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"Huffy," "J.C. Penney," "Omega" and "Coast King" bicycle pedal cranks

CPSC Recall #78-040 - May 30, 1978

Recall Summary

Recall Number78-040
Recall DateMay 30, 1978
Remedy TypeInspect, Repair
Units AffectedAbout 54,000
ManufacturerHuffy Corp., of Dayton, Ohio

Product

"Huffy," "J.C. Penney," "Omega" and "Coast King" bicycle pedal cranks

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 31) -- Huffy Corp., Dayton, Ohio, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers that about 54,000 bicycles manufactured by Huffy may contain pedal cranks that could break without warning. Sudden breakage of the crank will cause one pedal to fall off and may result in the rider falling or otherwise losing control of the bicycle. CPSC believes that serious injury could happen if this occurs. The bicycles are front-free-wheel-type 24-inch, 26-inch and 27-inch, 10-speed, lightweight bicycles manufactured in 1977 and 1978 and sold under the "Huffy," "J.C. Penney," "Omega" and "Coast King" brand names. Bicycles that may contain pedal cranks subject to breakage can be identified by the following numbers: C2694 C2695 C927-7096 C238OC1 C2381C1 C2131C2 C2141C2 C927-7070 C927-7088 2141Al C927-7112 C218OC1 C927-7120 C2131C1 C2141C1 C927-7104 CZHO-80370 P C8798T 2380A1 2381A1 2131A2 2141A2 2180A1 2180A2 2131Al The numbers are located on the left rear axle plate of the bicycle. Huffy Corp. reported to CPSC approximately 46 incidents involving crank breakage on front-free-wheel-model bicycles. In one incident, it was reported that laceration injuries on head, arm, and leg were sustained by a bicycle rider who fell when the crank broke. Huffy emphasizes that two different types of cranks, which they did not make, were used on the bicycles. All reported breakage incidents have involved only one type of crank. Consumers who have a bicycle purchased before May 22, 1978, that bears one of the affected identification numbers should return it to the store where purchased or an authorized Huffy service center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the crank. For information about the location of authorized Huffy service centers, contact Huffy, P.O. Box 1204, Dayton, Ohio 45401, Attn.: Bicycle Customer Service Department. If consumers cannot contact Huffy, they may call CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800-638-2772. Other models of bicycles manufactured by Huffy have different cranks and are not subject to this recall.

Hazard

Some of the bicycles may contain a pedal crank which could break and result in serious injury to the rider. 

Incidents & Injuries

Huffy Corp. reported to CPSC approximately 46 incidents involving crank breakage on front-free-wheel-model bicycles. In one incident, it was reported that laceration injuries on head, arm, and leg were sustained by a bicycle rider who fell when the crank broke.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who have a bicycle purchased before May 22, 1978, that bears one of the affected identification numbers should return it to the store where purchased or an authorized Huffy service center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the crank.

What Should You Do?

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

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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 (Inspect, Repair) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.

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