In the United States, many consumer products are recalled when a large quantity of the units created are recognized to pose a danger to consumers. Recalls can be issued by the product manufacturer or by the government. Once a product is recalled, the manufacturer or government will notify consumers and let them know what to do with the recalled product. It is most common for consumers to either:
- Dispose of the recalled product and receive a refund;
- To send or bring the product to the manufacturer or distributor for a repair.
Any item produced for sale in the United States can be recalled. Medical supplies, cosmetics, food, medication and mechanical parts are some product categories that have frequent recalls.
Below are three products that were recalled in May of 2021.
- HSN Handheld Clothing Steamers
On May 26, 2021, HSN recalled 5.4 million units of its Joy/JM-branded My Little Steamer and My Little Steamer Go Mini due to a serious burn hazard. The steamers can expel, spray, or leak hot water during use which poses a serious burn hazard to consumers. The steamers were sold online at HSN.com and on the HSN television network. The steamers were also sold at stores nationwide or online at various retailers like Amazon, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart and Lowes from January 2002 to December 2020. Consumers who own this product should cease use immediately and contact HSN for information on how to receive a full refund for units purchased between January 2018 to December 2020. Partial refunds are being offered for units purchased from January 2015 to December 2017 and vouchers for units purchased before January 2015. To date, HSN has received 227 reports of hot water spraying or leaking from the steamers, including 106 reports of burn injuries.
- Polaris RZR Recreational Off-Road Vehicles
On May 13, 2021, Polaris Inc., recalled 32 units of its 2021 RZR PRO EXP and RZR PRO XP 4 Off-Road Vehicles due to a fire hazard. The vehicles were manufactured without copper seal washers on the turbocharger’s oil supply line, which could cause an oil leak, posing a fire hazard. The off-road vehicles were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from November 2020 to March 2021. Owners of the recalled vehicles should cease use immediately and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Polaris has notified all dealers and registered owners directly. To date, one report of a leak in the oil supply line has been received and no fires, injuries or property damage has been reported.
- Trek Bicycle Pedals
On May 26, 2021, Trek Bicycle Corporation recalled 316,500 units of its Bontrager Satellite City Bicycle Pedals due to fall and injury hazards. If the pedals are installed incorrectly by the retailer, they can fall off the crank arm of the bicycle, posing a fall and injury hazard to the rider. This recall involves the Bontrager Satellite City Pedals as well as the Trek Allant+, Dual Sport+, FX 2, FX 3, Verve 2, Verve 3, and Verve+ bicycle models. The pedals and bicycles were sold at Trek Bicycle stores and other bicycle stores nationwide and online at trekbikes.com from January 2018 to April 2021. Consumers should immediately cease use of bicycles equipped with the recalled pedals and contact their local Trek retailer for instructions on receiving free installation of replacement pedals. To date, Trek has received 132 reports of the pedals loosening, locking up or falling off. Seven reports of riders falling and experiencing injuries including scrapes, bruises and road rash have been received.
Thanks to Eglet Adams, defective product lawyers for their information on recalled products in May of 2021.