CPSC, Astra International and Consumers Union Announce Recall of Glove Compartment Organizer

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #02537) was formally reported on May 8, 2002. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Consumers Union, of Yonkers, NY is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records indicate About 15,000 units are affected.

The documented reason for this recall is: The flashlight can overheat when the batteries are inserted, presenting a possible burn hazard. Also, the tire gauge does not produce accurate measurements when used. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should contact Consumers Union immediately for further information. Those who return the kit to Consumers Union or show they've discarded it will also have their magazine subscription exten… — consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

To put this record in context, PlainRecalls indexes 83,949 recalls across the FDA, CPSC, NHTSA and USDA FSIS going back to 1995. Within the same product category, the database holds 6 closely related recalls. That clustering is a signal — repeated actions in a narrow category often indicate a systemic quality-control issue, a supplier-wide contamination, or a design defect that has propagated across product lines. This recall is roughly 24 years old; older recalls can remain relevant because many units enter resale, rental, and secondary-market channels where the original warning never reaches the end user. Always cross-check the recall number against the official agency page before relying on any summary.