Recall 03E004000: Equipment

NHTSA recall 03E004000 · announced January 30, 2003 · Bell · 17,398 units affected

The problem

BELL AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY HAMMERS IDENTIFIED AS "LIFE-SAVING ESCAPE AND RESCUE TOOL." THESE HAMMERS WERE INTENDED TO BE USED AS AN INSTRUMENT TO SHATTER AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY GLASS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. HOWEVER, THE PLASTIC HANDLE WAS NOT DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIRED TO SHATTER AUTOMOTIVE GLASS.

The risk

AS A RESULT, THE PLASTIC RIBS, WHICH HOLD THE SAFETY HAMMER'S METAL HEADS, CAN BREAK UPON USE, RENDERING THE HAMMER NO LONGER ABLE TO PERFORM AS INTENDED.

What to do

BELL WILL REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED THE SAFETY HAMMER. NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BELL AT 480-991-5055.

Official NHTSA recall notice →

Notes

ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.