Soft Walkin' Wheels (model 90165) toy vehicles

CPSC Recall #97-064 — January 28, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-064
Recall DateJanuary 28, 1997
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedAbout 1 million

Where It Was Sold

Major toy stores and mass merchandise outlets nationwide sold these toys beginning in January 1994 for about $15.

Product

Soft Walkin' Wheels (model 90165) toy vehicles

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tonka Corporation, a division of Hasbro Inc. of Pawtucket, R.I., is voluntarily recalling about 1 million Soft Walkin' Wheels (model 90165) toy vehicles, with serial numbers lower than 9528 or no serial number at all. The small wheel hubs can separate from the axle, creating a potential choking hazard.Tonka has received about 40 reports of wheel hubs separating from the axle, including two reports of children starting to choke. No injuries have been reported.Soft Walkin' Wheels are battery-powered, soft toy vehicles designed to move across floors in the home. They are covered in brightly colored nylon fabric and are available in five styles: dump truck, school bus, airplane, train, and fire truck. Soft Walkin' Wheels included in this recall have serial numbers lower than 9528 or do not have a visible serial number. The numbers are printed in blue ink on the sewn-in label that displays the toy's cleaning instructions, brand name, and model number.Major toy stores and mass merchandise outlets nationwide sold these toys beginning in January 1994 for about $15.Consumers should take these recalled toys away from children immediately. To receive a free replacement, consumers may call Tonka at 1 (800) 327-8264. Consumers may also return the toys to the store where purchased for a free replacement or full refund.Soft Walkin' Wheels (model 90165) with serial numbers 9528 and above; the Soft Walkin' Wheels Dalmatian, Dinosaur, or Pig; Soft Walkin' Tuggers; Soft Squeeze 'n Shine; and Soft Shakin' Wheels are not being recalled.

Hazard

The small wheel hubs can separate from the axle, creating a potential choking hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Tonka has received about 40 reports of wheel hubs separating from the axle, including two reports of children starting to choke. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take these recalled toys away from children immediately. To receive a free replacement, consumers may call Tonka at 1 (800) 327-8264. Consumers may also return the toys to the store where purchased for a free replacement or full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, 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 (Refund, Replace) at no cost to you.

Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside — if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.

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.