Hyundai is petitioning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to cancel the agency’s recall of 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrids. The vehicles were recalled due to a seat belt design flaw; currently, the belts do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standards. Nearly 15,000 Sonatas are affected by the recall.
Hyundai has agreed to replace the seat belts in over 1600 cars currently for sale at nationwide dealerships. However, the manufacturer opposes replacing belts in cars that have already been sold, claiming the issue is “inconsequential.” As such, Hyundai is petitioning NHTSA to reconsider the recall. If the petition is unsuccessful, Hyundai will have to begin notifying drivers about the recall and replacement options.
In the meantime, Sonata drivers can sign up to be notified of any updates. Visit NHTSA’s recall notification website to fill in your vehicle and contact information.
Johnson & Johnson has issued a recall of 574,000 bottles of Infants’ Tylenol, citing problems with the product’s dosing system. The medication is supposed to be administered orally using a syringe. The company has received complaints that a flow restrictor at the top of the bottle was being pushed into the bottle when inserting the syringe.” A problem with the flow restrictor makes it difficult for parents and caregivers to administer the proper dosage to infants.
No injuries from excessive doses have been reported from the design flaw; however, a number of complaints from parents prompted the company to issue the voluntary recall. Consumers may continue to use the the product if the flow restrictor remains in place at the top of the bottle.
For more information on the recall, visit Tylenol.com.
Honda has announced that 876,000 of its cars may contain airbags that could explode if deployed. In a notice posted on its website, the company stated that “affected drivers’ airbag inflators may deploy with too much pressure, which can cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury or fatality.” The airbags have caused at least 20 accidents, including two deaths.
The recall includes 273,000 2001-2003 Acura and Honda vehicles. However, the company admitted that it does not have the information to determine which other vehicles may have received the defective parts. Thus, “Honda will inspect an additional approximately 603,000 vehicles and replace those parts as necessary.” Those 603,000 vehicles include certain 2001 and 2002 Accord, 2001 to 2003 Civic, 2001 to 2003 Odyssey, 2002 and 2003 CR-V, 2003 Pilot, 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL models.
The recall expands on earlier efforts to fix a problem that has plagued the company since 2008. Worldwide, approximately 2 million vehicles have been included in the recalls.
Honda will begin notifying affected customers later this month. Customers can go also go online to determine if their vehicle is included in the recall. If you drive a Honda, visit www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009; if you drive an Acura, visit http://owners.acura.com/Maintenance/Recalls.aspx or call (800) 382-2238. Be sure to have your car’s VIN.
Toyota has recalled 550,000 vehicles due to an engine issue that could interfere with steering. Affected models include the 2004 Avalon; 2004-2004 Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and Solara; 2006 Highlander HV; 2004-2005 Lexus ES 350 and RX 330; and 2006 RX 400h hybrid.
The issue affects the cars’ V6 engines. A crankshaft pulley on the engine may cause power steering to become detached. The company stated that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the problem.
Toyota will begin notifying owners in January 2012; however, to be safe, drivers of these models should contact their local dealers as soon as possible. The dealers will replace the pulley for free.
To read frequently asked questions about this recall, visit Toyota’s website.
Recent product recalls include Boy Scout Wind Tech Jackets, Libbey glass fantasy bowls, Duttailier drop-side cribs, and football helmet chin straps.
The Boy Scout jackets contain a drawstring that poses a risk of strangulation and entrapment. For more information, visit the Scout Stuff website.
The Libbey glass bowls have been found to pose a laceration risk, because they can shatter during a sudden temperature change or impact. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)has details on which bowls are subject to the recall.
Dutailier has discovered that its drop-side cribs pose a serious danger to children. The slats on the drop side can come loose from the bottom and top railings, creating a space between slats. An infant or toddler can become trapped in this space, creating a serious risk strangulation and suffocation. CPSC has more information.
UA Defender chin straps, sold by Under Armour, are being recalled due to a sharp metal clasp. When a football player comes into contact with someone wearing the helmet, the sharp edges can cut the player’s skin. So far, six injuries requiring stitches have been reported. Visit Consumer Reports for more details.
