What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a voluntary recall involving specific FUNTOK brand ride-on trucks due to significant safety concerns. This action affects the FUNTOK 24V 2-Seater Ride-On Truck, which carries the model number DLS-K03. These vehicles are designed for children and feature a robust build, marketed with "TURBO DIESEL" printed in black lettering along the side of the truck and "4x4" displayed in black on the tailgate. The brand name "FUNTOK" and the specific model identifier "DLS-K03" are clearly printed on both the exterior retail packaging and the cover of the included User Manual, making them easy to identify if you have the documentation handy.
The recall encompasses units sold in four distinct color options: red, black, white, and pink. While the CPSC notice does not specify the exact total number of units involved in this recall, it confirms that these specific configurations are subject to the safety action. The products were imported by Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co., which is coordinating the remedy process for affected consumers. If you purchased one of these trucks recently, it is crucial to verify whether your specific item falls within this batch.
Understanding the scope of this recall helps ensure that no child is exposed to potential danger. The hazard stems from an internal electrical issue rather than a mechanical failure of the wheels or steering. Specifically, the circuit board within the truck can overheat and potentially ignite. This is not a minor defect; it poses a serious risk of fire and burn injuries. Because the product is designed for young children who may be closely interacting with it, the presence of a potential ignition source inside the vehicle is particularly concerning. The CPSC’s decision to issue this recall underscores the severity of the electrical fault, which has already led to multiple reports of incidents.
Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co. has received 11 reports related to these ride-on trucks. These reports describe various alarming symptoms, including the trucks catching fire, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, and emitting smoke. While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for serious injury or death exists if the battery or circuit board ignites while a child is nearby or inside the vehicle. The recall date for this action was March 26, 2026, indicating that this is an active and ongoing safety alert. Consumers who own these trucks should treat them with immediate caution until they can verify their status through the official channels provided by the manufacturer.
To confirm if your vehicle is part of this recall, check the User Manual and the outside of the box for the FUNTOK brand name and model number DLS-K03. If you have one of these trucks in any of the four colors mentioned, you should stop using it right away. The CPSC emphasizes that safety comes first, and ignoring the warning signs could lead to dangerous outcomes. By identifying your product correctly, you can take the necessary steps to secure a refund and ensure your family’s safety.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a critical failure within the electrical system of the FUNTOK ride-on truck. Specifically, the issue lies with the vehicle’s internal circuit board. In normal operation, this component acts as the brain of the toy, directing power from the battery to the motor and other electronics. However, in the recalled units, the circuit board can overheat significantly beyond its safe operating temperature. When electronic components like circuit boards fail to dissipate heat properly or suffer from manufacturing defects that cause excessive resistance, they generate intense localized heat. This overheating is not merely a performance issue; it is a precursor to ignition.
Once the circuit board reaches a critical thermal threshold, it can ignite. The CPSC has received 11 reports confirming this physical reality: the trucks have been observed catching fire, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, and smoking. This is not a theoretical risk but a documented event. The heat generated by an electrical short or component failure in a confined plastic housing can quickly reach temperatures high enough to melt the surrounding plastic casing of the truck and ignite nearby combustible materials. This creates an immediate fire hazard that can spread rapidly, especially if the toy is left unattended or charging overnight.
Beyond the risk of property damage from fire, the primary danger to consumers is severe physical injury. When a battery-powered device ignites, it does not just produce flames; it often releases toxic fumes and can cause sudden, violent reactions such as popping or bursting. Users, particularly young children who may be sitting in or near the vehicle when the incident occurs, are at immediate risk of serious burns from direct contact with hot surfaces, molten plastic, or open flames. In severe cases, if the fire spreads to surrounding furniture or flooring, the risk escalates to life-threatening situations involving smoke inhalation and full-scale structural fires.
It is important to understand that electrical fires in battery-operated toys are particularly dangerous because they can start silently and escalate quickly. The "sparking" and "smoking" reported by consumers are warning signs that the electrical integrity of the device has already failed. Once these symptoms appear, the likelihood of a full ignition event becomes imminent. Because the heat source is internal and enclosed within the truck’s body, it can bypass typical external temperature checks, making the hazard unpredictable until it is too late. This is why stopping use immediately upon any sign of abnormal heat or odor is crucial for preventing serious injury or death.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate danger from this recall consists of young children who are currently playing with or have recently played with the affected FUNTOK 24V 2-Seater Ride-On Trucks. These vehicles are designed for toddlers and preschoolers, ages typically between two and five years old. Because these children are small and lack the physical strength or cognitive maturity to react quickly to danger, they are disproportionately vulnerable to the specific hazards presented by this defect. The core issue is that the truck’s internal circuit board can overheat and ignite while the child is inside or immediately next to the vehicle. Unlike a simple mechanical failure where a part might break off, an electrical fire starts with heat and smoke before it erupts into flames. A young child may not recognize the early warning signs of overheating, such as a strange smell or slight discoloration, nor do they have the speed to escape a rapidly developing fire.
The risk is compounded by the nature of how these trucks are used. They are often charged indoors or in attached garages, spaces that are close to sleeping areas or living rooms. If a truck catches fire while charging overnight, the smoke and toxic fumes generated can pose a severe respiratory threat to sleeping children, even before flames become visible. Furthermore, the recalled units are 2-seater trucks, meaning it is common for parents or older siblings to ride along with younger children. This increases the number of potential victims in any single incident. If the circuit board fails while an adult and child are riding together, both individuals are exposed to burn risks from hot plastic components, melting surfaces, and direct contact with flames.
While no injuries have been reported to Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co. as of the recall date, the potential for serious harm is significant. Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’, meaning they can suffer severe burns from brief contact with overheated plastic or metal parts that an adult might only feel as uncomfortably warm. Additionally, the psychological trauma of a fire incident can be lasting for young children who may not fully understand what happened. The hazard is not limited to active use; it persists whenever the battery is connected and charging. This means that even when the truck is parked and seemingly idle, it remains a potential ignition source in close proximity to its most vulnerable users. Parents and caregivers must recognize that the risk is not just about the child touching a hot surface, but about the entire environment becoming unsafe due to the unpredictable nature of lithium or lead-acid battery-related electrical failures.
It is also worth noting that anyone living in the same household as the recalled truck shares in the risk. While they may not be riding in the vehicle, they are exposed to the possibility of a fire starting in their home. This includes elderly family members or individuals with mobility issues who might have difficulty evacuating quickly if a fire breaks out near them. The recall highlights that product safety is a household issue, not just an individual one. By identifying the specific model and understanding who is most at risk, families can take immediate steps to secure their homes and protect their loved ones from preventable harm.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a ride-on toy truck for your child, the first step in ensuring their safety is to confirm whether your specific unit falls under this recall. Because Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co. imported these vehicles under the brand name FUNTOK, visual inspection and label verification are your primary tools. The recall specifically targets the 24V 2-Seater Ride-On Trucks with model number DLS-K03. It is crucial to check the model number carefully, as similar-looking toys from other manufacturers or different model lines may not be affected by this particular safety issue.
To identify your truck, start by looking at the exterior retail packaging if you still have it. The brand name "FUNTOK" and the model number "DLS-K03" are printed clearly on the cover of the User Manual included in the box, as well as on the exterior of the retail packaging itself. If you no longer have the box or manual, turn your attention to the truck itself. These vehicles were sold in red, black, white, and pink. While color alone is not a definitive identifier, it can help narrow down your search if you recall purchasing one of these specific shades.
Next, inspect the body of the truck for distinctive text markings. On the tailgate (the rear door), you should see "4x4" written in black lettering. Additionally, look at the side panels of the truck; the words "TURBO DIESEL" are also printed in black. These specific decals were part of the design for this particular batch of imported trucks and serve as a clear visual cue that your vehicle may be part of the recall.
If you are unsure based on these physical markers, check the documentation that came with the toy. The model number DLS-K03 will also be listed in the User Manual. If you have lost the manual, you can often find digital copies or verification details by visiting the company’s website at https://funtok.net/. When in doubt, do not guess. Contact Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co. directly using the contact information provided in this article to verify if your serial number or purchase date falls within the scope of the recall. It is always better to be certain than to risk using a potentially hazardous product.
What to do — step by step
If you own a FUNTOK ride-on truck matching the description above, your safety is the immediate priority. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a serious fire risk associated with these vehicles, specifically due to circuit boards that can overheat and ignite. Because this hazard poses a risk of serious injury or death, you must act quickly but calmly. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure your family’s safety and to process your refund correctly. **Step 1: Stop using the truck immediately.** The very first thing you need to do is take the ride-on truck out of use right away. Do not let children play with it, and do not attempt to charge it for any reason. If the truck is currently plugged in and charging, unplug it from the wall outlet immediately. This simple action cuts the power supply and reduces the immediate risk of the circuit board overheating further. Treat the vehicle as if it were a potential fire hazard until you have completed the remediation process. **Step 2: Disable the truck before disposal.** You are not required to return the physical truck to Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co. Instead, you must permanently disable it to prevent anyone else from using it. To do this, you need to cut the wires connecting to the battery. This step is crucial because simply turning off the power switch may not be enough to stop a potential electrical short or fire if the unit is tampered with later. You will need to document this process for your refund claim. First, write "VOID" along with your full name and the current date on the hood of the truck using a permanent marker. This clearly marks the item as no longer usable and identifies it to the company. Next, take a clear photograph of the truck showing both the written "VOID" message and the cut wires connected to the battery. This photo serves as proof that you have safely neutralized the hazard. **Step 3: Contact Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co. for your refund.** Once you have disabled the truck and taken the required photo, reach out to the company to initiate your full refund. You can contact them by calling their toll-free number at 800-249-9581 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can email service@funtok.net or visit https://funtok.net/pages/voluntary-product-safety-recall for online instructions. When you communicate with them, provide the photo of the disabled truck as part of your claim. **Step 4: Dispose of the battery safely.** After you receive your refund, you must dispose of the disabled truck. However, pay close attention to the battery. Do not throw the lead-acid battery in the regular trash or into curbside recycling bins. Lead-acid batteries contain hazardous materials that require special handling. Contact your local municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center to see if they accept them, or look for battery recycling boxes at retail or home improvement stores. Always call ahead to confirm they accept lead-acid batteries before transporting it.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled FUNTOK 24V 2-Seater Ride-On Trucks (model DLS-K03), please know that you are not left to handle this safety issue on your own. The remedy provided by Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co. is straightforward and customer-focused: you will receive a full refund for the purchase price of the truck. There is no option for a repair or a replacement unit at this time because the underlying electrical defect—the circuit board that can overheat and ignite—is inherent to the design of these specific units. Therefore, the only safe and official path forward is to return the product for a complete reimbursement.
To initiate this process, you must first take immediate safety precautions before reaching out for support. The manufacturer requires you to stop using the truck immediately. If the vehicle is currently plugged in or charging, unplug it right away. Once it is safe to do so, you will need to follow specific instructions to disable the vehicle’s power source. This step is critical because it prevents any potential risk of the battery causing a fire during disposal or while you wait for your refund instructions. You must cut the wires connected to the battery to physically break the electrical circuit.
After disabling the truck, there are two documentation steps you must complete to prove compliance with the safety recall. First, take a clear photograph of the cut wires. Second, using a permanent marker, write the word "VOID," your full name, and the current date directly on the hood of the truck. These steps serve as proof that you have safely neutralized the hazard and are cooperating with the recall process. Detailed visual guides on how to disassemble and disable the ride-on truck are available online at https://funtok.net/pages/voluntary-product-safety-recall, which can help ensure you perform this step correctly.
Once you have disabled the truck and prepared your documentation, contact Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co. to request your refund. You can reach their customer support team toll-free at 800-249-9581 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may email them at service@funtok.net or visit https://funtok.net/ and click on "Product Safety Recall" at the bottom of the page. When you contact them, they will provide further instructions on how to submit your photo evidence and process your refund. Remember, once you receive your refund, you are expected to dispose of the disabled truck properly, ensuring the lead-acid battery is taken to a household hazardous waste collection center or designated battery recycling bin rather than regular trash.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about stopping the fun or going through the trouble of a recall process. After all, these ride-on trucks are often cherished gifts that bring joy to children and families. However, ignoring this specific safety notice carries risks that go far beyond a simple inconvenience. The core issue with the recalled FUNTOK 24V 2-Seater Ride-On Trucks is not a minor mechanical glitch or a worn-out battery; it is a fundamental failure in the electrical system’s thermal management. The circuit board inside these vehicles is prone to overheating, which can rapidly escalate into ignition. When you continue to use the truck despite knowing about this defect, you are essentially leaving a potential fire source active and unmonitored.
The consequences of ignoring this hazard are severe and immediate. As documented by Shenzhen Luobei Trading Co., there have already been 11 reported incidents where these specific trucks caught fire, sparked, burned, melted, or emitted smoke. While it is reassuring that no serious injuries have been reported to date, the absence of injury so far does not mean the risk is low; it means the danger is unpredictable. An electrical fire in a toy vehicle can spread with terrifying speed, especially if the truck is charging indoors or if a child is seated on it when the fault occurs. The heat generated by an overheating circuit board can cause plastic components to melt and release toxic fumes, creating both a burn hazard and a respiratory danger in enclosed spaces like garages or living rooms.
Beyond the immediate threat of fire, continuing to use the vehicle poses a significant risk of serious injury or death. If the battery or wiring ignites, it can cause severe burns to anyone nearby, including young children who may be sitting on the truck or standing close by trying to watch it operate. The structural integrity of the toy also becomes compromised as plastics melt and electrical connections fail, potentially leading to sudden loss of power while a child is driving, which could result in falls or collisions. Furthermore, if the fire involves the lead-acid battery, there is an added risk of chemical leaks or explosion, complicating the emergency situation further.
Some parents might worry about the hassle of disposing of the truck or waiting for a refund. But consider the alternative: risking your child’s safety and your home’s integrity for the sake of convenience. The recall process is designed to be straightforward, but it requires you to take action now. By disabling the vehicle and cutting power to the battery as instructed, you eliminate the fire source entirely. Ignoring the recall does not make the problem go away; it only delays the inevitable interaction between a faulty electrical component and the potential for catastrophic failure. Please prioritize safety over convenience and follow the remedy steps immediately to protect your family.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical defect in the FUNTOK ride-on truck’s circuitry, it serves as a timely reminder that electrical safety is an ongoing responsibility for every household, especially those with young children. The incident reports associated with this recall highlight how quickly a malfunctioning battery or overheating component can escalate from a minor technical glitch to a serious fire hazard. To help prevent similar situations in your home, it is essential to treat all rechargeable toys and devices with the same caution as larger electronics. Always supervise children during both the operation and the charging phases of any ride-on vehicle or electronic toy. Never leave these items charging unattended or overnight, as this is when thermal events are most likely to occur without immediate intervention.
Proper battery care is another cornerstone of preventing electrical fires. If you own other toys with lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s charging guidelines. Avoid overcharging devices by using only the provided chargers and ensuring they are not left plugged in longer than necessary. Keep charging areas clear of flammable materials such as carpets, curtains, or bedding, and ensure the area is well-ventilated. If a device becomes unusually hot to the touch, emits an odd odor, or shows signs of swelling, disconnect it immediately from the power source in a safe manner and discontinue use.
Regular maintenance also plays a vital role in long-term safety. Periodically inspect cords for fraying, cracks, or exposed wires, and check battery terminals for corrosion. Damaged components should be replaced by the manufacturer or a qualified professional rather than attempted to be repaired at home with non-standard parts. Additionally, stay informed about product safety by signing up for recall alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or subscribing to email notifications from retailers where you make purchases. Knowing how to check your local fire department’s recommendations for battery disposal and ensuring you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home are simple, effective steps that can protect your family from unexpected hazards.
- Always supervise children while they are riding or charging electronic toys.
- Charge devices in open, non-flammable areas and never leave them unattended for extended periods.
- Inspect batteries and chargers regularly for damage, heat, or unusual smells.
- Register your products with the manufacturer to receive direct updates on safety notices.
- Keep smoke detectors tested and functional to ensure early warning in case of a fire.
By adopting these proactive habits, you create a safer environment for your family and reduce the risk of electrical incidents. Safety is not just about responding to recalls but about building consistent, mindful practices into your daily routine. When in doubt about the condition of any electronic device, err on the side of caution and contact the manufacturer or seek professional advice before continuing to use it.
