Recall: "Probe VI" Battery-Powered Riding Toy Repair by Hedstrom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Originally issued December 2, 1987, Revised October 22, 2004
Release # 87-078

Hedstrom Offers Fuse Protector Kit For "Probe VI" Battery-Powered Riding Toy

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hedstrom Corporation, Bedford, Pennsylvania, voluntarily repaired the wiring harness in approximately 30,000 Hedstrom Probe VI battery-powered riding toys manufactured prior to June 1985 without fuses. The Commission and Hedstrom are aware of eight reported incidents in which these vehicles have caught fire. One of these incidents resulted in a serious fire in a mobile home. Fire can occur either while the toy is being stored or while it is being ridden by a child.

The Probe VI is a 6-wheeled, 2-speed toy all terrain vehicle with two motors powered by two 6-volt gel-type lead acid batteries. A separate charger is supplied with each vehicle. The manufacturer recommends this toy for children from 3 to 7 years of age. Probe VI toys without fuses were manufactured from 1983 to June 1985 and distributed nationally.

The affected units can be identified by the model identification label located on the front underside of the plastic body (see attached diagram). Hedstrom began using wiring harnesses with fuses at the batteries in June 1985. Units with fuses are not affected. Models affected are: 67-3890, 67-3891, 67-3892, 67-38921, 67-3893 and 67-38931 with dates of manufacture prior to June 1985, as shown on the model identification label.

Consumers should stop using the vehicles immediately and discard or destroy the product. The firm is out of business and the repair program is no longer available.