Recalls of the Week

Back again with the Recalls of the Week. Still working on blogging on a more regular basis. Starting next week I will be trying for at least 2, if not 3 blog posts a week. So here is what has been going on this week in the world of recalls:
1. Circo Booster Seats: Target is recalling its Circo Booster seats, of which about 43,000 have been sold between December 2008 and June 2009. There is a problem with the restraint buckle which can open unexpectedly, allowing a child to fall off the chair. You need to look for manufacture date codes of XJ0811, XJ0812, XJ0901, and XJ0902. This date code is printed on the backside of the seat, next to a consumer warning label. If you have one of these booster seats, stop using it immediately and return it to the nearest Target for a complete refund.
2. Safety 1st Stair Gate: The Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gates are being recalled because the hinges that hold the stair gate in place can break, creating a potential fall hazard for children. Look for model number 42111 which is printed on a sticker under the handle panel. They were sold at Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Walmart and other online retailers between January 2005 through July 2009. Also look for a manufacture date before December 20, 2008 which will be located below the gate’s handle and also can be found on a sticker inside the battery door. If you have one of these Stair Gates, stop using it immediately and contact the company to obtain a free repair kit.
3. Polaris Ranger “Crew” and “6×6″ Side-by-Side Recreational Vehicles: Polaris is recalling about 3,800 of its Ranger “Crew” and “6×6″ Recreational Vehicles due to an electrical short that can cause overheating and risk of fire. For specific model numbers involved, see here. The affected vehicles were sold between December 2008 and July 2009. If you have one of these vehicles, stop using it immediately and contact your Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair of the vehicle.
4. Black and Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer and Edger: Black and Decker is recalling about 200,000 of its Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edger because the spool, spool cap and pieces of the trimmer string can come loose and become airborne projectiles, creating a hazard to users and bystanders. The trimmers can also overheat leading to a risk of burn to the user. The date codes at issue are 200546 through 200645 and are located on the underside of the trimmer/edger’s handle. The recall only involves those with black spool cabs, not orange. These products were sold at major home center and hardware stores between November 2005 through January 2007. If you have one of these edger/trimmer, stop using it immediately and contact Black and Decker for a free repair kit.
5. Frigidaire Clothes Washer: Various washers manufactured by Frigidare, under the names Frigidaire, Crosley, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Wascomat and White-Westinghouse are being recalled due to a defect in the washer’s drain pump which can cause heat to build up and lead to fire. For a list of all the models involved, see here. These washers were sold at Sears and other retailers between February 2009 and May 2009. If you have one of these machines, stop using it and unplug it immediately. Contact Frigidaire or Sears to schedule a free repair.
That’s it for this week. Remember to be careful out there. If you need any help with these recalled products or have had a problem caused by a recalled product, you are welcome to contact me to discuss it.