Here’s a look at some of this week’s product recall and safety announcements.
Primewell tires recalled; sidewall can crack and lose air
A company that sells Primewell brand tires is recalling more than 394,000 of them in the U.S. because the sidewalls can crack and lose air, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall covers certain Valera Touring II tires in 14, 15, 16 and 17-inch sizes distributed by California-based Giti Tire USA.
The company says in documents posted Tuesday by the government that a crack can develop in the lower sidewall after being in use for several months. GITI says there have been no property damage or injury claims. In most cases the crack happens on the inside of the tire, making it difficult to detect.
Owners will be notified and the affected tires will be replaced for free. The recall is expected to start July 20.
Takata adds 2.7M vehicles to air bag inflator recall
Takata is adding 2.7 million vehicles from Ford, Nissan and Mazda to the long list of those recalled to replace potentially dangerous air bag inflators.
The inflators are a new type that previously was thought to be safe. Vehicles affected are from the 2005 through 2012 model years.
Takata inflators can explode with too much force and spew shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 17 people have died and more than 180 injured due to the problem.
Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to inflate air bags. But it can deteriorate when exposed to humidity and high temperatures. Previously the company thought inflators with a drying agent were safe. But the government says new tests show that some inflators with the drying agent pose a safety risk.
Brake problem prompts Cub Cadet recall
Cub Cadet recalled about 4,000 utility vehicles due to a problem with the brake system that can pose a crash hazard.
Four-wheelers with 2016 model numbers including CX500 (37AW7CKD010, 37AW7CKD710, 37AW7CLD010, 37AW7CLD710, 37AW7CMD710, 37AW7CND710); CX700 (37AX7CKD010, 37AX7CKD710, 37AX7CLD010, 37AX7CLD710, 37AX7CMD710, 37AX7CND710); and CX750 Crew (37AY8CKD710, 37AY8CLD710, 37AY8CMD710, 37AY8CND710) are being recalled so the company can repair the issue for free.
For more information, contact Cub Cadet at 1-888-848-6038.
Gymboree closing 350 stores after filing for bankruptcy
Children’s clothing seller Gymboree Corp. is closing 350 stores as its works to restructure in bankruptcy.
The San Francisco-based company said Tuesday that it’s mostly closing Gymboree and Crazy 8 stores. It also operates Janie and Jack stores. The company will have more than 900 locations after the stores are shut down.
Gymboree filed for bankruptcy protection in June. Traditional retailers have been struggling to deal with strong competition from online companies and slowing mall traffic.
The closing sales at are scheduled to begin next Tuesday.