By Rita Colorito on October 18, 2012 in

Toyota issued a massive recall this week, more than 2.5 million vehicles, including several makes and models, because the power window master switch mail fail, posing a fire hazard. Atomi recalled 80,000 Sharper Image USB wall chargers because they pose a fire and burn hazard. And, in food safety, Sunland Inc. expanded its previous bulk peanut butter recall, suspected to be contaminated with salmonella, to include shelled and salted peanuts. Numerous food manufacturers have issued new food recalls as a result.

For all the details on these and other recalls, read on.

Auto recalls

Toyota recalled more than 2.5 million vehicles because the power window switch may fail and overheat, and could spark a fire. The recall involves certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at (800) 331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Pontiac owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at (800) 762-2737.

BMW recalled more than 2,000 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. The brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir may foam, leading to reduced braking capability of the front brake, posing a crash risk.  BMW will begin notifying owners during November 2012, and the front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW at (800) 525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Ford recalled 154,064 2011-2013 Fiestas vehicles, manufactured from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012, because the passenger side curtain air bag will not deploy during a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty, increasing the risk of injury to right rear seat passengers. Ford will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicle's software free of charge to fix the airbag deployment error. Owners may contact Ford at (866) 436-7332.

USB recall

Atomi recalled 80,000 Sharper Image USB wall chargers, with model numbers TSI202 and TSI260, after receiving 13 reports of the chargers overheating, smoking and emitting acrid smells. The chargers were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Tuesday Morning, and TJ Maxx stores and on various websites from October 2011 through September 2012.
Consumers may contact Atomi at (800) 790-1440 for instructions on returning the chargers for a full refund.  If you are interested in a new USB charger, consult our reviews.

Food recalls

  • Hannaford Supermarkets, Red Velvet Cake Truffle and Triple Chocolate Cake Truffles, undeclared allergens;
  • Nature's Recipe, a limited supply of Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken, possible salmonella contamination;
  • The Raymond-Hadley Corp, Wegmans Gluten Free Double Chocolate Brownie mixes, undeclared milk allergen; and
  • S&P Company, 150 cases/1,800 jars of Su-nun Crush Roasted Thai Red Pepper, possible salmonella contamination.

More peanut butter recalls

Sunland Inc. expanded its peanut butter recall to now include raw and roasted shelled and in-shell peanuts, for fear of salmonella contamination. Several food manufacturers followed with their own recalls:

Tags: Recalls

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