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BMX bicycles bicycle handlebar stem assemblies

CPSC Recall #84-039 - June 11, 1983

Recall Summary

Recall Number84-039
Recall DateJune 11, 1983
Remedy TypeReplace, Repair
Units AffectedApproximately 62,300
ManufacturerMurray Ohio Manufacturing Company, of Brentwood, Tennessee

Product

BMX bicycles bicycle handlebar stem assemblies

Description

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission the Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company of Brentwood, Tennessee, today announces a voluntary replacement program involving bicycle handlebar stem assemblies on approximately 62,300 BMX bicycles manufactured from August, 1982 through May 1983, The situation involves a random stem weld problem which may permit the stems on the affected units to separate from the handlebars allowing the handlebars to fall off the bicycle.Murray Ohio and the Commission have been informed of approximately 48 incidents where handlebars have reportedly become loose or separated from the bicycle. There have been 17 reports of injuries to the rider due to falls possibly associated with the problem stems.This announcement is being issued in conjunction with Murray Ohio's replacement program undertaken during the past twelve months involving several major retail outlets which reported problems of handlebar separation to Murray Ohio. To date over 12,000 stems have been replaced. The purpose of this announcement is to inform consumers who may not already have had their bicycles repaired as to how they may obtain service or replacement parts.Murray Ohio's policy is to replace, free of charge all affected block stems. The following BMX bicycle models are involved in the replacement program:3-5330x213-5330x253-5330x383-5330x473-5330x523-5330x633-5332x253-5622X213-5337x523-5532x63-5430x273-5430x303-5432x473-5432x63-54323-55323-54303-55373-5337 Murray Ohio's engineering analysis indicates that the problem handlebar stems may cause some looseness in the handlebars, usually early in the bicycle's use, prior to separating from the bicycle. However, there have been a few reports where the stem has separated causing the handlebars to fall off without warning.Murray Ohio redesigned the handlebar stem assembly beginning in May, 1983, to eliminate the problem. The Company has also notified its service centers to replace or repair pillow block stems on all BMX bicycles involved which have been brought in for any service or repair.Consumers who have purchased these bicycles may identify their unit by the model number stamped into the metal on the left or right side of the front of the frame. Dates of production can be verified from the identification decal above the pedal crank. Dates on the decal would be 08-82 through 12-82 and 01 through 05-83.Customers having one of these bicycles, who have not already had them repaired, should contact the nearest Murray Ohio Service Center as listed in the Yellow Pages or in the literature received with the unit. A replacement stem will be installed free of charge by the Service Center. For customers having questions, Murray Ohio can be reached on the following Toll Free number: 1-800-251-9991.Additional information may also be obtained by calling the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Toll Free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.

Hazard

The situation involves a random stem weld problem which may permit the stems on the affected units to separate from the handlebars allowing the handlebars to fall off the bicycle.

Incidents & Injuries

Murray Ohio and the Commission have been informed of approximately 48 incidents where handlebars have reportedly become loose or separated from the bicycle. There have been 17 reports of injuries to the rider due to falls possibly associated with the problem stems.

Remedy Instructions

Murray Ohio's policy is to replace, free of charge all affected block stems. Customers having one of these bicycles, who have not already had them repaired, should contact the nearest Murray Ohio Service Center as listed in the Yellow Pages or in the literature received with the unit. A replacement stem will be installed free of charge by the Service Center. 

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.

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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 (Replace, Repair) at no cost to you.

Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.

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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