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:

Cadillac Side Roof Rail Airbag Defect

General Motors has issued a recall of approximately 47,000 Cadillac vehicles due to non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 regarding "Occupant Crash Protection." Certain 2011 SRX vehicles may contain a defect that causes the right side roof-rail airbag to turn off if a sensor determines that the front passenger seat is unoccupied. In the event of an accident, the right rear occupant may not be protected, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

The recall is expected to begin on June 17, 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge. Owners may contact Cadillac directly at 1-866-982-2339 and reference GM'S recall number 11162. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V308000.

Honda VT 750 Motorcycle Defect

Honda has issued a recall of approximately 3,000 motorcycles produced from June 25, 2009 - March 28, 2011 due to a defect in the electrical system. The bank angle sensor in certain 2010 and 2011 VT750 bikes may be incorrectly manufactured creating the possibility of an erroneous reading which can cause the engine to stall and increase the risk of crash.

The recall is expected to begin on or around June 20, 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge. Owners may contact Honda directly at 1-866-784-1870 and reference Honda's safety recall number R80. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V310000.


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.
American Girl Jewelry Kit Recalled for Excess Lead Levels
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of approximately 75,000 American Girl Crafts Pearly Beads & Ribbon Bracelets kit. The surface coating on some of the beads contains excessive levels of lead, which is prohibited under federal law.

The recalled kit is identified by SKU number 30-585331, located on the back of the package in the lower right corner. The jewelry kit contains 56 pieces including pink, blue, orange and white beads, and various colored ribbons. Some pink beads have darker pink butterflies imprinted on them. The kits were sold at Michaels Stores and other retailers nationwide from September 2009 through June 2011 for about $8.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled kits and any finished bracelets made from the kits away from children and contact the company for a full refund. For additional information, contact EKSuccess Brands toll-free at (855) 535-2099 or visit the firm's website at www.eksuccessbrands.com

Toy Helicopters Recalled for Laceration Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of approximately 24,000 toy Military Copters, manufactured in China. The plastic blades of the helicopter can detach during operation, posing a laceration hazard.

The recalled toy Military Copters are have model #9009935 and UPC number 680108044474 printed on the back of the package near the bar code. These toys were sold exclusively at Rite Aid Corporation stores nationwide from January 2011 through May 2011 for about $7.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled helicopters away from children and return the product to any Rite Aid store for a full refund. For additional information, contact Excite USA toll free at (866) 791-4754 or visit the firm's website at www.Excite-Limited.com

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 www.cpsc.gov.

- Spencer Kuvin
Cohen & Kuvin, LLC
http://www.cohenkuvin.com/

Breaking News Alert

Kia Fuel Tank Strap Failure Recall


Kia has issued a recall of approximately 58,000 Spectra LD vehicles manufactured from November 7, 2003 through March 6, 2007. Certain 2004-2007 vehicles sold or registered in cold weather states are most susceptible to the defect, caused by road salt corroding the fuel tank straps. Prolonged exposure to the salt may disintegrate the straps holding the fuel tank causing it to ultimately strike the ground, posing a possible fuel leak and a serious fire hazard.

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 Kia directly at 1-800-333-4542 and reference Kia's safety recall No. SC090. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V256000.

Hyundai Tuscon Recall

Hyundai has issued a recall of approximately 7,800 Tucson vehicles manufactured from February 27, 2010 through April 17, 2010. Certain 2010 Tuscon vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.108 which addresses photometry requirements of the rear reflector assemblies in the rear bumpers. The defect can lead to reduced visibility and increase the risk of crash.

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 Hyandai directly at 1-800-633-5151. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V259000.

Kia Sorento Recall

Kia has issued a recall of approximately 12,000 Sorento 2 WD vehicles with automatic transmissions due to a defect affecting the drive shaft. The intermediate shaft of certain 2011 vehicles may suffer excessive wear due to a misalignment with the right side output gear. Driving the car under these conditions may cause damage to the transmission over time, and lead to loss of power and increased risk of crash.

The recall is expected to begin in May 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge. Owners may contact Kia directly at 1-800-333-4542 and reference Kia's safety recall No. SC089. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V258000.

Ducati Steering Lock Recall

Ducati has issued a recall of approximately 1,000 motorcycles for a defect that may prevent the steering lock from disengaging when the motorcycle is keyed on. Certain 2010-2011 Multistrada 1200 and 2011 Diavel bikes may contain a malfunction, which can cause the steering to remain in a locked position as the rider attempts to operate the bike, decreasing rider control and increasing the risk of injury.

The recall is expected to begin in May 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge. Owners may contact Ducati directly at 1-800-231-6696. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V253000.


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.

Spencer T. Kuvin
Cohen & Kuvin
stk@cohenkuvin.com
561-665-8020

GM Recalls More Cars

General Motors (GM) is recalling approximately 207,000 certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook vehicles. The second row seat side trip shield restricts the upward rotation of the safety belt buckle when the seat back is returned to a seating position after being folded flat. If the buckle contacts the seat frame, additional effort is required to return the seat to a seating position. If sufficient force is applied, the buckle cover could be pushed down on the strap, exposing and partially depressing the red release button. As a result the safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, thus increasing the risk of injury or death to the occupant.

Dealers will modify the second row seat side trip shields. If a safety belt buckle is damaged, dealers will replace it free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before August 31, 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Buick at 1-866-608-8080; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; and Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.

GM’s Recall Number is N100243. 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 this or any other recall or safety campaign.

Spencer T. Kuvin
Cohen & Kuvin, LLC
stk@cohenkuvin.com