By Rita Colorito on August 5, 2011 in
As a consumer it is essential to stay on top of the latest product recalls to ensure your safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains recall information on vehicles, tires and child restraint devices. Consumers may also register related complaints online at Safercar.gov.
We did a little digging for you this week; here is a list of recently recalled items.
Check Your Garage: A handful of major auto manufacturers issued vehicle recalls.
- Ford Motor Company recalled two of its popular pickup trucks and a Lincoln model, with some dating back as far as 1997 and affecting more than 1.4 million vehicles. Ford's F-150 (model years 1997-2004), F-250 (model years 1997-1999), and Lincoln Blackwood vehicles (model years 2002-2003) have a defect in the fuel tank straps that hold the gas tank in place. As a result, the gas tank could scrape the ground or fall off, causing a gas leak and/or fire hazard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also received complaints about sudden airbag deployment in the F-150.
- Nissan North America, Inc., recalled some 20,000 2011-2012 Altima models because of an improperly secured suspension bolt that could cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle if it falls out.
- Toyota Motor North America, Inc., recalled a small number of 2011 Lexus/RX 350 cars because of problems with the anti-lock brake system and automatic stability control.
- Volvo Cars of North America recalled more than 8,400 2007 Volvo S/80 cars because of a faulty power steering system.
- Chrysler Group LLC recalled certain 2008 Town & Country, Voyager and Dodge Caravan models because of potential inadvertent airbag deployment caused by a leak in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) drain.
Tread Lightly: Several tire manufacturers issued recalls for tire defects that could potentially cause a crash.
- ITR USA, Inc voluntarily recalled some 51,000 Shandong Yongtain/Negotiator Commercial tires because their sidewalls have bubbles and blisters that could lead to a drop in tire pressure and failure.
- Continental Tires and the Ford Motor Company recalled several tires fou d on some Ford F-250 and Ford F-350 pickup trucks because of uneven wear and vibration which could cause the tires to separate from the belt edge.
- Toyo Tire Holdings of America, Inc. recalled certain Nitto and Toyo models, as well as Versado tires because sections of the tread may detach.
- Hankook Tire America Corp. recalled more than 17,000 Hankook and Dynapro tires because of defective sidewalls that could blow out.
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company recalled some 12,000 Dunlop tires that could experience air loss and tire pressure.
- Bridgestone Americas Tire Operation LLC recalled some 4,000 Bridgestone tires because of defective sidewalls
Inspect Car Seats: Several car seat and child safety restraint system manufacturers issued recalls.
- Britax Child Safety, Inc., recalled certain Britax Chaperone car seat models, with production dates between April 11, 2009 and May 31, 2010, because the chest clip on the harness may break, potentially causing a skin laceration or choking hazard, as well as a loose harness. Britax will send consumers a replacement chest clip.
- Evenflo Company Inc., recalled certain Maestro child restraint systems with model numbers beginning with 310, because they fail to conform to structural integrity requirements. Evenflo will send consumers a remedy kit.
- Dorel Juvenile Group recalled some 800,000 infant, convertible and booster seat restraint systems, sold as both stand alone or part of a travel system, in the Alpha Omega, Alpha Omega Elite, Enspira, Priori, Prospect, and Vantage product lines. The harness locking and release button doesn't always return to its locked position, which could allow the harness to loosen while the child moves around. Dorel will send consumers a remedy kit.
- Dorel also recalled certain child restraint systems in its Maxi-Cosi line because the shell is improperly mounted to the base.
Dig Through the Toy Chest: Toy manufacturer Battat Inc., recalled more than 1 million toy keys with remote, including brands B. FunKeys™ and Parents® Magazine Electronic Keys. The toys, sold online and at retailers nationwide, can break apart, posing a choking hazard.
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.
