Recall: Mini Audio Systems Repair/Recall by AIWA America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 1998 Release # 98-158

Company Phone Number: (888) 619-9353 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052 AIWA Contact: Terry Shea, (212) 481-3456

CPSC, AIWA America Announce Recall to Repair Mini Audio Systems

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), AIWA America Inc., of Mahwah, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 200,000 mini home audio systems for repair. Approximately 108,000 units remain with consumers. The units could contain a faulty transistor that can cause the unit to smoke, presenting a fire hazard to consumers.

CPSC and AIWA America have received 100 reports of units smoking or emitting a burning odor and 3 reports of units catching on fire. No injuries were reported. The AIWA mini home audio systems subject to this recall have model number CX-NA303U on the back of the unit. The systems are silver and include a combination radio, tape and CD player, and speakers with black cloth grills. The CX-NA303U unit measures about 10 inches wide, 12 inches high and 13 inches long.

Electronics, department and discount stores nationwide sold the systems from March 1998 through July 1998 for about $200 to $250.

Consumers should stop using the systems immediately and call AIWA America toll-free at (888) 619-9353 between 6 a.m. and midnight EDT seven days a week for instructions on returning the systems for free repair. Alternatively, consumers can write to: AIWA America Inc., 800 Corporate Dr., Mahwah NJ 07430. AIWA America will make all necessary repairs, and return the systems to consumers with a complimentary headphone stereo.

Units not involved in this recall can be identified by a red and white "A" on the back of the unit. No other AIWA audio or video products are involved in this recall.

Model Location on Back of Unit.