There was a record-breaking number of recalls in 2022, spanning various products from food to cars. Some may see the uptick as a cause for worry, but it’s good news for consumers. Recalls are better than people getting injured or dying from unsafe products. Thanks to more advanced technology, there are faster prediction and better safety practices across various industries.
There were more than a billion recalls last year, with most of the products containing harmful ingredients or having risky designs. If you’re wondering which products failed to meet the safety standard, here’s a rundown of the top recalls in 2022.
Clarks’ Shoes
Clarks’ line of Breeze shoes was supposedly designed for taking relaxing strolls along the beach. But now, you can’t wear them anywhere because the company recalled them for containing harmful chemicals. Prolonged contact with the top material can expose wearers to benzidine or dimethoxybenzidine, toxic substances that can cause adverse effects. Five styles and three colorways of Breeze shoes are part of the recall. Those who have purchased any of these should return them to Clarks for a refund.
GE Refrigerators
Refrigerators may seem like harmless appliances. However, GE had to recall six models because of their loose handles. The multinational company received over 70 complaints of refrigerator doors detaching, resulting in severe falls and injuries. As a remedy, GE arranged home visits and repairs for affected customers. The recalled models were from 2020 and 2021, so it’s best to check the model you have at home and see if the handle needs tightening or repairing.
Hyundai Automobiles
Seatbelts are drivers’ and passengers’ first line of protection against dangers on the road. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for thousands of recalled Hyundai vehicles. There were three cases of seatbelt pretensioners exploding, causing metal fragments to injure the users inside the car. Hyundai Accents from 2019 to 2022, Elantras from 2021 to 2023, and Elantra hybrids from 2021 to 2022 are all part of the recall. Owners of these models have to go back to their dealerships to have their seatbelt pretensioners modified.
Nissan Automobiles
Another shocking recall in the automobile world was for Nissan’s Frontier and Titan models from 2020 to 2023. Owners of these pickup truck models received a notice from Nissan last year saying they had to recall their vehicles because of a design issue. Even when parked, they could unexpectedly roll away and cause accidents. That wasn’t the only recall from Nissan, though. Nissan also had to take back some SUVs because the cars’ hoods would open without warning.
Insignia Air Fryers
Air fryers are soaring in popularity for their easy-to-use features, but those from Insignia did more harm than good in 2022. There were 68 reports of Insignia analog and digital air fryers melting or catching on fire, causing the company to recall the problematic models. People who purchased them had to stop using their units immediately and return them. They either got a $50 store credit or a full refund if they provided proof of purchase.
Fitbit Ionic Smartwatches
Fitbit stopped producing the Ionic model in 2020, but decided to bring it back in 2021. It might not have been the best move because 78 people complained of its lithium-ion battery overheating. Fitbit recalled the model, urging users to return it for a 40% discount on other Fitbit models on top of a $299 refund. There were a million recalled models in the US and an additional 693,000 internationally.
Horizon Treadmills
The Horizon Fitness treadmill, manufactured in Vietnam and China, was recalled last year because of its erratic performance. It would change speeds without warning or stop abruptly, causing bruises, scrapes, and even broken bones. There were a whopping 874 incidents with 71 cases of injury. If you own the T101-5 model, contact Horizon to receive a free software update to address the issues.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let the billions of product recalls in 2022 alarm you. It means new laws and technological advancements are in place to protect us from dangerous products. For more information, contact Friedman Law Offices at +1 800-876-1093.