Breaking News Alert

We provide these breaking news alerts to ensure consumers are protected and educated in hopes that this information will keep you safe and aware of threats to your families' well-being. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announce new Recalls & Alerts:

Toyota Steers into another Recall  Toyota has issued a recall of approximately 52,000 vehicles manufactured from January 28, 2000 through May 30, 2003 due to a steering linkage defect.  Certain 2001-2003 Prius cars may contain a defect that causes the steering linkage to loosen which can affect the power steering control while the vehicle is in operation, and increase the risk of a crash.  The recall is expected to begin in July 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Toyota directly at 1-800-331-4331. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V304000. Volvo Fuel Pump Recall Volvo has issued a recall of approximately 7,500 vehicles manufactured from November 18, 2010 - May 5, 2011 due to a fuel pump defect.  The software for the fuel pump units in certain 2012 S60 cars may not be compatible with all fuel pumps and components, resulting in insufficient fuel transfer leading to possible engine hesitation or stalling.  The recall is expected to begin on or about June 17, 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Volvo directly at 1-201-768-7300. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V303000. KTM Motorcycle Handling Recall  KTM has issued a recall of approximately 1,200 motorcycles manufactured from November 2009 - November 23, 2010 due to a steering wheel and handle bar defect.  The handlebars in certain 2010 and 2011 motorcycles may have received improper heat treatment, which can cause the clamps to crack, creating unexpected handlebar movement.  If this occurs, a rider can lose control of the bike increasing the risk of injury.  The recall is expected to begin in June 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact KTM directly at 1-888-985-6090. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V300000. Zero Motorcycle Brake Recall Zero Motorcycles has issued a recalled of approximately 160 bikes due to a defect affecting the front brake caliper bracket.  Affected models are:  2009 Zero S Motorcycles built From September 2, 2009 through December 22, 2009; 2009 Zero Ds Motorcycles built from July 27, 2009 through December 28, 2009; 2010 Zero S Motorcycles built from February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011; and 2010 Zero Ds Motorcycles built from January 20, 2010 through March 31, 2011. The front brake caliper bracket of certain bikes may experience permanent deformation when subjected to high braking loads. This condition could induce misalignment of the front brake pads with respect to the front brake rotor. Misalignment of the brake pads in relation to the rotor may cause reduced front braking performance, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death of the rider. The recall is expected to begin on or before May 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles directly at 1-888-786-9376 ext. 45. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V282000. Owners are encouraged to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov, with any questions or concerns surrounding these or any other recalls or safety campaigns. Bicycle Helmets Recall for Head Injury Hazard The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of approximately 31,000 Full-face bicycle helmets imported by Bell Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif.  The plastic buckle that connects the chin straps can fail, causing the helmet to come off the wearer's head posing a head injury in the event of a fall. This recall involves Bell Exodus full-face helmets which were sold at Walmart stores nationwide and on Amazon.com between August 2009 and March 2011 for $50-$60.  Click here for model and description details.  Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact Bell Sports for a replacement or refund.  For additional information call Bell Sports toll-free at (866) 892-6059 or visit the firm's website at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nuagrkfab&et=1105867065768&s=0&e=001tk_im74QKG_eFuriVSjytagOOW9AtFJ99ZNotFy1JzWzWY20TEDi11AgFORruh3Xt9GLy4Zx-lgKV51UgNMUEicJrGWne5mhjIcKVv6KfDU=. Gripper ShakerRecall for Laceration and Choking Hazard The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of approximately 9,400 Gripper Shaker musical instruments imported by Woodstock Percussion Inc. due to a laceration hazard.  The handle can detach from the shaker, exposing a rough edge exposing small steel pellets and a plastic plug which can also pose a choking hazard. The shakers are plastic musical instruments with rounded, egg-shaped tops containing steel pellets and open circular handles.  They were sold through mail-order catalogs, websites and retail stores nationwide between August 2010 and March 2011 for about $5. Click here for model and description details.  Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Woodstock Percussion Inc. to receive a $7 refund.  Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Woodstock Percussion, Inc. toll free at (866) 543-2848 anytime, or visit the website at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nuagrkfab&et=1105867065768&s=0&e=001tk_im74QKG_eFuriVSjytagOOW9AtFJ99ZNotFy1JzWzWY20TEDi11AgFORruh3Xt9GLy4Zx-lhFyzT1SWjPR9d_f5aAFkBXLS1N4pxvQ4lTRp3l6ZmMDw== To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. Consumers are encouraged to obtain more details on recalls and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nuagrkfab&et=1105867065768&s=0&e=001tk_im74QKG_eFuriVSjytagOOW9AtFJ99ZNotFy1JzWzWY20TEDi11AgFORruh3Xt9GLy4Zx-ljkw_Qe3_T3a35zHTpAIm-z.