Recalls of household products, electronics, cars, children's products

In this report: Overview; Blinds and shades; Electric ranges; Office chairs

Recalls and safety alerts

Last reviewed: November 2009

This article appeared in
November 2009 Consumer Reports Magazine.

Household products

Maytag refrigerators

Electrical failure in relay (involved in turning on compressor) can cause overheating and fire.

Products: 1.65 million Admiral, Amana, Crosley, Jenn-Air, Magic Chef, Maytag, and Performa refrigerators sold from September 2000 through May 2004 for $350 to $1,600. Maytag has had 64 reports of relay ignition, including 20 cases of property damage.

What to do: Call Maytag at 866-533-9817 or go to www.repair.maytag.com to check whether your fridge is recalled and to schedule a free in-home repair.

Electronics

Durabrand (Walmart) DVD players

Players can overheat, posing risk of fire and burns.

Products: 4.2 million players with remote sold at Walmart from January 2006 through July 2009 for $29. Walmart has had 14 reports of players overheating, including seven fires that damaged property.

What to do: Stop using the player and return it to the nearest Walmart for a refund. Call 800-925-6278 or go to www.walmartstores.com for details.

Psyclone Essentials and Wii recharge stations

Battery pack can overheat, posing risk of fire or burns.

Products: 220,000 Psyclone Essentials and React Wii 4-Dock Recharge Stations sold from January 2008 through July 2009 for $50. Psyclone was sold at Target, Toys "R" Us, and Amazon.com; React was sold at Best Buy. There have been six reports of overheating, including two cases of minor burns to the hand.

What to do: Stop using the recharger. Call the distributor, Griffin International, at 888-344-4702 or go to www.psyclonegamer.com/Wii4Dock to learn how to return the product and get a free replacement.

Automotive products

'09-'10 Audi/Volkswagen models

Wiring harness of a temperature sensor might falsely detect gearbox oil temperature, causing transmission to suddenly shift to neutral, which could lead to a crash without warning.

Models: 16,000 '09-'10 Audi A3/'09 TT and TT Roadster; '09 VW EOS and '09-'10 GTI, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen.

What to do: Volkswagen will notify owners, inspect the vehicle, and replace the temperature sensor, if necessary. Call VW at 800-822-8987 for information.

Children's products

Baby Jogger City Mini Strollers

Restraint buckle could break or unlatch, allowing child to fall out of stroller. Consumers Union reported the problem to the company and federal officials this past summer.

Products: 41,000 single and double strollers sold at stores nationwide and on Web sites from November 2007 through July 2009 for $220 to $400.

What to do: Stop using the stroller and call Baby Jogger at 877-506-2213 or go to www.babyjogger.com for information.

Look for our safety videos

Consumer Reports' safety information is coming to a store near you. Costco, Walmart, and other retailers will be screening Consumer Reports videos on bicycle helmets, carbon-monoxide alarms, sunscreen, and more. That way we can share our expertise just as consumers are deciding on products that will affect their safety. The retailers are not paying us, and you'll be seeing our videos right where you can use the information.