It seems like product recalls are in the news constantly these days. In 2008, there were 563 products recalled and the previous year, dubbed the year of the recall, saw 473 recalled products.
Obviously, the problem isn’t going away, and to make matters worse, most of these products remain in the home or end up being sold as a second-hand product. Only a small percentage is ever returned.
So what do you do with a product once it is recalled? You are actually entitled to a refund, exchange, or a repair kit, depending on the problem with the product and the manufacturer’s solution to the recall.
If your product is recalled, check the manufacturer’s Web site, or go to the recalls page of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Web site to see the press release. On the release you can find out what the fix is for the product.
Sometimes there is a replacement part and other times you are entitled to a full refund. The CPSC will list all of the phone numbers and Web sites you need in order to make your call. In the event of a refund, often it is as simple as returning it to the store.
If the recalled item was a child restraint seat, you can check the manufacturer’s Web site or go to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Web site and check the recalls page. This page lists all the car seats that have been recalled since 1990. Again, you will either be entitled to a new car seat, a refund, or a repair kit to fix the problem.
If you are unsure as to whether a product was recalled and to stay on top of daily recalls you can sign up for the CPSC recall alert or check the Consumer Reports safety blog.
In any event, don’t pass on a dangerous toy or product—it could end up injuring or perhaps even killing someone. Be sure to return or exchange it and keep it out of your home and vehicle, and out of the hands of you and your family.
