Lil Steeler Strollers

CPSC Recall #86008 - February 18, 1986

Recall Summary

Recall Number86008
Recall DateFebruary 18, 1986
Remedy TypeNo Remedy Available
Units AffectedApproximately 625,000

Product

Lil Steeler Strollers

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hedstrom Company of Bedford, Pennsylvania, announced a voluntary repair program affecting approximately 625,000 strollers manufactured between 1975 and September, 1982. The strollers which were distributed nationwide are being repaired because, in the event the stroller unexpectedly folds up, it is possible for a child to be injured by placing a finger into the hinge area of each side of the stroller. The Commission is aware of at least 14 incidents where the strollers have collapsed while in use. These incidents have resulted in at least 6 finger amputations and 8 other serious injuries to children after fingers were caught in the stroller's side hinge area. To eliminate the potential for injury, stop using the product immediately. Only the Li'l Steeler Strollers containing model numbers on the attached list were affected by this repair program. The model number can be found on the identification label attached to the frame of the stroller. If the label is removed, consumers can identify affected strollers by looking for the "Hedstrom" name sewn into the safety strap. The firm is out of business and the repair program is no longer available. The Commission advises parents to discard or destroy this product. Parents are also reminded never to fold or unfold this type of stroller with the child seated in or touching the frame of the stroller.   8-040 8-0508 8-0504 8-053 8-054 8-055 8-056 8-057 8-058 8-059 8-140 8-142 8-1423 8-150 8-1504 8-151 8-1511 8-1512 8-153 8-154 8-155 8-156 8-158 8-1581 8-159 8-243 8-2501 8-2502 8-251 8-2512 8-2514 8-252 8-2522 8-253 8-254 8-256 8-257 8-258 8-259 8-506 8-508 8-509 8-603 8-604 8-605 8-606 8-607 11-608 8-609 8-610 11-701 8-702 8-7021 8-703 8-7032 8-704 8-7042 8-707 8-708 8-7081 8-709 8-7092 8-710 8-7102 8-801 8-8014 8-802 8-8022 8-8027 8-8028 8-803 8-804 8-8045 8-805 8-8053 8-806 8-8067 8-807 8-8073 8-808 8-8085 8-809 8-810 8-8148 8-852 8-940 8-942 8-9422 8-9423 8-9427 8-943 8-9437 8-944 8-9443 8-945 8-950 8-9501 8-9502 8-9503 8-9504 8-9505 8-9506 8-9508 8-951 8-953 8-954 8-955 8-957 8-958 8-959 11-303 11-303

Hazard

The stroller unexpectedly folds up, it is possible for a child to be injured by placing a finger into the hinge area of each side of the stroller.

Incidents & Injuries

 The Commission is aware of at least 14 incidents where the strollers have collapsed while in use. These incidents have resulted in at least 6 finger amputations and 8 other serious injuries to children after fingers were caught in the stroller's side hinge area.

Remedy Instructions

The firm is out of business and the repair program is no longer available. The Commission advises parents to discard or destroy this product.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a No Remedy Available 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 (No Remedy Available) 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.