The Maytag Repairman may not get much work, but his colleague over in recalls is keeping plenty busy these days, because the company is recalling 46,000 fridges due to an electrical failure that may start fires.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Over 5 Million Window Treatments Recalled Today, While Nation's Peeping Toms Celebrate*
By 8.27.09
Three children have died after being strangled in the cords of window blinds, so today six companies announced a massive recall of several brands of window treatments.
Toys R Us Wants Your Recalled Baby Gear
By 8.26.09
Responding to a rash of recalls involving cribs and other baby paraphernalia, Toys R Us is starting a trade-in program Friday, asking for recalled items in exchange for discounts on new stuff.
Cash For Clunkers Program Sputters To A Close
By 8.20.09
If you’re still thinking about trading in an older, fuel-inefficient car, get moving. Due to its overwhelming, car-crushing success, the Cash For Clunkers (CARS) program will end at 8 p.m. on Monday.
More Dead Infants Prompt Re-Recall Of Simplicity Bassinet
By 8.20.09
The CPSC has issued a second recall of convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets made by Simplicity after learning of two additional infant deaths since the bassinets were recalled last August. Here is a Consumer Reports video explaining the dangers of the recalled bassinets.
Kraft Frozen Pizzas Recalled in 17 States
By 8.19.09
Time to check the freezer. Kraft, Jack’s Original, Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza, Made with Pork, Chicken & Beef is being recalled because it might contain “a soy protein allergen.” In other words, Kraft needs to warn carnivores that they may be eating soy.
Chrysler Won't Let Customers Out Of Credit Monitoring Service Without A Fight
By 8.14.09
Chris and his wife bought a Jeep were automatically enrolled in a free credit monitoring service. When they decided they no longer wanted the service, they got a hassle from a CSR and worry they’ll have to go through the process again to cut the cord.
Recall Roundup – Wash Your Clothes With Flames Edition
By 8.13.09
Psyclone Essentials Wii 4-Dock Battery Recharge Stations – Overheats; risk of fire and burn hazards
Another Month, Another Beef Recall
By 8.10.09
The summer of beef recalls continues, with the creatively named Beef Packers recalling 826,000 pounds of ground beef linked to salmonella illnesses in the western U.S.
Top 10 Recalled Children's Products To Avoid Buying Secondhand
By 8.7.09
It’s garage sale season, so our esteemed sister publication, Consumer Reports, has put together a list of 10 recalled children’s products to avoid buying secondhand. This one, in particular, has a defect that should become obvious upon glancing at the accompanying photo.
Honda, Toyota, Ford Top Cash For Clunkers Sellers
By 8.5.09
Some initial statistics are in on the vehicles traded in and purchased in the “Cash for Clunkers” program. Unsurprisingly, 80% of the vehicles traded in are trucks or SUVs, and the top sellers among car-buyers come from Honda, Toyota, and Ford.
By 8.3.09
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GM is planning massive layoffs. Shockingly, just asking people to quit for money didn’t work. A job in this economy is apparently worth more than cash payments of $20,000 to $115,000 and $25,000 toward a new-vehicle purchase. [NYT]
Airbag Defect Prompts Honda To Recall 440,000 Cars
By 8.1.09
If you own a Honda and don’t like getting shot in the face with jagged metal fragments, you may want to keep an eye out for a recall notice. The automaker announced yesterday that it would recall 440,000 Civics, Accords, and Acura TL sedans sold between 2001 and 2003.
Recalls: Your Subaru Baja May Self-Immolate
By 7.31.09
It is our solemn duty to inform you that your Subaru Baja could be trying to light itself, and by extension, you, on fire.
Houses Passes Strong Food Safety Reform
By 7.30.09
The House of Representatives just passed the bipartisan Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. If enacted, the legislation would strengthen the FDA, increase inspections of food facilities, and hopefully ensure that tragedies like the Peanut Corporation of America salmonella outbreak become a thing of the past.
By 7.23.09
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Today, Chrysler rolled out a new incentive plan that offers rebates of up to $4,500 on most new 2009 models, targeted at drivers contemplating trading in an older model under the government’s “cash for clunkers” program. So, how do Chrysler’s “Double Cash for Your Old Car” incentives add up? Well, basically… Deals = good. Cars = Bad. [Consumer Reports]
By 7.17.09
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Consumer Reports Cars asks: “Should you buy a Hummer, Saab, or Saturn?” Their answer: No. Or at least “Not now.” [Consumer Reports Cars]
Everybody Gets A Mediocre Minivan! Everybody Gets A Mediocre Minivan!
By 7.15.09
What’s Oprah’s latest giveaway? Not, thankfully, chicken. She’ll be giving away two Routans. Hey, cool! But does the Oprah endorsement mean that the Routan is any good? Well, according to Consumer Reports Cars…not really.
