This popular product is dangerous for children and is being recalled by Costco
Photo credit: Costco
A product that became a viral favorite among parents has now been pulled from Costco shelves. On October 23, 2025, Costco issued an urgent recall of the Pack-N-Stroll Utility Wagon, manufactured by Olympia Tools International, after officials determined the item posed potential safety risks for young children.
According to the recall notice, the wagon «does not meet federal safety standards for use with children.»
The warning explains that a child's head could become trapped between the wagon's utility tray and sidewall, and that the lack of a built-in restraint system increases the risk of falls.
A social media trend gone too far and Costco has issued a recall
The Pack-N-Stroll wagon was never intended for carrying kids - it was designed to haul gear, groceries, or outdoor items.
But early in 2025, it went viral on TikTok and Reddit after parents began using it as a budget-friendly alternative to the luxury Veer All-Terrain Cruiser, which sells for around $700.
At just $199, Costco's version looked strikingly similar - complete with seats, cup holders, and a foot well.
Many parents online dubbed it «the same thing, just cheaper,» even while acknowledging that it lacked seatbelts or formal child-safety features.
One TikTok user summed up the sentiment in June: «It folds the same way, it rides the same way, and for $200 it's a total steal.» But what started as a viral «hack» soon caught the attention of regulators - and now, of safety investigators.
Olympia Tools confirmed the recall in a statement, urging customers to stop using the product immediately and return it to any Costco location for a full refund.
The company apologized for the issue and reminded consumers that the wagon «was never marketed or approved for transporting children.»
The incident serves as a cautionary tale about how fast viral products can spread - and how easily safety guidelines can be ignored in the age of influencer marketing. What began as a clever parenting shortcut quickly turned into a national recall.
Experts warn that consumers should always check a product's intended use and certifications, especially when it comes to child-related items.
As one consumer advocate noted, «If it doesn't come with safety straps or warnings for child transport, it's not a stroller - no matter what social media says.»
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 24 | 12 ANSWERS This popular product is dangerous for children and is being recalled by Costco Do you think social media trends are making parents take more safety risks with viral "dupe" products? | ||
| Yes, absolutely | 4 | 33.3 % |
| Sometimes | 4 | 33.3 % |
| Not really | 1 | 8.3 % |
| Not sure | 3 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||
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