Costco, the warehouse giant, is sounding the alarm with urgent recalls on multiple products that could hit your wallet and safety hard.
According to Fox Business, recalls have been issued for Bridgestone Blizzak 6 tires, Midea U and U+ Window Air Conditioners, and Anker Power Banks, citing serious safety risks detailed on Costco’s website.
Let’s start with the tires. Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations recalled specific Blizzak 6 tires in size 235/40R19 due to a missing Department of Transportation (DOT) certification symbol. These tires, produced over a nearly three-week span in June of the prior year, were sold only as replacement equipment.
Why does this matter? Without the DOT symbol, these tires could be misused in ways that heighten crash risks, even if they meet performance standards.
Bridgestone is stepping up with a fix. They’re offering free replacement tires, including mounting and balancing, at their stores or authorized dealers. It’s a rare win for consumers facing recall headaches.
Next up, window air conditioners. Midea America Corp. issued a recall on June 27 for their U and U+ models due to a mold growth risk from pooled water that doesn’t drain fast enough.
Costco members who bought the Danby 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Window Air Conditioner between June 10, 2021, and February 2, 2022, via Costco’s website are affected. The broader Midea recall impacts about 1.7 million units sold across various U.S. retailers.
Midea is offering repair kits or refunds based on purchase or manufacturing data. Costco also allows full refunds for returned Danby units at their warehouses—a straightforward option for frustrated buyers.
Then there’s the Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W), model A1257, also under recall at Costco. Anker identified a potential defect in lithium-ion battery cells from a specific vendor during a quality review.
Safety first here. Consumers must stop using these power banks and dispose of them at certified facilities for recalled lithium-ion batteries—regular trash isn’t an option.
Anker is providing replacement units after affected customers submit a photo with specific details and confirm safe disposal. It’s a hassle, but better than a potential fire hazard.
Costco, operating over 620 U.S. locations and 280 globally, isn’t commenting yet on these recalls despite outreach from FOX Business. With plans to hit 914 warehouses by the end of fiscal 2025, their scale is massive.
The retailer’s financials are robust, boasting $185.5 billion in net sales and $5.5 billion in net income over the first three quarters of the year. But recalls like these test customer trust in their value-driven model.
For investors and frugal shoppers, this is a reminder: even giants like Costco face supply chain hiccups. Stay sharp—check your purchases against recall notices on their website. If you’re affected, act fast to claim replacements or refunds and protect your hard-earned money.