CPSC, Empire Industries Announce Recall of Children’s Riding Vehicles
Kids’ product recall 00-176. Announced by CPSC on Aug 31, 2000.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Aug 31, 2000. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 113,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The vehicles’ battery chargers can overheat, presenting fire and injury hazards to children.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using the vehicles immediately. Empire Industries is no longer in business and cannot provide charger adapters or other replacement parts. Consumers should discontinue use of these products, and discard or destroy them.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: The firm is out of business. Consumers should call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
Which ones are recalled?
The recalled battery-powered children’s riding vehicles were marketed as “Power Drivers” or “Buddy L” and are powered by two 6-volt batteries, and were manufactured from July 1995 to December 1996. The vehicles are made of plastic and were sold under the following model names: Go-Kart, Beach Splash, Sun Dream, Trail Tracker, Rescue Patrol, and Chevy Z-71 Pick-Up Truck. The model name “Power Drivers” or “Buddy L” appear on each vehicle. The company will help consumers identify if their model is part of the recall. Power Driver vehicles are intended for children 3 to 8 years old, and the vehicles’ speed ranges from 2.5 to 5 mph, depending on the model.
About 113,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
“Power Drivers” and “Buddy L” battery-powered children’s riding vehicles.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Empire Industries, Tarboro, N.C.
- Toy stores and retail catalogs sold the vehicles nationwide, from July 1995 through December 1997, for about $130 to $250.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
CPSC and Empire have received about 100 reports of chargers overheating, melting or burning. Five house fires have been reported, resulting in at least $100,000 in property damage. One child and one adult received burns to hands on overheated charger jacks.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.