Radio-control toy trucks

CPSC Recall #04-117 — April 12, 2004

Recall Summary

Recall Number04-117
Recall DateApril 12, 2004
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 287,000

Where It Was Sold

Major toy and discount department stores nationwide sold the toy trucks from July 2003 through February 2004 for about $60.

Product

Radio-control toy trucks

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Nikko America Inc., of Plano, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 287,000 radio-control toy trucks. A problem with the circuit board causes the toy truck to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard.Nikko America has received five reports of the toy trucks overheating, resulting in minor property damage caused by fire and smoke. No injuries have been reported.The recalled toy trucks were manufactured from April 2003 through January 2004. The trucks are 1/10 scale models (approximately 18 inches in length) of the Chevy Avalanche (model 100021A), the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (model 100022A and 100022B), the Hummer Wagon (model 100023A and 100023B) and the Ford F150 (model 100024A and 100024B). Model numbers can be found on the body of the truck, along with the vehicle make and model names.Major toy and discount department stores nationwide sold the toy trucks from July 2003 through February 2004 for about $60.Consumers should stop using the toy trucks and contact Nikko America for instructions on returning the product for a free circuit board replacement. Contact Nikko America toll-free at (800) 736-4556 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.This recall includes only the model names and numbers listed above.Consumers can also view a video clip about this recall (standard version or a higher quality version - broadband connection recommended) (transcript). This is in "streaming video" format.

Hazard

A problem with the circuit board causes the toy truck to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Nikko America has received five reports of the toy trucks overheating, resulting in minor property damage caused by fire and smoke. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the toy trucks and contact Nikko America for instructions on returning the product for a free circuit board replacement.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.