Summary: Bicycle helmet recall actions from 1995 to the present.

Please note that CPSC may decide not to force a recall of a helmet that fails the standard by only a small margin. A manufacturer whose helmet tests at 330g instead of the maximum permissible 300g may be instructed to improve the product and permitted to keep selling it. Since all reputable manufacturers design for no more than 250g to take account of such variables as production problems, we find CPSC's policy very disappointing to say the least. You may actually be riding in a helmet that flunked the standard, and you have no way of knowing it. We are attempting to address this problem, but it will not be easy or quick.

You can report a product problem on the new CPSC SaferProducts.gov site and check a public database to see if a problem with your helmet has been reported by others. The database went live for posting comments on March 11, 2011, but complaints must be reviewed before posting and run past the manufacturer for comment, so that part will lag. In the meantime, you can see all the recalls that we have below, plus recalls of non-bicycle helmets that we do not list.

Outside the US, we recommend checking the OECD Global Recall Portal site. There is also an Australian recall site.


Most Recent First

Helt-pro

Model:
Helt-pro

Details: German helmet resembling a hat or cap. Recalled after officials in Finland found it did not meet the European standard.

Triple8 Little Tricky child skate-style helmet

Model:
Little Tricky

Details: Voluntary recall of about 30,400 helmets sold by retailers and bike stores. The helmet does not pass the CPSC impact tests.

The full CPSC press release. We have the text-only portions of it below:

-----------NEWS from CPSC----------- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2012
Release #12-082

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 548-8518
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Triple Eight Distribution Due to Risk of Head Injury

Bell Exodus full-face helmet in youth size

Model:
Exodus full face

Details: Voluntary recall of about 33,000 helmets sold in the US and Canada by Wal-Mart and by Amazon. Bell had a report of a buckle breaking in the field, indicating that the buckles probably did not pass the CPSC standard.

The full CPSC press release. We have the text-only portions of it below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2011
Release #11-235
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 892-6059
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Bell Sports Due to Head Injury Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Full-face bicycle helmets

Units: About 31,100 in the United States, and about 2,500 in Canada

Importer: Bell Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif.

Hazard: The plastic buckle that connects the chin straps can fail, causing the helmet to come off the wearer's head. This poses a head injury hazard to riders in the event of a fall.

Incidents: The firm has received one report of a buckle failing during an accident, resulting in an injury that required stitches below the wearer's eye.

Description: This recall involves Bell Exodus full-face helmets with a plastic buckle on the chinstrap and model and part numbers listed below. The helmets have an angled visor and were sold in youth size. The model and part number can be found on a removable sticker located on the side of the helmet.

Color Part/Model Number
Orange/Grey/Black 1003825/035011898025
Blue/Grey/Gold/White/Black 1006714/035011917719

Sold by: Walmart stores nationwide and Amazon.com between August 2009 and March 2011 for between $50 and $60.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact Bell Sports for a replacement or refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information call Bell Sports toll-free at (866) 892-6059 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, via email at answer_desk@bellsports.com, or visit the firm's website at www.bellsports.com

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1338

Specialized S-Works 2D helmet

Models:
S-Works 2D

Details: Voluntary recall of about 3,000 helmets. They did not meet the impact requirements of the CPSC standard. You can still buy the 2D in Europe, where they apparently can be sold because they meet the CEN standard. In the US market they were replaced by the S-Works (no 2D designation).

The helmets were being introduced by Specialized as the top of their 2008 line, retailing for over $200.

The full CPSC press release:



NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2007
Release #08-138

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 808-8154
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Specialized Due to Failing Helmet Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Specialized Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 3,000

Manufacturer: Specialized Bicycles, of Morgan Hill, Calif.

Hazard: The helmets fail testing required under CPSC's safety standard for bicycle helmets. This can pose a head injury hazard to riders in a fall.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Specialized helmets, model 2D. Model "2D" is printed on the sides of the helmet in the rear. The helmets were sold for men and women in matte black, white, silver, blue, pink, and team colors.

Sold by: Specialized through its authorized retailers and online stores between July 2007 and October 2007 for about $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled helmet immediately and return it to an Authorized Specialized Retailer to receive a free replacement or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Specialized toll-free at (877) 808-8154 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the company's Web site at www.specialized.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08138.html

Trek Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD helmets

Models:
Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD

Details: Voluntary recall of about 4,500 helmets. They did not meet the impact requirements of the CPSC standard.

The helmets were sold nationwide at Trek dealers from October 2005 to May 2006 for about $129.

The full CPSC press release:



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2006
Release #06-155
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 373-4594
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Trek Recalls Anthem C Elite Bicycle Helmets for Failing Impact Standards

Name of Product: Trek Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD Model Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 4,500

Manufacturer: Trek Bicycle, of Waterloo, Wis.

Hazard: Product testing has demonstrated that these helmets do not comply with CPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Consumers could suffer impact head injuries in a fall.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled helmets are identified by the model name Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD. A label inside the helmet identifies the helmet as "Trek Anthem C." The helmets are available in men's sizes in black/charcoal, blue/silver and blue/red, and in women's sizes in aqua blue/silver and white/silver. This recall includes all sizes of this helmet.

Sold by: Authorized Trek Dealers nationwide from October 2005 through May 2006 for about $129.

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and return their helmets to an authorized Trek dealer for a full refund

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Trek Bicycle at (800)373-4594 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

To view this recall online, please visit our website at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06155.html

Target Recalls 494,000 bicycle helmets.

Models:
"Back Trails" junior, toddler, youth and child models.

Details: Largest helmet recall in CPSC history. They did not meet requirements of the CPSC standard.

The helmets were sold nationwide at Target stores from April 2004 through July 2005 for about $13..

The full CPSC press release:

NEWS from CPSC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2005
Release #05-252

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 440-0680
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Target Announce Recall of Back Trails Jr. Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Back Trails Jr. Toddler, Youth and Child Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 494,000

Importer/Retailer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Manufacturer: UNA International Limited, of China

Distributor: Dynacraft BSC Inc., of San Rafael, Calif.

Hazard: Some of these helmets do not meet CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets, which poses a risk of riders suffering head injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall includes Target's "Back Trails Jr." brand toddler, youth and child bicycle helmets sold in various colors. They were manufactured after January 1, 2004. Helmet model numbers: 89888 or 88003 (toddler), 89951 or 88001 (girl's 8-vent youth), 89952 or 88002 (boy's 8-vent youth), or 89917 (14-vent child's) appear on a white label inside the helmets, along with date of manufacture (YYYY/MM/DD) and the words "Made in China." Target product identification numbers: 082-01-0520 (toddler), 082-01-0149 (girl's 8-vent youth), 082-01-0189 (boy's 8-vent youth), and 082-01-0334 (14-vent child's) and the brand name "back trails jr.," appear on the product packaging.

Sold at: Target stores nationwide from April 2004 through July 2005 for about $13.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the helmets away from children and return them to the nearest Target Store for a gift card in the amount of a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or log on to the firm's Web site at www.target.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05252.html

PTI - Schwinn brand toddler helmets

Models:
SK103, SK107 or SK108, all with a white label inside reading "Lot# 791913."

Details: Voluntary recall of about 9,000 helmets. They did not meet the impact requirements of the CPSC standard.

The helmets were sold nationwide at Wal-Mart, Target, Academy and Mills Fleet & Farms stores from January 2004 through July 2004 for between $17 and $20.

The full CPSC press release:



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2004
Release # 04-199
Firm's Hotline: (800) 515-0074
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, PTI Sports Inc. Announce Recall of
Schwinn brand Toddler Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Schwinn-brand Toddler Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 9,000

Manufacturer: PTI Sports Inc., of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Hazard: The helmets do not comply with impact testing requirements in the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: These Schwinn-brand Toddler Bicycle Helmets have "SCHWINN" written on the back of the helmets. A white label inside the helmets reads, "Lot# 791913." This number is followed by a date from "12-01-03" through "5-15-04." This label also contains the model number SK103, SK107 or SK108.

Sold at: Wal-Mart, Target, Academy and Mills Fleet & Farms stores nationwide from January 2004 through July 2004 for between $17 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Return the recalled helmet to the store where purchased for a replacement or refund. Consumers also can send the helmet back to the manufacturer.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact PTI Sports at (800) 515-0074 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

To view this press release online, use the following link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04199.html

DBX and Geartec ESPY

Models:
DBX Engage (VT-3), DBX Ravage (FX-2), and Geartec ESPY bicycle helmets

Details: Voluntary recall of about 4,600 helmets.

This is a small recall, but the helmets were sold nationwide. Produced in China, sold at Dick's Sporting Goods and KHS Bicycles.

The full CPSC press release:



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2004

Release #04-189 Bicycle Helmet Recall Hotline: (866) 432-7832 Ext. 195

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Geartec/Mackarl Announce Recall of Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: DBX Engage (VT-3), DBX Ravage (FX-2), and Geartec ESPY bicycle helmets

Units: 4,600

Distributor: Mackarl Enterprises Inc., of City of Industry, Calif., and KHS Bicycles Inc., of Rancho Dominguez, Calif.

Hazard: The helmets may not meet CPSC safety regulations for helmets, which poses a risk of a rider sustaining a serious head injury if he/she falls from a bicycle.

Incidents/Injuries: The firms have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Description: The recalled Geartec ESPY and FX-2 (DBX Ravage) model helmets come in carbon yellow, silver, or blue and have a carbon fiber graphic on the front to middle part of the helmet. The helmets have 15 vent holes, a removable visor, and the logo ("Geartec" or "DBX") printed on both sides of helmet. The recalled VT-3 (DBX Engage) model helmets come in either blue/silver/black, red/yellow/black, or silver and black. The helmets also have 15 vent holes, a removable visor, and the "DBX" logo printed on both sides of helmet.

Sold at: Dick's Sporting Goods stores nationwide sold the DBX Engage (VT-3) and Ravage (FX-2) model helmets from June 2003 through June 2004 for between $40 and $60. KHS Bicycles stores sold the Geartec ESPY model helmets between May 2003 and June 2003 for about $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Mackarl toll-free at (866) 432-7832 Ext. 195 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

To view this press release online, please use the following link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04189.html

Catlike USA

Model:
Kompact

Details: Voluntary recall of about 2,250 helmets.

The significance of this recall is that importers should be very careful about certifying to the CPSC standard any helmet designed to European or non-US standards. The European EN standard is considerably easier to meet than CPSC, and a helmet designed for it will not meet CPSC unless a considerable extra margin of protection has been designed in. We are pleased that CPSC is testing to be sure that manufacturers and importers actually meet its standard.

The CPSC press release said:

May 22, 2003

Release # 03-132 Company Phone Number: (877) 228-5646
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
(Note: this recall is one of several that were combined in a grouped release)


Name of product: Catlike KompactTM Bike Helmets

Units: 2,250

Distributer: Monarch Velo, LLC, doing business as Catlike USA, of Houston, Texas

Hazard: The helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's safety standard for bicycle helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Catlike KompactTM adult bicycle helmets. The helmets were sold in two sizes (small/medium and large/extra large) and various colors. The sizing label inside the helmets reads "Kompact" and "SM/MD" or "LG/XL."

Sold at: Bicycle shops nationwide sold the helmets from March 2002 through February 2003 for about $130.

Manufactured in/Imported from: Spain

Remedy: Contact Monarch Velo for information on receiving a free replacement helmet.

Consumer Contact: Contact Monarch Velo toll-free at (877) 228-5646 between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.catlike-usa.com.

Catlike USA Media Contact: Chris Watson at (877) 228-5646

Picture at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03132.html

MOSA Sports

Model:
FiVe 40 (skate style)

Details: Voluntary recall of about 2,500 helmets. The CPSC press release said:

CPSC, MOSA Sports Announce Recall of Bicycle Helmets

CPSC and MOSA Sports have not received any reports of injuries or incidents involving these helmets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The Five 40 helmets are black, white or red, and have the name "Five 40" printed on the front and back of the helmet. The "V" in the "Five" is much larger that the other letters. A label inside the helmet reads "990803" along with the model name "540." These helmets were manufactured in China.

Sporting good stores nationwide sold these helmets from October 1999 through September 2001 for about $25.

Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to the store where purchased or MOSA Sports for a refund or free replacement helmet. For more information, consumers should contact MOSA Sports at (800) 804-0211 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

To see a picture of the recalled item go to the CPSC Web page.

World Industries

Models:
World Industries Skateboard

Details: Voluntary recall of about 10,000 helmets. The CPSC press release said: "The recalled helmets come in black, blue and white and have the name "World Industries" printed on the chin strap, the back of the helmet, and the inside padding. On the sides of the helmet, yellow and blue cartoon characters can be seen shooting fire from a gun. Two labels inside of the helmet read in part, "Certified CPSC 16CFR1203," "Warning This Helmet Is Not For Motor Vehicle" and "Made in China."

Retail outlets, chains and catalogs nationwide sold the helmets from October 2000 through May 2001 for about $40."

These helmets could have been sold legally as skateboard helmets if the manufacturer had not put the CPSC label inside but had labeled them "for Skateboard use." There is no legal requirement for skateboard helmets to meet any standard at all. World Industries understands that, but they also see many kids changing from skating to bicycling still wearing the same helmet, and wanted to provide a helmet that met the CPSC standard.

The recalled helmets did not meet the CPSC standard for impact protection, as well as some lesser requirements. World Industries informs us that they are changing helmet suppliers.

Variflex, NHS and First Team Sports

Models:
Variflex "X-Games Aggressive"
NHS:

"TSG Metallic Gold,"
"TSG Gloss Black"
"TSG Foundation Blue"

Details: Voluntary recall of about 245.000 helmets total for the three companies. See our email newsletter of November, 2000 for more details.

Rand International - L.A. Crusin'

Models: L.A. Crusin' Bike Helmets

Details: Voluntary recall of about 70.000 helmets known as "L.A. Cruisin' Bike Helmets" in child, youth and adult sizes. They were sold in Kmart and Rose's stores nationwide from April 1999 through March 2000 at a price of about $8. A label inside the helmet reads "Manufactured by Rand International" and MADE IN CHINA." Writing on the packaging reads "RAND," "L.A. Cruisin' " and "Meets CPSC & ASTM Standards78." See our email newsletter of July, 2000 for more details.

Cycle Express - Hearts and Flowers

Models: Hearts and Flowers

This helmet is a girl's pink and silver glitter affair with decals reading "Hearts and Flowers." The pink top area is edged with purple tape. It is being voluntarily recalled by Cycle Express Inc., of New York, N.Y., who had sold about 9,000 of them in a Hearts and Flowers Helmet Combo Value Pack that included a bike bag/purse combo and hair accessories. The products were sold through Toys R Us, between October 1999 and April 2000. See our email newsletter of July, 2000 for more details.

Bell - Bell Sports Inc.

Models: Bellistic, Rhythm and Qualifier

Details: Voluntary recall of about 5,800 bicycle helmets used for BMX and downhill mountain biking and racing. A defect with the helmets' chin strap rivets can result in the helmet coming off the rider's head in the event of a fall or crash. Bell Sports is aware of one incident where the chin strap assembly became detached from a helmet during a crash. The helmets are red, green, black, white and "Tear Away," which is multicolored. They were sold under the model names Rhythm, Bellistic and Qualifier, which is written on their packaging. The recalled helmets have date stickers inside reading October 1998 through March 1999. There were 5,800 helmets involved in this recall.

CPSC Press Release: The CPSC original with photos, or our copy in case that link does not work. And here is the page to access in sections a copy of the entire CPSC file, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Just page down to Bell Sports BMX and read the three sections to get full coverage of the CPSC files. Or you can use these links:

Section 1
Section 2
Section 3

PTI - Protective Technologies International

Model: Jaguar model 3060 bicycle helmet

Details: Recall of 25,000 Jaguar bicycle helmets, model 3060. The helmet liners failed the manufacturer's head impact tests. Jaguar white plastic helmets have 20 vent holes on the front, top and sides, a white plastic visor on the front, and black head and chin straps. The helmet is decorated with bright orange and yellow decals. A blue, square PTI label appears on the back of the helmet. The helmets were sold nationwide for $23.00 to $25.00 exclusively at Toys 'R' Us and Target Stores from September 1994 to January 1995.

CPSC Press Release: The CPSC original, or our copy in case that link does not work.

Other CPSC Links

Here is a link to CPSC files already requested by others under the Freedom of Information Act. Check individual years for "Manufacturer Investigative Files," and you will find the full files for a list of cases including Bell's 2000 recall. Page down the file to find the links to the three sections of the case labeled "Bell Sports BMX." Or you can use these links:

Section 1
Section 2
Section 3

Use this link to subscribe to the CPSC press release list to be informed whenever they have a recall.

Other Recall Resources

For the definitive US government recall site, including other agencies besides CPSC see www.recalls.gov.

We send an email newsletter whenever there is a helmet recall. Just send us an email to info@helmets.org to be put on our free Helmet Update by email list. We do send them when there is other helmet news as well.

This page was last revised on: October 22, 2012.

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