- JAKKS Pacific is recalling approximately 17,500 Ride-On Racer Car Toys due to a crash hazard.
- The accelerator can stick if clogged with debris on the Mario Kart-inspired vehicles.
- The manufacturer will ship owners a repair kit at no cost (aside from whatever time it takes to install it.)
It appears that even junior drivers can’t escape recalls, as evidenced by the latest one from JAKKS Pacific. The company is recalling approximately 17,500 units of its Mario Kart Ride-On Racer model, which were sold at various retailers from October 2022 through January 2024 for around $400.
Since the Mario Kart Racer’s release, the company has documented at least 65 incidents of stuck pedals, 15 crashes, and one injury. Ouch.
The model in question uses a 24-volt battery and is pretty easy to distinguish thanks to its Mario-themed livery. According to the manufacturer, the accelerator pedal can become stuck when it “becomes clogged with debris.” If that happens, the vehicle can continue moving forward even after the operator removes their foot from the pedal.
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Parents and tiny Mario Kart enthusiasts with the ability to read can determine if their Ride-On Racer is subject to the recall by checking under the chassis. Near the rear axle, they’ll find a date code. If that code is any of the following, the vehicle is subject to the recall in question. In addition, the pedal itself is another way to identify affected models and looks like the one pictured below.
Affected Codes
- 1752VE01
- 1782VE01
- 1952VE01
- 2242VE01
- 2352VE01
- 2852VE01
- 0583VE01
Those with affected models are encouraged to take two steps. First, stop driving the vehicle. Second, contact JAKKS Pacific at 855-602-5464 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, or online at www.jakks.com.
The company will send out a repair kit to owners which includes everything needed to fix the issue. Although the replacement process was not detailed, it’s wise to have adult supervision on hand, just in case. Oh, and don’t forget to disconnect the negative battery cable.
Turns out that’s important on both big and little cars.
