Glove compartment organizers
CPSC Recall #02-537 — May 7, 2002
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-537 |
| Recall Date | May 7, 2002 |
| Remedy Type | Dispose, Replace |
| Units Affected | About 15,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Consumer Reports magazine |
| published by Consumers Union |
| offered this premium to new subscribers between October 2001 and April 2002. |
Product
Glove compartment organizers
Description
PRODUCT: Astra International of New York, NY and Consumers Union of Yonkers, NY are voluntarily recalling about 15,000 glove compartment organizers. Astra International imported and sold these glove compartment organizers exclusively to Consumers Union. They were mailed in a white cardboard box, the kit is a black-cloth-covered case containing a flashlight, tire gauge, pocketknife, pen, and pad. Consumer Reports magazine, published by Consumers Union, offered this premium to new subscribers between October 2001 and April 2002.PROBLEM: The flashlight can overheat when the batteries are inserted, presenting a possible burn hazard. Also, the tire gauge does not produce accurate measurements when used.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Consumers Union has received eight reports of flashlights overheating, including two minor burns to the hand.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should contact Consumers Union immediately for further information. Those who return the kit to Consumers Union or show they've discarded it will also have their magazine subscription extended for six months free of charge. In addition, Consumers Union will mail two free books to consumers as a replacement for the premium. For more information, contact Consumers Union toll free at (888) 471-8860, between 9:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.Consumers Union has notified consumers directly by mail about this recall.
Hazard
The flashlight can overheat when the batteries are inserted, presenting a possible burn hazard. Also, the tire gauge does not produce accurate measurements when used.
Incidents & Injuries
Consumers Union has received eight reports of flashlights overheating, including two minor burns to the hand.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should contact Consumers Union immediately for further information. Those who return the kit to Consumers Union or show they've discarded it will also have their magazine subscription extended for six months free of charge. In addition, Consumers Union will mail two free books to consumers as a replacement for the premium.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Dispose, 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 (Dispose, 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.