Costco shoppers across the U.S. have been hit with a wave of product recalls that could affect items sitting in their homes right now. From air conditioners to workout gear, power banks to tires, the warehouse giant is urging customers to take immediate action to avoid potential health and safety risks. These recalls involve popular products that many rely on daily, and the issues range from mold exposure to injury hazards. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s been recalled, why, and what you can do about it.
Danby Air Conditioners Pose Mold Risk
If you bought a Danby U-shaped window air conditioner from Costco between June 10, 2021, and February 2, 2022, you need to stop using it right away. The recall, issued by the supplier Midea America Corp., targets units with the model number DAC080B6IWDB-6. The problem? These air conditioners don’t drain water fast enough, leading to pooled water that can foster mold growth. Mold exposure can cause respiratory problems or other infections, which is a serious concern for anyone using these units to keep cool.
Midea is offering solutions to affected customers. You can contact them for a free repair kit tailored to your specific model, or opt for a full or prorated refund based on when you bought the unit or its manufacturing date. If you’re a Costco member, you can simply return the air conditioner to any Costco warehouse for a full refund. No one wants to deal with mold in their home, so acting quickly is key to keeping your space safe and comfortable.
BowFlex Dumbbells Could Cause Injuries
For those who’ve been hitting the home gym with BowFlex 552 adjustable dumbbells purchased from Costco, there’s an urgent warning: stop using them immediately. Johnson Health Tech Trading, the manufacturer, has issued a voluntary recall due to a dangerous flaw. The weight plates on these dumbbells can come loose from the handle during use, creating a risk of them falling and causing injuries. This isn’t a minor issue—falling weights could lead to bruises, broken bones, or worse.
Costco is making it easy for customers to address this. You can return the BowFlex 552 dumbbells to any Costco location for a full refund. No need to risk an accident during your next workout. If you’re unsure whether your dumbbells are part of the recall, check for the model number 552, as this issue is specific to the 52.5-pound adjustable sets. Safety comes first, so don’t wait to take action on this one.
Anker Power Banks Recalled for Battery Concerns
Portable power banks are a lifesaver for keeping devices charged on the go, but some Anker power banks sold at Costco are under recall due to potential issues with their lithium-ion battery cells. Specifically, the recall covers the Anker Model A1257 (10,000mAh, 22.5W) power banks, which were made by a single vendor. While Anker says the risk of malfunction is low, any issue with lithium-ion batteries is worth taking seriously, as they can overheat or, in rare cases, pose fire hazards.
If you own one of these power banks, Anker is offering a free replacement. You’ll need to provide proof of purchase to qualify, but the process is straightforward. Check your power bank’s model number to confirm it’s part of the recall, and reach out to Anker to get a safer unit. With so many devices relying on portable chargers, it’s worth ensuring yours is up to standard.
Michelin Tires Fail Safety Standards
For those who’ve recently purchased Michelin tires from Costco, there’s a recall you need to know about. The affected tires are the Agilis CrossClimate C-Metric in size 185/60R15C. These tires don’t meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139, which sets requirements for new radial tires on light vehicles. The issue lies in the tread rubber, which could detach from the tire’s shoulder block, increasing the risk of a crash. Nobody wants to deal with a tire blowout on the highway, so this recall is critical for drivers.
Michelin is stepping up to fix the problem. If you have these tires, visit a local Michelin retailer, where they’ll remove the affected tires and replace them with equivalent ones at no cost. The recall notice includes details on how to identify if your tires are from the affected batch, so check your tires carefully. Keeping your vehicle safe on the road is non-negotiable, and Michelin’s free replacement makes it easy to stay secure.
Why These Recalls Matter
These recalls highlight the importance of staying informed about the products you bring into your home or use on the road. Whether it’s keeping your air conditioner mold-free, ensuring your workout gear doesn’t cause injuries, charging your devices safely, or driving with reliable tires, these issues can directly impact your health, safety, and peace of mind. Costco is known for its quality, but even trusted retailers can face supply chain hiccups that lead to recalls.
What You Should Do Next
If you own any of the recalled products—Danby air conditioners, BowFlex 552 dumbbells, Anker Model A1257 power banks, or Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tires—take action now. For the air conditioners and dumbbells, head to your nearest Costco warehouse for a full refund. For the power banks, contact Anker with your proof of purchase to secure a replacement. And for the tires, visit a Michelin retailer to get them swapped out for free. Don’t ignore these notices, as the risks range from health hazards to potential accidents.
To check if your items are affected, look for the specific model numbers mentioned: DAC080B6IWDB-6 for the Danby air conditioner, Model 552 for the BowFlex dumbbells, Model A1257 for the Anker power bank, and 185/60R15C for the Michelin tires. If you’re unsure, Costco’s website has recall notices with more details, or you can reach out to the manufacturers directly for clarification.
Staying Safe with Costco Purchases
Costco’s quick response to these recalls shows its commitment to customer safety, but it’s up to you to follow through. Keep an eye on recall notices from Costco and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to stay ahead of any issues. Regularly checking product model numbers and staying updated on recalls can save you from potential headaches down the line. Whether it’s for your home, your workouts, or your daily commute, making sure your gear is safe keeps you in control.
These recalls may be inconvenient, but they’re a reminder to prioritize safety over convenience. By acting promptly, you can protect yourself and your family from risks and get back to enjoying the products you rely on, worry-free.
