By Rita Colorito on December 8, 2011 in
Nautilus recalled Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainers that could pose a fall hazard. Brake problems continue to plague vehicle manufacturers, including Honda motorcycles and Subaru Impreza, Legacy and Outback models. And several dog food brands don't meet safe levels for aflatoxins. Find out more below.
Nautilus recalled 10,000 Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainers because the footplates can detach during use, posing a fall hazard. The company has received nine reports of footplates detaching, resulting in one consumer hitting his knee. The equipment was sold through Nautilus.com, Amazon.com, Dick's Sporting Goods, AAFES, specialty fitness retailers and specialty sporting goods stores nationwide between July 2008 and May 2011. Consumers may contact Nautilus at 800-259-9010 for a free repair kit that includes an extended warranty. For other options, check out our report on the best ellipticals.
In auto news
Nissan recalled 2011 Rogue vehicles manufactured from August 17 to October 30, 2010 because 7,365 units received improperly installed circuit boards which may fail, causing the power steering assist to stop functioning and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the EPS control unit free of charge. Owners may contact Nissan at 800-647-7261.
Suburu recalled nearly 32,000 2012 Impreza, Legacy, and Outback models because a malfunctioning brake cylinder could cause an increase in the amount of brake travel distance needed to slow or stop the vehicles. Dealers will replace the cylinder free of charge. Owners may contact Subaru at 800-782-2783. The 2011 Subaru Outback, not involved in the recall, is Best Reviewed station wagon in our report.
Honda is recalling 126,000 GL1800 motorcycles, 2001-2010 and 2012 model years, because the rear brake may drag, increasing the risk of a crash and the likelihood the rear brake may catch fire. Honda will begin notifying owners in January. Dealers will inspect the secondary master cylinder that's causing the brake drag, and replace it for free if necessary. Owners may contact Honda at 866-784-1870.
Toyota is recalling a small number, some 500 units, of 2010-2011 Corolla and 2011 Sienna vehicles because trim panel may come loose, posing injury during crash. Owners may contact Toyota Southeast at 800-301-6859. Some 210,000 2011-2012 Sienna vehicles have also been recalled because they received a vehicle placard with the incorrect weight maximum. Toyota will mail out a new placard and manual. The 2011 Toyota Sienna is a Best Reviewed pick in our minivan report.
In dog food safety
P&G voluntarily recalled one lot of IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy dog food because of unacceptable aflatoxin levels, a naturally occurring mold by-product. Pets who consume products with unsafe levels may become ill and exhibit sluggishness or lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea, and should be seen by a veterinarian. The affected product lot was distributed to a limited number of retailers located in the eastern United States--Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia--and P&G says retailers have already removed the product from store shelves.
Cargill Animal Nutrition also announced a voluntary recall of two regional brands of dry dog food--Marksman and River Run--because of unacceptable aflatoxin levels. The products were distributed to retailers in Kansas, Missouri, Northeast Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Western Kentucky, Southeast Indiana, Southern Illinois, Hawaii, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and limited areas of Florida and California.
For best reviewed dog food options, read our report.
Undeclared ingredients
Mars Food voluntarily recalled two dates of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain With Rice Garden Vegetable due to an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The recall affects the 4.7 oz. (133 g) boxes with UPC code of 54800 40778; Best Before: 08/12; and code dates: 133BA4RP06 and 133BB4RP06. Consumers may return the product to the store of purchase for a full refund.
Krasdale Foods issued a nut allergy alert on Krasdale Crispy Honey Oats & Flakes, because of undeclared almonds in the cereal. The recalled product, with a Best if Used by Date of "SEP 20 12 P4" was distributed to independent retailers, C-Town Supermarkets and Bravo Supermarkets in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
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.