Latest Updates
On April 25, 2024, JAKKS Pacific Inc. of Santa Monica, California announced a voluntary recall of approximately 17,500 Mario Kart 24V Ride-On Racer Cars in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [1]. The recalled vehicles were manufactured in China and imported by JAKKS Pacific.
What Products Are Affected?
The recall covers certain battery-operated Mario Kart 24V Ride-On Racers with specific date codes only. The vehicles are red, white, and blue with the letter “M” inside a white circle on the front, and feature an 8-character alphanumeric manufacturing date code in the format XXXXVEO1, located on the bottom of the blue panel on the vehicle’s underside.
Only units with the following date codes are subject to this recall: 1752VE01, 1782VE01, 1952VE01, 2242VE01, 2352VE01, 2852VE01, and 0583VE01. The recalled vehicles were sold in stores and online at Target, Walmart, Entertainment Earth, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Amazon.com, Macy’s, and GameStop from October 2022 through January 2024 for approximately $400.
What Is the Hazard?
The acceleration pedal on the recalled ride-on car can become clogged with debris and stick in the depressed position after the child’s foot is removed. When this happens, the vehicle continues to accelerate without any input from the rider, making it impossible to stop or control and creating a serious crash hazard.
Incidents and Injuries
JAKKS Pacific received 65 reports of debris-clogged pedals sticking on the recalled vehicles. Of those incidents, 15 resulted in the vehicle crashing into a permanent structure, with one child sustaining a chafed hand as a result.
What Caused the Recall?
The recall was triggered by a design flaw in the acceleration pedal that allows dirt, debris, and other small particles to accumulate around the pedal mechanism. Once lodged in the pedal assembly, debris can prevent the pedal from returning to its neutral position after the rider lifts their foot, causing the motor to remain engaged and the vehicle to continue accelerating uncontrollably.
What Should Parents Do?
Parents who own a recalled Mario Kart 24V Ride-On Racer Car should stop allowing children to use it immediately. To receive a free repair kit — which includes a replacement pedal and installation instructions — parents should contact JAKKS Pacific directly.
Consumers may reach JAKKS Pacific toll-free at 855-602-5464, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT, or online at www.jakks.com/recall-information/mario-kart-24v-ride-on-racer-pedal-recall-to-repair. Additional information is available at www.jakks.com by clicking on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Parents whose children were injured — or who were put at risk of injury — due to a sticking pedal on the recalled Mario Kart 24V Ride-On Racer Car may have significant legal options. A class action lawsuit could allow affected families to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related losses. Contact an attorney to learn more about your rights.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/JAKKS-Pacific-Recalls-Childrens-Mario-Kart-Ride-On-Racer-Car-Toys-Due-to-Crash-Hazard