Last week, Chrysler agreed to recall an estimated 2.7 million older Jeep SUV models due to an alleged defect in the vehicles’ fuel tanks that are located behind the rear axle. According to the NHTSA, the defect caused 51 deaths. This week, another product associated with the Jeep brand is facing a recall, the Today Show reports in a blog. Kolcraft, a manufacturer of baby products, is voluntarily recalling approximately 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the tires on the three-wheeled strollers have inner tubes that can rupture and cause the wheel rim to crack and fly off as a projectile. The CPSC and Kolcraft have received approximately 39 reports of the inner tires rupturing. Many of these incidents are reported as having occurred when the tires were being inflated. At least 18 people have been injured by the ruptured tires, including two children who were standing near the strollers. The flying parts caused cuts and abrasions to various parts of the bodies of those injured. There were also two reported incidents of property damage.
The recalled strollers, which were manufactured in China and priced between $150 and $180, were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Sears, Toys ‘R Us, online, and at specialty stores for children from June 2010 through June 2013. The “Jeep” logo is printed on the side of the stroller and on the front of the stroller tray, and the model numbers are printed on a white tag on the rear upper center of each seatback pad. The model numbers begin with JL031, JL032, JL034, JL035, and JL036.
Kolcraft urges owners of the affected stroller models to stop using the products immediately and to contact the company for replacement wheels. The CPSC also reminds consumers to always use a manual bike pump, and not a gas station air pump, to inflate stroller tires. Tires should be inflated to a maximum of 30 p.s.i.
Consumers can contact Kolcraft by phone at (800) 453-7673 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.