Approximately 29 million Ikea chests and dressers have been recalled in the United States after four children were killed and 19 others were injured. A voluntary recall was issued in nearly one year ago, but although many consumers have received their refund or repair kit, many others have been unable to get remedy the situation due to extremely long hold times on calls. Ikea officials said that this is due to the overwhelming response to the recall announcement.
The recall was issued on June 30, 2016, and revised on November 4. 2016, after a fourth toddler death occurred. The recall includes chests and dressers, which have been found to be unstable if they are not properly anchored to the wall. This poses a tip-over and entrapment hazard and can result in injury or death to children.
The recall affects children’s chests and dressers taller than 23.5 inches and adult chests and dressers taller than 29.5 inches that do not meet the performance requirements of the U.S. voluntary industry standard. The recalled MALM chests and dressers were manufactured and sold through June 2016 and include the 3-drawer, 4-drawer, 5-drawer and 6-drawer models. Other IKEA chests and dressers in this recall were sold at various times through June 2016.
RECALLED MALM CHESTS AND DRESSERS
| Names |
Sold Dates |
Measurements |
| MALM 3 |
10/2002 to 6/2016 |
31½” x 18⅞” x 30¾” |
| MALM 4 |
6/2002 to 6/2016 |
31½” x 18⅞” x 39½” |
| MALM 5 |
10/2002 to 4/2006 |
157/8” x 19” x 481/4″ |
| MALM 6 |
6/2002 to 6/2016 |
31½” x 18⅞” x 48⅜” |
| MALM 6 LONG |
11/2002 to 6/2016 |
63” x 18⅞” x 30¾” |
| MALM 6 |
4/2006 to 6/2016 |
153/4” x 191/8” x 483/8″ |
Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled chest or dresser that is not properly anchored to the wall and to place it in an area not accessible to children. Consumers should call or email for a full or partial refund or a free wall-anchoring repair kit. To participate in the recall you should call (866) 856-4532 from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight ET., you can also email emailsecureit@ikea.com.
