Here’s a look at some of the latest recalls and product safety announcements.
Playtex recalls children’s dish sets due to choking hazard
Playtex has recalled 3.6 million toddler mealtime sets, which include plates and bowls due to a choking hazard.
The clear plastic layer over the graphics can peel or bubble from the surface of the plates and bowls, posing a choking hazard to young children, the company said.
The items were sold individually and as sets at retailers nationwide.
For more information, or to request a refund for the defective products, contact Playtex at 1-888-220-2075 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or online at www.playtexproducts.com and click on “Recall” for more information.
VW recalls older Touareg SUVs to fix possible fuel leaks
Volkswagen is recalling nearly 74,000 SUVs in the U.S. because a fuel pump flange can develop cracks and leak gasoline.
The recall covers Touareg SUVs with gasoline engines from 2004 to 2007.
It’s part of a larger recall announced in July by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration involving flanges made by parts supplier Continental that could affect millions of vehicles. The agency is investigating which vehicles are affected.
VW says the safety agency found consumer complaints about the problem. Aging oxidation can weaken the flanges and cause small cracks. Those can leak fuel and cause fires, although documents don’t mention any.
Dealers will inspect the flanges and replace them if necessary. Those without cracks will get a protective cover.
Owners will be notified starting Nov. 19.
Fiat Chrysler recalls 710k SUVs; braking could be limited
Fiat Chrysler is recalling nearly 710,000 Jeep and Dodge SUVs in North America because an improperly installed brake shield could let water leak in and limit braking ability.
The recall covers 2011 to 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos.
The company says brake booster shields were added as part of a 2014 recall, but a check of warranty claims found that some weren’t installed correctly. In those cases water can cause corrosion or get inside the booster and freeze. That can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fiat Chrysler says it knows of one potentially related crash but no injuries.
Dealers will inspect the shields and correct the installation if needed. The recall is expected to start Nov. 7.
Mazda 6 recalled; wiring short can knock out power steering
Mazda is recalling more than 60,000 midsize cars in the U.S. and Canada because a wiring problem can knock out power-assisted steering and the passenger air bag.
The recall covers Mazda 6 sedans from 2015 and 2016. The company says in documents posted by the U.S. government that wires under the front passenger seat can rub against welding debris, causing them to short. A loss of power-assisted steering can increase the risk of a crash, although none have been reported.
Owners should see multiple warning lights if the problem happens.
Dealers will inspect the cars and install insulating tape or a protective pad to shield the wires.
Mitsubishi recalls cars twice to replace Takata air bags
Mitsubishi is recalling 66,000 cars for a second time to replace faulty Takata front passenger air bag inflators.
The recall covers Lancer and Lancer Evolution models from 2004 through 2006.
The cars were recalled in 2015 and inflators were replaced with identical Takata parts.
Takata inflators use ammonium nitrate to cause a small explosion and inflate the bags in a crash. But the chemical can deteriorate over time when exposed to airborne moisture and high temperatures. It can burn too fast and explode with too much force, spewing shrapnel. Up to 19 people have died worldwide and more than 180 have been injured.
Mitsubishi says in government documents posted Thursday that it now has a permanent replacement part that doesn’t use ammonium nitrate.
The recall starts Oct. 22.
