CPSC recall 00-176, announced August 31, 2000, covers Empire Industries "Power Drivers" and "Buddy L" battery-powered children's riding vehicles (about 113,000 units). The vehicles' battery chargers can overheat, presenting fire and injury hazards to children. The notice cites 100 incident reports. Consumers should stop using the vehicles immediately. Recall contact: call 800-638-2772 or 301-595-7054.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Which products are included?
The recalled battery-powered children's riding vehicles were marketed as "Power Drivers" or "Buddy L" and are powered by two 6-volt batteries, and were manufactured from July 1995 to December 1996. The vehicles are made of plastic and were sold under the following model names: Go-Kart, Beach Splash, Sun Dream, Trail Tracker, Rescue Patrol, and Chevy Z-71 Pick-Up Truck. The model name "Power Drivers" or "Buddy L" appear on each vehicle. The company will help consumers identify if their model is part of the recall. Power Driver vehicles are intended for children 3 to 8 years old, and the vehicles' speed ranges from 2.5 to 5 mph, depending on the model.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The vehicles' battery chargers can overheat, presenting fire and injury hazards to children.
Incidents and injuries
CPSC and Empire have received about 100 reports of chargers overheating, melting or burning. Five house fires have been reported, resulting in at least $100,000 in property damage. One child and one adult received burns to hands on overheated charger jacks.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using the vehicles immediately. Empire Industries is no longer in business and cannot provide charger adapters or other replacement parts. Consumers should discontinue use of these products, and discard or destroy them.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Empire Industries
- Manufacturer
- Empire Industries, of Tarboro, N.C.
- Product type
- Toys & play sets
- Recall number
- 00-176
- Units
- About 113,000
- Sold at / sales period
- Toy stores and retail catalogs sold the vehicles nationwide, from July 1995 through December 1997, for about $130 to $250.
"Power Drivers" and "Buddy L" battery-powered children's riding vehicles
CPSC product type: Toy Ride-on
Recall contact information
The firm is out of business. Consumers should call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
