11 Toys That Were Constantly Being Recalled
These toys were pulled off shelves again and again for causing injuries, posing hazards, or just being plain unsafe.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Not every childhood toy was fun and harmless. Some were dangerous enough to spark repeated recalls, lawsuits, and media warnings. This list rounds up toys that were pulled back more than once, either for safety issues or serious design flaws. Many kids still remember them — some for the wrong reasons.
1. Aqua Dots Turned Toxic
Nick Connolly at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
This craft toy looked innocent enough, but when kids ingested the beads, they metabolized into a date-rape drug. After several hospitalizations, it was recalled worldwide. Despite rebranding attempts, it never regained public trust.
2. Clackers That Could Crack a Skull
Santishek on Wikimedia Commons
These swinging acrylic balls looked fun until they shattered mid-play. The resulting shards led to eye injuries and other accidents. They were banned and recalled repeatedly through the ’70s.
3. Easy-Bake Oven’s Not-So-Easy Burns
Bradross63 on Wikimedia Commons
This beloved toy was recalled after reports of kids getting their fingers trapped inside the oven. Some children suffered second and third-degree burns. It forced the brand to rethink the oven’s design entirely.
4. Cabbage Patch Snacktime Doll That Wouldn’t Let Go
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
This doll had a motorized mouth that chomped down on plastic food — and sometimes on children’s fingers and hair. Parents complained it would not stop chewing. Mattel had to recall the toy and offer refunds.
5. CSI Fingerprint Kit Contained Asbestos
Ed Drohan on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed as an investigative toy, this kit shocked parents when tests revealed asbestos in the powder. Lawsuits followed quickly, and it was pulled from stores. It remains one of the most alarming toy recalls ever.
6. Super Soakers That Leaked Trouble
GNU Free Documentation License on Wikimedia Commons
Some Super Soaker models were recalled for parts that exploded under pressure. One version even caused eye injuries due to misfires. While the brand survived, certain versions were quickly discontinued.
7. Slinky Toys That Could Snap
Ramona Trusheim on Wikimedia Commons
While the Slinky was a classic, its dog-shaped spin-off had a sharp wire that could unravel and poke children. Several injury reports led to multiple redesigns. Recalls followed until safer versions replaced them.
8. Razor Scooters That Broke Bones
丁 on Wikimedia Commons
These scooters were everywhere in the early 2000s, but so were ER visits. Poor stability and cheap wheels led to thousands of injuries. Multiple versions were recalled as parents raised safety concerns.
9. Power Wheels That Caught Fire
Chive Cream Cheese on Wikimedia Commons
These battery-powered toy cars were fun until reports came in of them smoking or even bursting into flames. Fisher-Price issued several recalls to fix faulty wiring. Some parents swore off battery toys altogether.
10. Lawn Darts That Landed in the ER
Jasonbook99 on Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Jarts, these heavy darts were banned after causing dozens of skull injuries and even deaths. Despite a redesign attempt with blunt tips, they kept causing problems. The original metal-tipped version was permanently banned in the U.S.
11. Slip ‘N Slides That Sent Adults to the Hospital
Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
Designed for kids, these backyard water slides were often used by teens and adults — leading to neck and spine injuries. The toy was recalled after reports of paralysis surfaced. Warnings were later added, but the damage was already done.