Replacement Of "On" Switch Offered For Big Wheel Battery-Operated Riding Toy
USReplacement Of "On" Switch Offered For Big Wheel Battery-Operated Riding Toy
Recalling Firm: Empire of Carolina, Kawasaki
Reason for Recall / Hazard
TranslatedBurn - Not Fire-Related, Vehicle Accident
Product Description & Identification
TranslatedJune 27, 1989 Release # 89-061 Replacement Of "On" Switch Offered For Big Wheel Battery-Operated Riding Toy WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Empire of Carolina, Inc., Tarboro, North Carolina is offering to replace the "ON" switch for approximately 39,000 battery-operated, Big Wheel-ride-on toys sold nationwide from 1986 through 1988. The "ON" switch can overheat and may burn a child's hand or may become stuck causing loss of control of the riding toy.Empire and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are aware of five instances in which the switch overheated or burned out, and one incident in which the switch stuck in the "ON" position and the operator was unable to stop the riding toy. Two of the incidents involved minor burns from contact with the overheated switch.Battery-operated, Big Wheel toys by Empire are three-wheel, ride-on toys which come in several models: Kawasaki KLT 250 Prairie Big Wheel (item numbers 1215, 1220, and 1223) and Sweet- Tee-Nuff Big Wheel-(item number 1221). All models are decorated with decals which read either "Kawasaki" or "Sweet-Tee- Nuff." The models are also marked by decals which read "Electric Rechargeable." NOTE: Kawasaki permits the use of its name, but is not the manufacturer of the product.The "ON" switch of the riding toy is located on the handlebar and is pushed down to drive the toy. The toy should stop when the push button is released. The riding toy can travel up to five mph.Consumers should immediately discontinue using the battery- operated Big Wheel riding toy until the switch is replaced. Empire of Carolina will send a new switch and handlebar free of charge to all owners. This repair is necessary even for a previously replaced switch. owners should call Empire of Carolina toll-free at 1-800-334-5666. In North Carolina, owners should call collect: 919-823-4111. owners should have the model name and number of their toy ready when calling. Owners may also write for their new switch to: EMPIRE CAMPAIGN, c/o Empire of Carolina, Inc., P.O. Box 427, Daniel Street Extension, Tarboro, North Carolina 27886
Affected Products
TranslatedKawasaki Big Wheel battery-operated ride-on toys; Sweet-Tee-Nuff, Prairie Big Wheel battery-operated ride-on toys
Additional Source Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1989/Replacement-Of-On-Switch-Offered-For-Big-Wheel-Battery-Operated-Riding-Toy |
| Title | Replacement Of "On" Switch Offered For Big Wheel Battery-Operated Riding Toy |
| Hazards › 1 › Name | Burn - Not Fire-Related |
| Hazards › 2 › Name | Vehicle Accident |
| Products › 1 › Name | Kawasaki Big Wheel battery-operated ride-on toys |
| Products › 2 › Name | Sweet-Tee-Nuff, Prairie Big Wheel battery-operated ride-on toys |
| Products › 2 › Type | Toy Ride-on |
| Products › 2 › Category I D | 2203 |
| Recall I D | 4850 |
| Recall Date | 1989-06-27T00:00:00 |
| Description | June 27, 1989 Release # 89-061 Replacement Of "On" Switch Offered For Big Wheel Battery-Operated Riding Toy WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Empire of Carolina, Inc., Tarboro, North Carolina is offering to replace the "ON" switch for approximately 39,000 battery-operated, Big Wheel-ride-on toys sold nationwide from 1986 through 1988. The "ON" switch can overheat and may burn a child's hand or may become stuck causing loss of control of the riding toy.Empire and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are aware of five instances in which the switch overheated or burned out, and one incident in which the switch stuck in the "ON" position and the operator was unable to stop the riding toy. Two of the incidents involved minor burns from contact with the overheated switch.Battery-operated, Big Wheel toys by Empire are three-wheel, ride-on toys which come in several models: Kawasaki KLT 250 Prairie Big Wheel (item numbers 1215, 1220, and 1223) and Sweet- Tee-Nuff Big Wheel-(item number 1221). All models are decorated with decals which read either "Kawasaki" or "Sweet-Tee- Nuff." The models are also marked by decals which read "Electric Rechargeable." NOTE: Kawasaki permits the use of its name, but is not the manufacturer of the product.The "ON" switch of the riding toy is located on the handlebar and is pushed down to drive the toy. The toy should stop when the push button is released. The riding toy can travel up to five mph.Consumers should immediately discontinue using the battery- operated Big Wheel riding toy until the switch is replaced. Empire of Carolina will send a new switch and handlebar free of charge to all owners. This repair is necessary even for a previously replaced switch. owners should call Empire of Carolina toll-free at 1-800-334-5666. In North Carolina, owners should call collect: 919-823-4111. owners should have the model name and number of their toy ready when calling. Owners may also write for their new switch to: EMPIRE CAMPAIGN, c/o Empire of Carolina, Inc., P.O. Box 427, Daniel Street Extension, Tarboro, North Carolina 27886 |
| Recall Number | 89061 |
| Manufacturers › 1 › Name | Empire of Carolina |
| Manufacturers › 2 › Name | Kawasaki |
| Last Publish Date | 2015-01-09T00:00:00 |
Consumer Action Protocol: What You Should Do Immediately
Safety StepsCheck the model number, serial number, and date stamp on the rating label on the back or underside of the product.
Immediately discontinue using the product. Unplug electrical items and keep juvenile items out of reach of children.
Under statutory consumer protection rules, consumers are entitled to a full refund, certified replacement, or free repair kit without needing the original sales receipt.
If you suffered an injury, illness, or property damage from this product, file an official incident report with regulatory authorities (CPSC).
Your Legal Rights as a Consumer
Recalls are legally binding corrective safety actions overseen by statutory government bodies. Recalling entities are legally prohibited from charging consumers for official safety remedies. If a retailer or dealership refuses your recall remedy, notify the issuing regulatory agency immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recall
FAQ GuideQ1:What should I do immediately if I own or bought Replacement Of "On" Switch Offered For Big Wheel Battery-Operated Riding Toy?
Immediately stop using the product and keep it out of reach of children. Disconnect power if electrical, and do not attempt makeshift home repairs.
Q2:Can I get a full refund or free repair for this recall?
Yes. Recalling manufacturers and retail merchants are required under consumer protection regulations to offer a statutory remedy—typically a full refund, certified repair kit, or replacement unit.
Q3:Do I need my original sales receipt to claim a remedy or refund?
In most recall cases, no receipt is required. Because safety recalls are matters of public health and statutory compliance, retailers and manufacturers routinely issue refunds, store credit, or replacement kits upon presentation of the affected product or lot code.
Q4:Where can I verify official information for this safety alert?
This safety alert is aggregated directly from official regulatory agency records (CPSC). You can click the 'Official Agency Alert' link on this page to view the primary government notice and contact the manufacturer directly.
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Overview
- Recalling FirmEmpire of Carolina, Kawasaki
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