Unsafe car seats and tires recalled; and mispackaged contraception packs scare consumers again

Several recalls this week affect the safety of your ride, including two large child car seat recalls, one tire recall and two vehicle recalls. And another oral contraceptive, Lo-Ovral, gets packaged incorrectly.

Car seats safety

Britax Chaperone car seat models made headlines this week. Note that the Chaperone is a ConsumerSearch best reviewed infant car seat for heavier babies. Owners of any of the below secar ats may contact Britax at (888) 427-4829 or visit www.BritaxUSA.com

• The first recall affects four Chaperone car seat models manufactured from September 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011, because the harness adjuster can detach from the seat shell, failing to properly restrain the child, increasing the risk of injury or death in a crash. Beginning February 6, 2012, Britax will notify registered owners and provide free repair kits. Seats on which the harness adjuster has already detached will be replaced.
• Note that four Britax Chaperone models manufactured from April 11, 2009 to May 31, 2010 are faulty because an incorrectly produced chest clip may break while in use, posing a laceration and choking hazard to the child. The original safety campaign began on November 12, 2010, but Britax is issuing another warning to notify unregistered owners.

A reminder: Dorel Juvenile Group recalled nearly 795,000 child car seats in February 2011. The recall affected dozens of models; there is a malfunctioning harness lock can result in a loose harness and increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. The recalled car seats, including the Alpha Omega, Alpha Omega Elite, Enspira, Priori, Prospect and Vantage, were manufactured between May 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009, and were sold as both stand alone seats and as part of a stroller travel system. Registered owners can still receive a free remedy kit. Non-registered owners who need a kit can contact DJG at (866) 623-3139 or by e-mail at harnessadjustment@DJGUSA.com.

For suggestions on replacement car seats models, visit our detailed Car Seat reviews section.

Vehicles and tires recalled this week

Mazda recalled some 52,000 2001-2002 Tribute vehicles because a brake fluid leak could result in possible smoke or fire hazard. Dealers will replace the vehicle's brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS electrical system free of charge. Until the repair has been performed, Mazda cautions owners to park their vehicles outside. Owners may contact Mazda at (800) 222-5500, Option 6.

Arctic Cat is recalling 19,000 2012 F, FX and M snowmobiles because the lower steering tie-rod attachment can loosen and cause loss of steering control, posing a crash hazard. The firm has received four reports of related steering loss, but no injuries. Dealers will repair the snowmobile free of charge. Owners may contact Arctic Cat at (800) 279-6851.

Toyo recalled nearly 69,000 Extensa tires manufactured from September 20, 2009 to November 6, 2010. Some of the tires may have been produced with a kink in the bead area that could cause the tire to fail, posing a crash risk. Toyo will replace the tires free of charge. Owners may contact Toyo at (800) 442-8696. For replacement options, check our report on the best reviewed tires.

In drug and food safety

Pfizer issued a voluntary nationwide recall of 14 lots of Lo/Ovral®-28 Tablets and 14 lots of Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic), affecting some 1 million packets. Some of the blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert or active ingredient tablets and the tablets may be out of sequence.

Walgreen's issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of 13-oz. Walgreen's Chocolate-Covered Raisins because the packages may contain Walgreen's Bridge Mix with peanut, almond and soy ingredients instead. The package labels feature a best by date of "Oct 42012A1," UPC 04902245661, and item number 280217. Customers may return the recalled product to Walgreens for a full refund.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes were recalled by Pinnacle Foods Group because certain packages may contain undeclared soy protein, and pose an allergy risk for some. The recalled products feature recommended use by dates between November 1, 2011 and October 16, 2012. Consumers may contact Pinnacle at (888) 299-7646.

In home products

BJ's Wholesale Club recalled 41,000 Superex SAFETO GO LED flashlight and battery sets because the flashlights can heat up, smoke or melt when turned on, posing fire and burn hazards. BJ's has received two such incident reports, including a minor injury to a consumer's hand. The recalled products have UPC 0-56986-01008-3 and SKU 700935 printed on the back of the packaging, and were sold at BJ's Wholesale Clubs from July 2011 through December 2011. Consumers can return the sets to any BJ's for a full refund and may contact BJ's at (800) BJS-CLUB. For other flashlight models, read our report on the best ones.