CPSC warns the fakes pose a lethal chocking hazard

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• CPSC warns against counterfeit Labubu plush toys posing choking hazards

• Thousands of fake dolls seized at U.S. ports after failing federal safety tests

• Parents urged to buy only from reputable sellers and check for authenticity markers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent warning to parents and caregivers about counterfeit Labubu dolls, citing serious safety risks for children.

The fakes, sold both as plush figures and plush keychains, are small enough for a child to fit in their mouth, creating the risk of suffocation. CPSC has also received reports of knockoff dolls breaking apart easily, releasing small pieces that could be choking hazards.

These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes, said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers.

Labubu dolls are collectible designer toys created by Pop Mart, a Chinese company known for its blind-box art toys and collaborations with independent artists. Authentic Labubu dolls are not included in the CPSC warning.

Seizures at U.S. ports

CPSC investigators say they have intercepted multiple shipments of counterfeit Labubu dolls originating from China. Thousands of units have been seized after inspectors confirmed violations of federal safety regulations governing toys with small parts.

Federal law prohibits the importation and sale of products that fail to meet these standards, and the agency has pledged continued aggressive enforcement at U.S. ports to keep dangerous toys out of American homes.

Spotting a fake

To help consumers avoid counterfeit toys, CPSC is advising families to take a closer look at what they buy:

• Watch out for deep discounts, which may signal fake products.

• Check for authenticity markers: genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic Pop Mart sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official site, and, in newer versions, a UV stamp on one foot.

• Count the teeth: authentic dolls have nine; fakes often have the wrong number.

• Examine the colors: knockoffs often appear overly bright or off-shade.

• Buy from trusted retailers or verified online marketplaces only.

• Look for safety labeling that includes choking hazard warnings and independent safety certifications.

CPSC said it urges families to immediately stop using any counterfeit Labubu dolls already in their possession and to dispose of them safely. Parents are encouraged to report product defects or any injury incidents at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Subaru holds its lead in mass-market brands while Lexus surges 6% to take top luxury slot

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

• Subaru leads mass-market brands with record driver satisfaction score of 85, topping Toyota and Mazda.

• Lexus surges 6% to claim the No. 1 luxury spot, ahead of Mercedes-Benz and Tesla.

• Overall satisfaction slips as rising prices and longer car loans weigh on drivers.

Subaru and Lexus are pulling ahead of the auto pack when it comes to customer satisfaction, according to new survey data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).

The annual ACSI Automobile Study shows overall driver satisfaction slipping 1% to a score of 79 (on a 100-point scale) despite the industry reaching its strongest sales in five years. The decline comes as buyers face steeper payments over longer loan periods.

In the mass-market segment, Subaru rose 2% to an industry-leading score of 85, separating itself from Toyota, which fell 1% to 82 and now shares second place with Mazda. Buick, GMC, and Honda followed close behind at 81. Subarus reputation for safety and dependability, along with freshened models like the redesigned Forester and new Crosstrek engine options, helped solidify its lead.

Luxury brands

On the luxury side, Lexus leapt 6% to a score of 87, leapfrogging last years co-leaders Mercedes-Benz (82) and Tesla (81). The Toyota-owned brand is benefitting from booming hybrid sales, with five Lexus models ranking among the top 15 most popular luxury hybrids in 2024. Lexus electrified sales climbed more than 13% year over year in the first quarter of 2025.

The study also highlights shifting consumer expectations as automakers balance technology, safety, and cost. Vehicle safety and technology both slipped by one percentage point, while two newly added measures driving range on a full charge or tank and expected future resale value debuted at the bottom of the rankings. Electric vehicles fared worst on both counts.

For automakers, innovation and practicality now collide, said Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI. Customers expect advanced technology and efficiency, but theyre also scrutinizing every dollar spent.

The 2025 ACSI Automobile Study is based on nearly 10,000 customer surveys conducted between July 2024 and June 2025.

The added merchandise goes beyond tools and appliances

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Best Buy officially launches its online marketplace, more than doubling product offerings

• Customers gain access to hundreds of new brands and expanded categories, from tech to home goods

• Licensed sports merchandise, musical instruments, and movies will soon join the lineup

Amazon does it. Now, Best Buy is also doing it, launching a digital marketplace that includes products from third-party sellers items you didnt previously find in Best Buy stores or on its website. Starting today, the products are included on BestBuy.com and through the Best Buy App.

Best Buy said the new platform more than doubles the retailers product assortment and adds hundreds of brands across a wide range of categories beyond traditional consumer electronics.

This is the largest expansion of our product assortment in company history, Frank Bedo, chief marketplace and eCommerce officer at Best Buy, said in a statement.

With marketplace, were able to give customers not only more of the latest technology, but also a massive new collection of products outside the tech space so we can truly offer the full experience they need.

Tech and gaming upgrades

Electronics remain the centerpiece of Best Buys strategy, with expanded offerings from top brands such as Samsung, Microsoft, LG, Lenovo and HP. Gamers in particular will find a wider selection, with new options for gaming chairs, desks, controllers, keyboards, monitors, and headsets.

Partners include Beach Camera, World Wide Stereo and Antonline, allowing the hardware and home services retailers to offer more consumer electronics from popular names.

Sports is included

For the first time, Best Buy will soon carry officially licensed sports merchandise through a new partnership with Fanatics. Shoppers will be able to choose from team-branded phone cases, mini football helmets and other gear.

In addition, the enhanced marketplace will introduce an array of home and lifestyle products, including small kitchen appliances from brands like Oster, Crock-Pot and Martha Stewart, as well as expanded floor care selections from Tineco and Eufy.

Furniture is also getting a major boost, with triple the options now available, ranging from office desks and gaming chairs to sofas, patio sets, gazebos and barstools.

While the marketplace lives online, Best Buy is introducing a new wrinkle, integrating physical stores into the experience. Customers can return marketplace purchases at any Best Buy location, and in-store associates known as Blue Shirts will continue to offer product recommendations, including helping customers build carts directly on BestBuy.com for what the company hopes will be a seamless shopping journey.

Ford again leaves competitors in the dust

Quick Recap Table Week of Aug. 18

Heres the complete version of theAuto Safety Recall Derbywith links to the NHTSA site.

Auto Safety Recall Derby: Week of Aug. 18

Ford

Headlights May Fail

• NHTSA ID: 25V519000

• Units Affected: 21,765

• Models: 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, Mustang

• Issue: Burnt diode in LED Driver Modules may cause failure of multiple exterior lights, including headlights, DRLs, turn signals, and tail lights (Nautilus).

• Remedy: Dealers will inspect/replace LED Driver Modules. Notifications start Aug. 25, 2025.

Window Automatic Reversal System

• NHTSA ID:25V518

• Units Affected: 102

• Models: 20242025 Lincoln Nautilus

• Issue: Incorrect recall repair may prevent windows from reversing when obstructed, violating FMVSS 118.

• Remedy: Dealers will update driver and passenger door module software. Notifications Sept. 15, 2025.

Parking Lights May Flicker

• NHTSA ID:25V517

• Units Affected: 1,278

• Models: 2022 Ford F-150

• Issue: Improper repair under recall 22V686 may cause parking lights to flicker when headlights are on.

• Remedy: Dealers will replace LED control module and update software. Notifications Sept. 15, 2025.

Parking Lights May Flicker (Repeat)

• NHTSA ID: 25V515

• Units Affected: 2,361

• Models: 2022 Ford F-150

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

• NHTSA ID: 25V510

• Units Affected: 41,875

• Models: 20202022 Lincoln Corsair

• Issue: Water intrusion in connectors can cause loss or distortion of rearview camera image.

• Remedy: Replace camera harness and camera. Interim letters mailed Aug. 18, 2025; final notice later.

Jaguar

Upper Suspension Arm May Detach

• NHTSA ID: 25V514

• Units Affected: 121,509

• Models: 20142017 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport

• Issue: Cracked suspension knuckle joint can cause arm detachment.

• Remedy: Inspect and install retaining bracket or replace knuckle. Notifications Sept. 30, 2025. Expands recall 24V840.

Nissan

Daytime Running Lights May Malfunction

• NHTSA ID: 25V508

• Units Affected: 13,719

• Models: 2025 Nissan Frontier

• Issue: Software logic error may cause DRLs to dim when idle start-stop restarts the engine.

• Remedy: Dealers will update ECM software. Notifications Sept. 17, 2025.