In this report
Overview
October 2010 Canadian recalls

Recalls and safety alerts

Last reviewed: October 2010
October 2010 issue cover This article appeared in
October 2010 Consumer Reports Magazine.

Automobiles

 

'00-'04 Toyota Avalon

Due to a defect, the steering lock bar could break. That might cause the steering wheel to lock, posing a risk of crash.

Models: 373,000 '00-'04 Avalons.

What to do: Toyota will replace the steering column bracket free of charge. Call 800-331-4331 for details.

 

'03-'04 Honda Accord, Civic, and Element

The interlock lever of the ignition switch might deform, interfering with the operation of the automatic transmission. Removal of the ignition key in a vehicle with an automatic transmission without shifting to Park can allow the vehicle to roll away, posing a risk of crash.

Models: 384,220 '03 Accords and Civics and '03-'04 Elements.

What to do: Dealer will remove original lever within ignition switch and replace it free of charge. Call Honda at 800-999-1009 for details.

 

Outdoor Equipment

Toro snow blower
 

Toro snow blowers

The carburetor needle may corrode and stick in the open position, allowing fuel to leak, which poses a risk of fire.

Products: 35,700 Power Clear 180 single-stage snow blowers sold at Toro dealers and Home Depot from November 2009 through May 2010 for $400 to $440. Toro has had 2,200 reports of carburetor leaks but no reports of fires.

What to do: Contact an authorized Toro service dealer to arrange for a free repair. For more information, call Toro at 877-738-4440 or go to www.toro.com.

 

Household appliances

Circuit breaker
 

'Square D' circuit breakers

Circuit breakers labeled "Square D" or "SQD" are counterfeit and can fail to trip when they're overloaded, posing a risk of fire.

Products: 43,600 "Square D" circuit breakers sold at electrical product distributors and wholesalers nationwide from March 2005 through July 2006. Single pole breakers were $3 to $4 and double pole breakers were $8 to $9. Recalled models numbers include QO115, QO120, QO130, QO215, QO220, QO230, QO240, QO250, and QO260.

What to do: Contact the distributor, Miami Breaker, at 800-941-1112 to determine whether the circuit breaker is counterfeit and, if necessary, to arrange a free inspection and replacement.