By Rita Colorito on January 19, 2012 in
In these cold and dreary days, some products you're better off without. Honeywell portable electric heaters were recalled because they pose a burn hazard, while Big Lots recalled some 44,000 floor lamps because they pose a shock hazard. And BMW recalled several makes and models of its Mini because the circuit board can malfunction and overheat, causing a vehicle fire.
In auto news
BMW recalled some 89,000 Mini vehicles affecting seven makes and several model years. The water pump electronic circuit board that cools the turbocharger can malfunction and overheat, causing a vehicle fire. Dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. In our report on Economy Cars, the 2011 Mini Cooper received accolades as a solid runner-up for both efficiency and fun.
Chrysler recalled a small number of 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Chargers, some 300 vehicles, because of a faulty tire pressure-monitoring system, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash. Dealers will reprogram the system free of charge.
In home products
Kaz USA voluntarily recalled some 19,000 Honeywell Surround Select Series portable electric heaters because the heater's internal housing can detach, posing a burn hazard to users. The recall affects model numbers HZ-420, HZ-430, and HZ-440 and five-digit date codes that have 11 as the last two digits. The space heaters were sold at Best Buy, Meijer and Walmart stores nationwide from July 2011 through December 2011. Consumers may contact Kaz at (800) 370-8137 for a refund. If you are in the market for a new space heater, check out our report on the Best Reviewed Space Heaters.
Big Lots recalled 43,700 Classic Quarters Five Light Floor Lamps, model number G-1843-5, because the light socket wiring can become exposed, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers. Additionally, using the recommended standard 40-watt light bulb can generate excessive heat and melt the double plastic shades over the bulbs. The floor lamps were sold at Big Lots stores nationwide from April 2010 through November 2011. Owners may return them to Big Lots for a full refund.
Steelcase Inc. voluntarily recalled 11,000 model 482 Series Steelcase Amia desk chairs because pivot pins in the control mechanism under the chair seat can fall out, posing a fall hazard to the user. The chairs were sold at authorized Steelcase dealers and retail outlets including Healthy Back Store, CSN, Home Office Solutions, Office & Company and Sam Flax stores nationwide and online from March 2011 through June 2011. Owners may contact Steelcase at (800) 391-7194 for a free repair kit. If getting another desk chair sounds like a better idea, consider reading our report on the best models for guidance.
In wellness products
Giant Bicycle issued a voluntary recall of its 2012 Model Year Giant Defy Advanced and Avail Advanced Bicycles because the fork can crack, posing a fall hazard to riders. The bikes were sold at authorized Giant Bicycle dealers nationwide from August 2011 through November 2011. Consumers may contact any authorized Giant Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement of the fork. Note: ConsumerSearch rated Giant Defy Advanced 1 the Best-All-Around Road Bike in our report.
Rexall, Inc., recalled its Rexall Calcium 1200 mg plus 1000IU Vitamin D3, 60 softgels. The bottles actually contain Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM Tablets, which are made using crustacean shells, so they pose an allergy risk to those allergic to shellfish. Rexall Calcium 1200 mg plus 1000IU Vitamin D3 was distributed solely at Dollar General stores nationwide and involves Lot Number 387651-04, UPC Code 3 01220 45211 3 with an expiration date of 08/2015. Consumers may return the product to Dollar General for a full refund.
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.