzuki at (714) 996-7040.
In household products
Stihl Inc. issued a voluntary recall on some 3,000 MS 391 Chainsaws because the flywheel can crack causing parts of the flywheel to separate, posing a risk of injury to users and bystanders. The recall involves gas-powered chainsaws with serial numbers: 28535 1759 through 28535 1956; 28664 5278 through 28664 6277; 28665 1283 through 28665 5577; 28724 4317 through 28724 4480; and 28735 3627 through 28735 3647. They were sold at authorized Stihl dealers nationwide from March 2011 through July 2011. Consumers should contact an authorized Stihl dealer for installation of a free replacement flywheel or contact STIHL at (800) 610-6677. If you want to consider other chainsaws, check out our report of the Best Reviewed models. In the report, the Stihl MS 180 C-BE, a different model from the same manufacturer, is a Runner Up.
In food safety
Two large retailers issued recalls on sweet treats because of undeclared milk allergens in these products. Walmart recalled Cruller bakery pastries, with UPC code of 787429847, and Whole Foods Market recalled 3 ounce and 26 ounce Pumpkin Bundt Cakes sold in several California store locations.
Undeclared egg allergen is the cause for Summit Foods recalling Bin Bin Snow Rice Crackers, sold in Asian markets nationwide.
In over the counter safety
Regeneca issued a recalled on ReganArouse because the supplements contain Tadalafil, an FDA-approved drug used as treatment for male Erectile Dysfunction (ED). However since this active drug ingredient is not listed on the product label it makes the supplement an unapproved drug. These products may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. The recalled products were sold online and feature a pink capsule sold individually in foil packets, with the expiration date of 12/5/2013 and a UPC code of 816860010079.
Wholistic Herbs, Inc. is recalling Koff & Kold and Kold Sore because the spray products are non-sterile; this could lead to respiratory or eye infections, respectively.
What should you do?
If you own any of these products, check the product code against the specific product codes found on the manufacturer's recall press release, which we have linked to above for each individual recall. For details on these and other recalls, including product recall press releases, how to obtain a refund or manufacturer's recommendations to obtain a fix for your product's problem, the U.S. government maintains an online recall clearinghouse at Recalls.gov for six of its agencies that issue recalls.
For any recalled product, the CPSC recommends consumers stop using it right away. And remember, it's illegal to knowingly resell or attempt to resell any recalled product.
