The Brunswick Corporation is paying the price for not promptly reporting product defects to the Consumer Safety Products Commission. In April of 2002 the company announced a voluntary recall of all 103,000 Mongoose and Roadmaster Bicycles outfitted with Ballistic 105 forks, but according to the CPSC, this recall was too late, and they have levied a $1 million fine on the bicycle manufacturer.
Brunswick allegedly had learned of “31 serious accidents involving the defective forks” and did not deliver these findings to the CPSC in the allotted time. “If in doubt, companies should always report any and all information to the Commission that could affect the safety of consumers,” said Chairman Hal Stratton.
The forks in question broke apart under normal use, causing the rider to fall face first. Injuries reported because of this problem ranged from broken teeth to serious facial and head injuries.
The company conducted three recalls with CPSC between May 2000 and April 2002, increasing the number of defective units recalled each time and identifying more injured riders from the increased number of bicycles recalled.
With the final recall announcement the company stated owners should “stop riding the bicycle immediately.” Checks for $65 were issued for every fork returned.
Brunswick shares were down 6.7% for the week to close at $25.63 on Friday.
