Power Wheels Porsche Riding Automobile
CPSC Recall #92-008 - October 24, 1991
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 92-008 |
| Recall Date | October 24, 1991 |
| Remedy Type | Replace, Repair |
| Units Affected | Approximately 12,000 |
Product
Power Wheels Porsche Riding Automobile
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kransco Power Wheels of San Francisco, CA is voluntarily recalling the children's Power Wheels Porsche riding automobile which is powered by a rechargeable 18-volt battery. The automobile moves forward by pressing a foot pedal and stops when the pedal is released. A spring-loaded switch beneath the pedal is depressed to activate the motor. The recalled automobiles are equipped with a stronger, 18-volt battery system which, unlike the 12-volt battery used in previous models, may cause the switch's contact points to weld together during the initial surge of electricity. If this were to happen, the motor would remain running and the vehicle would continue moving forward, unable to stop. The CPSC was informed of this potential hazard by Kransco who discovered the problem when field testing the vehicle. The Power Wheels Porsche automobiles were distributed to retailers beginning August 21, 1991. On October 11, 1991, Kransco issued a voluntary recall to retailers of all 18-volt vehicles shipped as of that date. Approximately 12,000 vehicles were sold to retailers and the company estimates that about 1,000 units were sold to consumers. The vehicles sold for approximately $359-399 each. Owners of the affected units should stop use immediately. Consumers are asked to contact the company's customer service department at 1-800-348-0751 for instructions on how to disable the vehicle. Consumers will be sent a replacement switch which can be installed at home. Consumers are also given the option of returning the unit to one of the company's 260 nationwide service centers for the repair to be completed by an authorized service center employee. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission joins Kransco in announcing this repair program as part of its mission to insure that products purchased by American consumers are safe.
Hazard
The recalled automobiles are equipped with a stronger, 18-volt battery system which, unlike the 12-volt battery used in previous models, may cause the switch's contact points to weld together during the initial surge of electricity. If this were to happen, the motor would remain running and the vehicle would continue moving forward, unable to stop.
Incidents & Injuries
The CPSC was informed of this potential hazard by Kransco who discovered the problem when field testing the vehicle.
Remedy Instructions
Owners of the affected units should stop use immediately. Consumers are asked to contact the company's customer service department at 1-800-348-0751 for instructions on how to disable the vehicle. Consumers will be sent a replacement switch which can be installed at home. Consumers are also given the option of returning the unit to one of the company's 260 nationwide service centers for the repair to be completed by an authorized service center employee.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace, Repair 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, Repair) at no cost to you.
No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
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.