What was recalled
On March 6, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving specific unassembled slot car kits produced by Round 2 under their Auto World brand. This action affects a wide range of "Deluxe Pit Kit" models, which are sold individually and come in various configurations—some unpainted and others pre-painted to resemble classic vehicles. The core issue is not with the cars themselves once they are built, but with the state of the product when it arrives in the package: the kits contain loose magnets that are not yet attached to the car’s chassis.
The recall targets a diverse lineup of Auto World Deluxe Pit Kit slot cars, each representing a different vintage vehicle. The packages are clearly labeled with the "Auto World" logo and the words "Deluxe Pit Kit" on the front, along with the specific model name. On the back of each package, you will find assembly instructions, the model/item number, the UPC code, and often a date code indicating when that batch was manufactured. The hazard lies in the fact that these kits are sold unassembled, meaning the consumer must complete the assembly process themselves. During this process, two loose magnets—labeled on the parts list as the "Front Magnet" and "Back Magnet"—are meant to be attached to the chassis. However, until that step is completed, these high-powered magnets remain free within the packaging.
The specific models included in this recall span several production batches from late 2022 through 2024. This includes items such as the XTraction Deluxe Pit Kit featuring a 1973 Datsun 240z body (Item # TRX113), the Thunderjet Deluxe Pit Kit with a 1962 Chevy Bel Air Coupe (Item # TRX114), and the Super III Deluxe Pit Kit with a 2015 Chevy SS Stock Car Body (Item # TRX116). The list extends to include various other models like the 1959 Cadillac Ambulance, the 2015 Ford Mustang GT, and several 1:64 scale classics such as the 1957 Chevy Nomad and the 1987 Buick Grand National. Each of these items, across all its variations (TRX113 through TRX127, CP7975 through CP8119), is subject to this recall because they all share the same design flaw: the presence of loose, unattached magnets prior to assembly.
It is important to note that this recall applies strictly to the unassembled state of these kits. Once a consumer has followed the instructions and successfully attached the magnets to the chassis, the product no longer poses the ingestion risk described in the CPSC notice. Therefore, assembled models are not part of this recall. However, for anyone who purchased these kits between October 2022 and January 2024 (based on the date codes visible on the packaging), the loose magnets inside remain a potential danger until they are either installed or returned.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, a slot car kit might seem like an innocent hobby project or a simple toy. However, the core issue with this specific recall lies in the small, powerful magnets included in the unassembled kits. These are not standard refrigerator magnets; they are high-powered rare-earth magnets designed to provide power to the vehicle once assembled. The danger arises because these magnets are loose inside the packaging before you begin building. If a child accesses the box and removes the components, they find two distinct, small, strong magnets labeled as the "Front Magnet" and "Back Magnet." It is critical to understand that while these magnets are safely attached to the car’s chassis during the assembly process—making the finished product safe for play—the risk exists entirely in the unassembled state.
The physical mechanism of injury when high-powered magnets are swallowed is both rapid and severe. If a child swallows just one magnet, it may pass through the digestive system without causing harm. The serious danger occurs when two or more magnets are ingested, either by the same person or by different people who then come into close contact. Because these magnets are incredibly strong for their size, they can attract each other with enough force to clamp together if they are in different loops of the intestine. This clamping action traps the intestinal walls between the magnets.
This trapping effect is what leads to life-threatening complications. The pressure from the magnets cuts off blood flow to the trapped tissue, which can cause the intestines to twist (volvulus) or develop holes (perforations). Once perforations occur, bacteria and digestive contents can leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to severe infections such as peritonitis or sepsis (blood poisoning). In some cases, the blockage prevents food and waste from passing, causing obstruction. These conditions can develop quickly and often require emergency surgery to correct. Without prompt medical intervention, these injuries can be fatal.
The CPSC explicitly notes that this violation of federal magnet safety regulations is why the unassembled kits are subject to recall. The mandatory standards are designed to ensure that consumers cannot access loose, high-powered magnets before they are secured in a larger assembly. By keeping these kits away from children and returning them for a refund, you eliminate the possibility of this chain of events occurring. Remember, the hazard is not in the car itself once built, but in the accessible power source during the building phase.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at immediate risk from this recall consists of young children, particularly those under the age of five. This vulnerability stems not just from their proximity to toys, but from their developmental stage. At this age, children explore the world through touch and taste, often putting small objects in their mouths without fully understanding the danger. Because the recalled Auto World Deluxe Pit Kit slot cars are sold unassembled, they contain loose components that can easily detach or be accessed before the assembly process is complete. The specific hazard here involves two small, high-powered magnets labeled as "Front Magnet" and "Back Magnet." For a young child, these tiny, shiny objects are irresistible. They may mistake them for candy, beads, or other playthings, leading to accidental ingestion.
The danger is compounded by the fact that these kits are often purchased by hobbyists, collectors, and parents who intend to build the models together with older children or teenagers. In these shared activities, a younger sibling might wander into the workspace while an adult is focused on assembly. The loose magnets can slip off the workbench, fall behind furniture, or be picked up by curious hands before they are secured to the chassis during the building process. Once assembled, the magnets are fixed in place within the car's body, significantly reducing the risk. However, the critical window of danger exists entirely during the unpacking and pre-assembly phase, when the magnets remain loose and unsecured within the packaging or on the table.
While the general public might view slot cars as harmless collectibles, the ingestion of high-powered magnets poses a severe, life-threatening medical emergency. If two or more magnets are swallowed, or if one magnet attracts another piece of metal in the digestive tract, they can pull different sections of the intestine together. This pressure cuts off blood flow, causing tissue death, perforation (holes in the bowel), twisting, and blockage. Without immediate surgical intervention, this can lead to severe infection, sepsis, and potentially death. Therefore, the risk is not merely about choking; it is about internal damage that may not show symptoms immediately but requires urgent medical attention. Parents and guardians should treat these loose magnets with the same caution as button batteries or small coins—items known to be extremely dangerous if ingested. Keeping these kits completely out of reach of young children until they are fully assembled, or better yet, returning them entirely, is essential for safety.
- Children under five: Highest risk due to mouthing behavior and inability to recognize danger.
- Younger siblings in hobbyist households: At risk when older children or adults are assembling the kits, as loose parts may be unattended.
- Anyone with access to unassembled units: The hazard exists only while the magnets are loose; once attached to the chassis, the risk is mitigated.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your slot car kit is part of this specific recall requires a careful inspection of the packaging and its contents before you begin assembly. The issue specifically affects unassembled models, so the key is to look at what is inside the box rather than just the final product image on the front. You are looking for the "Auto World" brand name, which should be clearly visible on the front of the package alongside the words "Deluxe Pit Kit." Additionally, the specific model name of the slot car you purchased will also be printed on the front. It is important to note that once these kits are fully assembled according to the instructions, the magnets are secured to the chassis, and those finished models do not pose a risk. Therefore, you only need to worry about kits that are still in their original, unassembled state.
To confirm if your specific kit is included in this recall, you must check the back of the package. The model or item number and the UPC code are located on the back. Some models may also have a date code printed there. The recalled kits are characterized by having two loose magnets inside the package that are not yet attached to the car's chassis. These magnets are listed as separate parts in the assembly instructions on the back of the box and are labeled specifically as "Front Magnet" and "Back Magnet." If you open the package and find these small, powerful magnets lying loosely among other parts before you have glued or attached them to the car body, you have a recalled item.
Please check your kit against the following list of specific model numbers, UPCs, and date codes. If your product matches any of the entries below, it is subject to this recall:
- TRX113: UPC 8-49398-06563-1, Date Code 06/15/23CH1 (XTraction Deluxe Pit Kit w/1973 Datsun 240z Body)
- TRX114: UPC 8-49398-06564-8, Date Code 06/15/23CH1 (Thunderjet Deluxe Pit Kit w/1962 Chevy Bel Air Coupe Body)
- TRX115: UPC 8-49398-06565-5, Date Code 06/15/23CH1 (4 Gear Deluxe Pit Kit w/1959 Cadillac Ambulance Body)
- TRX116: UPC 8-49398-06566-2, Date Code 06/15/23CH1 (Super III Deluxe Pit Kit w/2015 Chevy SS Stock Car Body)
- TRX119: UPC 8-49398-06707-9, Date Code 08/31/23CH1 (Thunderjet Deluxe Pit Kit w/1968 Chevrolet El Camino)
- TRX120: UPC 8-49398-06708-6, Date Code 08/31/24CH1 (XTraction Deluxe Pit Kit w/1970 Plymouth Superbird)
- TRX121: UPC 8-49398-06709-3, Date Code 08/31/23CH1 (4 Gear Deluxe Pit Kit w/1960s Customized Volkswagen Bus)
- TRX122: UPC 8-49398-06710-9, Date Code 08/31/23CH1 (Super III Deluxe Pit Kit w/2005 Mustang GT)
- TRX124: UPC 8-49398-07056-7, Date Code 01/15/24CH1 (XTraction Deluxe Pit Kit 2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R)
- TRX125: UPC 8-49398-07057-4, Date Code 01/15/24CH1 (Thunderjet Deluxe Pit Kit 1941 Willys Gasser)
- TRX126: UPC 8-49398-07058-1, Date Code 01/15/24CH1 (Super III Deluxe Pit Kit 1970 Ford Boss Mustang)
- TRX127: UPC 8-49398-07059-8, Date Code 01/15/24CH1 (4 Gear Deluxe Pit Kit 1977 Dodge Tradesman Van)
- CP7975: UPC 8-49398-05915-9, Date Code 10/30/22CH1 (4 Gear Deluxe Pit Kit w/1956 Ford Pickup Body)
- CP7989: UPC 8-49398-05932-6, Date Code 09/30/23CH1 (Xtraction Deluxe Pit Kit w/2005 Ford GT40 Body)
- CP7990: UPC 8-49398-05933-3, Date Code 09/30/23CH1 (Xtraction Deluxe Pit Kit w/2005 Ford GT40 Body)
- CP7991: UPC 8-49398-05934-0, Date Code 09/30/23CH1 (Xtraction Deluxe Pit Kit w/2005 Ford GT40 Body)
- CP8077: UPC 8-49398-06623-2, Date Code 06/30/23CH1 (1957 Chevy Nomad XTraction Deluxe Pit Kit 1:64)
- CP8078: UPC 8-49398-06624-9, Date Code 06/30/23CH1 (1969 Ford Torino Thunderjet Deluxe Pit Kit 1:64)
- CP8117: UPC 8-49398-06946-2, Date Code 11/15/23CH1 (1987 Buick Grand National Xtraction Deluxe Pit Kit 1:64)
- CP8118: UPC 8-49398-06947-9, Date Code 11/15/23CH1 (1969 AMC AMX Thunderjet Deluxe Pit Kit 1:64)
- CP8119: UPC 8-49398-06948-6, Date Code 11/15/23CH1 (1969 Dodge Charger Xtraction Pit Kit 1:64)
If you cannot find your model number on this list but have an unassembled Auto World Deluxe Pit Kit from Round 2 that contains loose magnets, it is best to contact the manufacturer directly to verify. You can reach Round 2 toll-free at 888-770-7120 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by email at deluxepitkit@realtimeresults.net. For more information, you can also visit http://autoworldstore.com/deluxepitkitrecall or click on "Deluxe Pit Kit Recall" on the main website.
What to do — step by step
If you have purchased an unassembled Auto World Deluxe Pit Kit slot car from the list of recalled models, the most important thing you can do right now is to stop using it immediately. Because the hazard involves loose magnets that are not yet attached to the chassis, the risk exists the moment the package is opened. Please keep these kits out of reach of children and pets at all times. Do not attempt to assemble them, and do not let anyone handle the loose components. Your first priority is simple: secure the product in a safe place where it cannot be accessed by anyone who might accidentally swallow or inhale the small magnetic parts. Once you have secured the item, your next step is to initiate the return process to get your money back. Round 2 has arranged a straightforward remedy for this recall. They are providing consumers with a pre-paid shipping label so that you do not have to pay any costs to send the recalled slot cars back to them. To obtain this label and arrange for the return, you need to contact Round 2 directly. You can call their toll-free number at 888-770-7120. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to communicate in writing, you can send an email to deluxepitkit@realtimeresults.net. Either method will help you get the necessary instructions and the pre-paid label to complete the return. Alternatively, if you find it more convenient to handle everything online, you can visit the official recall page at http://autoworldstore.com/deluxepitkitrecall. You may also go to http://autoworldstore.com and look for the link labeled "Deluxe Pit Kit Recall" to access all the information you need. These websites will provide further details on how to proceed with your specific return. Please remember that Round 2 is also notifying all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye out for any official communications they may have sent to you. It is worth noting that this recall applies strictly to the unassembled kits. If you already built one of these slot cars and attached the magnets to the chassis during assembly, that specific model is not subject to this recall because the assembled version does not pose the same ingestion risk. However, if you have any doubts about whether your specific unit was ever opened or assembled, it is safest to treat it as recalled and follow the return steps outlined above. By following these steps, you ensure that the hazardous materials are handled properly and that you receive a full refund for your purchase.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Auto World Deluxe Pit Kit slot cars, the good news is that the remedy for this issue is straightforward and designed to be hassle-free for you. Because the hazard exists only in the unassembled state—specifically due to loose magnets that are not yet attached to the car’s chassis—the manufacturer, Round 2, has determined that repairing individual units is not the most practical or safe solution. Instead, they have opted for a full refund program. This approach ensures that you are completely made whole financially while removing the potential danger from your home entirely. You do not need to attempt to fix the magnets yourself, nor should you try to send the items back without following their specific instructions, as improper handling could still pose a risk during transit if not packaged correctly. To initiate this process, Round 2 is actively notifying all known purchasers directly, so check your email or mail for any correspondence from them. However, if you have not received a notification, or if you simply want to take action immediately, you can contact them yourself through several convenient channels. The company has set up dedicated support lines and digital resources specifically for this recall. You can call their toll-free number at 888-770-7120 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This is often the fastest way to get immediate clarity on your specific situation or to ask questions about the return process. For those who prefer digital communication, you can send an email directly to deluxepitkit@realtimeresults.net. When you reach out via email, be sure to include your model number and item number (such as TRX113, CP7975, etc.) to help them identify the specific kit in question quickly. Alternatively, you can visit their website at http://autoworldstore.com/deluxepitkitrecall or go to http://autoworldstore.com and look for the "Deluxe Pit Kit Recall" link on the main page. These online resources will provide you with a pre-paid shipping label. This is a crucial detail: Round 2 is covering the cost of returning the item, so you should not have to pay for postage. Once you have your pre-paid label, follow the instructions carefully to package the unassembled slot car securely. Place it in a box or envelope and attach the label clearly. When the package arrives at their facility, you will receive a full refund. This means you get back every penny you spent on the product. It is important to note that this remedy applies specifically to the unassembled kits. If you have already built your slot car and attached the magnets to the chassis as instructed, the risk is mitigated, and those assembled models are not part of this recall. However, if you are unsure whether a kit was assembled or if you prefer not to keep it, the refund option remains available for any unopened or unassembled unit. By taking this step, you are ensuring your family’s safety while resolving the issue with minimal effort on your part.What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a small, shiny magnet and see nothing more than a simple toy component. However, ignoring this recall means leaving a serious, hidden danger in your home. The core issue with the recalled Auto World Deluxe Pit Kit slot cars is not that the magnets are powerful when they are supposed to be—during play. The risk lies entirely in their state before assembly. In the recalled packages, two high-powered magnets are loose and unattached. If a child manages to access these loose parts, the consequences can be severe and medically complex.
The primary danger is ingestion. Young children, particularly those under five, explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. If a child swallows one or more of these loose magnets, they may not show immediate distress. This lack of immediate symptoms is what makes the hazard so deceptive and dangerous. A single magnet might pass through the digestive system without issue. However, if two or more magnets are swallowed, or if a magnet is swallowed alongside another piece of metal, they can attract each other through the walls of the intestines.
When these powerful magnets pinch the tissue between them, they cut off blood flow to that section of the intestine. This leads to pressure sores, which quickly turn into perforations (holes) in the intestinal wall. Once a hole forms, bacteria from the gut can leak into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, a life-threatening infection. The intestines can also twist around the pinched tissue, leading to a blockage that prevents food and waste from passing. These conditions do not resolve on their own and require emergency surgery to correct.
The medical outcomes of ignoring this hazard are grave. Without prompt surgical intervention, the resulting infections can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning), organ failure, and death. While the CPSC reports no incidents or injuries at this time, the potential for tragedy is real and well-documented in medical literature regarding high-powered magnets. Every day that these unassembled kits remain within reach of children increases the statistical likelihood of a catastrophic event. You are not just returning a toy; you are preventing a potential medical emergency. The repair process offered by Round 2 eliminates this risk entirely by allowing you to return the unsafe loose parts for a full refund, ensuring that no child is ever exposed to this specific danger again.
Staying safe: broader tips
Magnets are remarkably useful tools in our daily lives, powering everything from refrigerator organizers and phone mounts to educational building sets and hobby kits. However, their invisible force makes them uniquely dangerous when they become separated from their intended housing. The incident involving the Round 2 Deluxe Pit Kit serves as a stark reminder that small, high-powered magnets require specific respect and handling protocols. To keep your home safe, it is essential to understand that not all magnets are created equal. While the tiny magnets in a standard notebook cover pose little risk, the neodymium magnets used in many modern toys and hobby parts are incredibly strong relative to their size. If even two of these small magnets end up in a child’s digestive tract, they can pull through different loops of intestine, trapping tissue between them. This pressure cuts off blood flow, leading to serious infection or perforation. Therefore, the primary rule of magnet safety is strict supervision during play and ensuring that any magnetic components remain securely attached to their base structure.
For households with young children, proactive management is your best defense. Always inspect new toys, especially those involving assembly or small parts, before handing them over to a child. Look for signs of wear or damage in the casing that might allow magnets to escape. If you purchase hobby kits or DIY projects, keep them entirely out of reach of children until they are fully assembled and inspected by an adult. It is also wise to educate older children about the dangers of loose magnets, teaching them not to put small magnetic pieces in their mouths and to report any broken toys immediately. For parents of toddlers who are still exploring the world orally, consider creating a "no-magnet" zone in play areas or using storage containers that are difficult for little hands to open.
Beyond specific product hazards, maintaining a culture of safety awareness is crucial. Regularly check your home for recalled items by visiting official resources like SaferProducts.gov or subscribing to alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Manufacturers often issue recalls proactively when they identify potential risks before injuries occur, making these announcements vital tools for prevention. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the general safety standards for the types of products you bring into your home. Whether it is anchoring heavy furniture to prevent tip-overs or ensuring that small batteries in remote controls are secured, vigilance pays off. By staying informed and keeping potentially hazardous components away from curious hands, you can enjoy the benefits of modern technology and hobbies without compromising the safety of your family.