End of 2019 Appliance Recalls to Be Aware Of

Not every product is made perfect. Even with factory production and modern engineering, sometimes appliances come off the production line with a flaw. There are ovens that flex in the heat, there are batteries that overload and catch fire. Sometimes, these production imperfections are harmless or just mildly annoying. But products are downright dangerous are produced and sold with surprising frequency. Naturally, this is because the distributing brands didn’t know about the defect until customers start reporting it.

When dangerous product defects are discovered, the product is recalled. Recalls are meant to help consumers avoid buying dangerous products and to remedy the dangerous flaws in products already purchased. Not every recall is handled the same way. Some recalls actually send customers a repair kit or replacement parts rather than taking away a faulty product. Some instruct you to throw away the faulty item and receive credits for a new purchase. Each recall is different, but it’s very important to remain aware of the year’s recalls in case something in your home has been discovered to have a dangerous flaw.

This article, we’re here to highlight five recalls from November and December of 2019  

Super Commuter+ Electric Bicycle by Trek

Fender Bolt Failure and Fall Risk

Recall Date: December 9, 2019

The first recalled item we’re highlighting today is the Super Commuter+ electric bicycle produced by the Trek brand. This bicycle has a small generator in the back powered by pedaling. It is a great practical design for regular in-town bicyclists, as the name might suggest. Thankfully, the problem with the Super Commuter+ is not with the engine or battery. It’s with the front fender bolt.

The bolt that holds on the front fender can unthread while the bike is being ridden. This is worse than it sounds, as it can cause the wheel to fully detach from the bicycle. If this happened at speed, it could result in a major accident. It is deemed to pose a falling hazard at any speed. One injury was reported, which resulted in a vertebrae fracture.

Remedy: Anyone who owns a Super Commuter+ is advised to stop riding the bike immediately. Take the bike to the retailer for a free inspection and repair that will prevent this problem.  

Portable Generator by Yamaha

Gasoline Leak and Fire Hazard

Recall Date: November 26, 2019

Portable generators have an incredibly wide application of uses. From construction sites to outdoor weddings, a portable generator can bring electricity to any site. So it should come as no surprise that Yamaha sold over 10,000 EF2000iS portable generators before they realized that it, too, has a dangerous flaw.

The problem with the portable generators is that the fuel tank can leak gasoline. As you likely already know, this can pose an incredible risk of fire, injury, and property damage should that leaked gasoline ignite. Fortunately, no incidents of injury or damage have been reported. These generators were sold exclusively at Yamaha motorsports dealers across the nation between June 2018 and October 2019, and are blue in color.

Remedy: Anyone who owns a 2018 to 2019 blue Yamaha EF2000iS portable generator should stop using it immediately. Call a Yamaha Power Products dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is reaching out to owners directly. 

Stacked Jack-o-Lantern Decoration by Mark Feldstein & Associates

Hazard: Overheating String Lights Fire Hazard

Recall Date: November 26, 2019

Every year new holiday decorations are designed and sold. The flaws in most holiday decorations are overlooked for the duration of the season, but some of those flaws are potentially fatal. This is true with the Stacked Gourd Jack-o-Lantern decorations sold by Mark Feldstein & Associates. The Jack-o-Lantern decoration is three plastic carved pumpkins stacked on top of each other with orange string lights inside for illumination.

The only problem is that the string light wiring inside the pumpkin stack can overheat. This can result in both sparking and igniting, creating a fire hazard. About 5,000 of these jack-o-lanterns were sold before their recall date on November 26. This was after four reports of the decorations smoking and catching on fire. Thankfully, there were no injuries.

Remedy: Owners of this decoration are encouraged to throw away the pumpkin stack and call Mark Feldstein & Associates for a full refund.  

EcoBoulder Speakers by Grace Digital

Overcharged Battery Explodes

Recall Date: November 20, 2019

Grace Digital is dealing with another recall situation as they have received five or more reports of their speaker batteries bursting, throwing fragments of the speaker into the surrounding property. There are five counts of property damage but the good news is that no one has been hurt. The EcoBoulder speakers sold by Grace Digital under the brand ECOXGEAR are both powerful and colorful, which is why 88,000 of them were sold before the recall was issued.

The speakers come in five colors with handy handles and a top-mounted speaker control panel. They each have slip mat that matches the chosen accent color. ECOXGEAR is printed on the front of each speaker.

Remedy: The good news is that your speakers are still functional. Contact the ECOXGEAR office to be shipped a free battery replacement kit for your EcoBoulder speakers. 

Snapper Rear Engine Riding Mower by Briggs & Stratton

Blade Spins After Pedal is Released

Recall Date: November 14, 2019

Riding mowers are one of the most convenient, safe, and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment out there. Underneath each riding mower is a spinning blade that chops the grass and ejects the cuttings. And when that blade stops, it’s safe to step off the mower and to treat the mower like a normal vehicle.

That is why the Snapper Rear Engine riding lawnmower had to be recalled. A faulty blade engagement lever allowed the lawnmower blade to continue to be engaged after the disengagement pedal was pressed. This posed a serious injury hazard, so the riding mowers need to be immediately repaired. Fortunately, no incidents of injury or damage have been reported and only 1,160 riding mowers were sold with this malfunction.

Remedy: If you have a Briggs & Stratton mower with the model number of 2691526, stop using the mower immediately and call the brand for a free inspection and repair. Anyone who has had contact with a recalled item should be cautious. Be sure to keep track of which items have been recalled and the recommended fixes. If you need appliance repairs to remedy a recall, contact us today!