A product recall is triggered by incidents where people are harmed. The recall process is started when a manufacturer requests that consumers take action on a product (return it, schedule maintenance) due to a potential hazard. A product recall is often made after several accidents have occurred and a pattern begins to emerge that suggests the product is defective, or that a part of the product is not functioning as intended. Basically, if a manufacturer believes the product may bring harm to consumers, they will issue a recall. Unfortunately, this is often realized after consumers have been injured as a result of the defective product.

• How do I find recalls on my vehicle? You can search vehicle recalls by using your VIN. There are several options online from the NHTSA.
• Where can I find my VIN? You VIN is likely located on a sticker on the driver’s side door, in front of the engine block, underneath the spare tire, or the lower left-hand side of the dashboard. You can find your VIN without the car by checking your title, owner’s manual, insurance documents, and/or vehicle sales information from the dealership. Your VIN is 17 digits.
• How do I report a defective product? Consumers play a major role in helping to identify dangerous products on the market. A recall is announced after reports of incidents are reviewed. To report a defective product file an online report. We encourage everyone to report a product that has failed, regardless of if it resulted in an injury.

Recalled Product List

Any product, food, or medicine can be recalled. One of the most common types of recalls that requires consumer action is automobile recalls. A part of your vehicle, like the airbag, lug nut, or electric wiring, can be defective, which increases the risk of accidents like rollovers, fires, or tire blowouts. Sometimes a small part of a vehicle, like the plastic part of the moorings, or the locking mechanism of a tailgate are deemed defective.

You can view a complete list of recalls, or see the most recent recalls by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compiles a list of recent drug recalls.

Some recent noteworthy recalls include:

• Porsche Recalls 100,000 Vehicles Over Rollaway Concerns
• Audi Recalls 265,000 Vehicles to Fix Airbag, Wheel Trim
• Mazda3 Recalled for Loose Lug Nuts
• Tattoo Inks Recalled, Contaminated with Microorganisms
• Twelve Million Pounds of Tyson Chicken Strips Recalled Due to Metal Shards
• FDA Order Transvaginal Surgical Mesh Pulled from Market
• Fisher-Price Recalls 4.7 Million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers Linked to Infant Deaths

(Last updated: 08/05/2019)

Reasons Products are Recalled

We use the term “product recall” in a broad sense. There are millions of products on the market and millions of ways those products can cause harm to the consumers who use them every day.

• A product can be recalled because a part (or the entire product) is not working as intended. For example, a plastic piece melts in high heat, the blade rusts, and chips off, or the product breaks during normal use.
• When the warning or labels on the product are not clear, it can trigger a recall. For example, food labeled vegan when it is not (misbranding), or a common allergen is not listed on the ingredients list (undeclared allergens).
• A manufacturer error could result in a product recall. For example, the product was improperly designed, or the wrong materials were used.
• Food recalls are often a result of contamination, most commonly E.coli.

Filing a Claim for an Injury Related to a Recalled Product

You have legal options if any product caused you or a loved one harm. The product doesn’t have to be recalled to have a products liability or defective product claim. At Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman, we review each of our cases as if it were a product liability case. For example, if you get into an accident because your tire tread separated, our team won’t just address the accident, but inspect the tires to determine if a faulty part – or improper maintenance from a mechanic – played a role in the tire separation.

Common products that fail to function as intended and cause injuries include:

• Automobile parts (airbags, seatbelts, headrests, tires, etc.)
• Pharmaceuticals (medicines, vaccines, baby medications, etc.)
• Children’s toys and supplies (car seats, strollers, baby carriers, etc.)
• Exercise equipment
• Industrial equipment (tractors, lawnmowers, machinery, etc.)
• ATVs, boats, RVs, and motorcycles
• Food
• Cosmetics
• Veterinary products (pet food, collars, toys, etc.)
• Home goods (chairs, appliances, smoke alarms, computer accessories, etc.)

Common injuries and accidents that happen as a result of defective products include:

• Choking or suffocation
• Drowning
• Burn injuries
• Fall injuries
• Poisoning
• Lacerations

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers a product recall, and why are they initiated?
A product recall is typically initiated when a manufacturer determines that a product poses a potential hazard to consumers, often after incidents where people have been harmed. This can occur due to defects or malfunctions that may endanger users.

How can I check for recalls on my vehicle?
You can search for vehicle recalls using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Several online resources provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allow you to check for recalls based on your VIN.

Where can I find my VIN, and why is it important?
Your VIN is typically located on a sticker on the driver’s side door, in front of the engine block, underneath the spare tire, or on the lower left-hand side of the dashboard. It’s crucial for identifying your vehicle and checking for recalls to ensure its safety.

How can consumers report a defective product?
Consumers play a vital role in identifying dangerous products by reporting incidents. Online reporting tools are available to submit reports of defective products, regardless of whether they resulted in injury. Reporting helps facilitate recalls and protect others from harm.

What types of products are commonly recalled?
Any product, including automobiles, food, medicines, toys, and household goods, can be subject to recalls. Common reasons for recalls include defects, mislabeling, contamination, or improper design or manufacturing.

What are some recent noteworthy recalls?
Recent recalls include those involving vehicles (such as Porsche and Audi), food products (like Tyson chicken strips), pharmaceuticals (such as Transvaginal Surgical Mesh), and consumer goods (like Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleepers).

Why are products recalled, and what are the main reasons for recalls?
Products may be recalled due to defects, malfunctions, unclear labeling, misbranding, contamination, or manufacturing errors. These issues can pose risks to consumer safety and warrant corrective action.

What legal options are available if a recalled product causes injury?
Individuals injured by defective products may have legal recourse through product liability claims. These claims hold manufacturers accountable for injuries caused by their products, even if the product has not been formally recalled.

What are common injuries resulting from defective products?
Injuries resulting from defective products can vary widely and may include choking, drowning, burns, falls, poisoning, or lacerations. These injuries can have serious consequences and may warrant legal action.

Schedule a FREE Consultation Today with Our Florida Product Recall Lawyers

Defective products can cause severe injury or illness to users who are affected. Often, these incidents are a direct result of corporate negligence. Manufacturers who endanger consumers by pushing out unsafe products are responsible, and our Florida product recall lawyers are prepared to hold them accountable.