Trek Recalls Bicycles with Coaster Brakes and Rear Wheels Due to Crash Hazard

Trek has issued an urgent nationwide recall of thousands of children’s bicycles and replacement rear wheels after discovering that the coaster brakes may fail — creating a serious crash and injury hazard. The recall, announced by the CPSC on November 13, 2025, affects several popular Trek and Electra models commonly purchased for young riders.
(Source: CPSC Recall No. 26-050 — Trek Recalls Bicycles with Coaster Brakes and Replacement Rear Wheels Due to Crash Hazard: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Trek-Recalls-Bicycles-with-Coaster-Brakes-and-Replacement-Rear-Wheels-Due-to-Crash-Hazard)

This recall highlights a critical safety issue: coaster brakes that do not engage can cause a child to lose control, collide with objects, or be thrown from the bike.

At Ketterer, Browne & Davani, we routinely monitor recalls involving children’s products — especially those sold through major retailers or marketed to families — because families deserve to know when a defective product puts their child at risk.

What Products Are Included in the Recall?

According to the CPSC, the recall includes:

• Trek Precaliber 12, 16, 20, and 24 youth bicycles

• Electra Townie 7D (select models with coaster brakes)

• Replacement rear wheels with coaster brakes sold separately as repair components

The defect is tied to improperly assembled coaster brakes, which may not stop the bike when the child pedals backward — the way coaster brakes typically engage.

No parent expects a brand-new bike to fail during normal riding. But this recall shows how even top brands can release unsafe products into the marketplace.

What Should Parents Do Now?

Trek instructs consumers to:

• Stop using the bicycle immediately

• Contact an authorized Trek retailer for a FREE coaster brake inspection and repair

• Check the recall notice for the full model list and serial numbers
  (Full recall: linked above from CPSC)

Repairs will be free of charge, and Trek retailers are trained to conduct the fix safely.

Why This Recall Matters

A failed brake is one of the most dangerous defects a child can encounter. A sudden inability to stop can lead to:

• High-speed crashes

• Falls resulting in head injuries

• Broken bones or sprains

• Roadway accidents involving vehicles

Children lack the reaction time and physical strength to compensate when a brake fails unexpectedly — making this defect particularly concerning.

Legal Options If a Child Was Injured by a Defective Bicycle

Ketterer, Browne & Davani Attorneys represents families whose children have been hurt by unsafe or defective products, including:

• Bicycles

• Toys

• Bike accessories

• Helmets

• Children’s gear

If your child was injured before this recall was issued or after using one of the defective Trek models, you may have grounds to file a product liability claim. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe before they ever reach consumers — especially when those consumers are kids.

Our team investigates:

• Whether the brake failed

• Whether Trek knew or should have known of the defect

• Whether similar complaints existed

• The severity of the injury and long-term medical needs

Protecting Families Through Product Safety Awareness

KBD Attorneys remains committed to keeping families safe by tracking dangerous product recalls like this one. When a defect puts children at risk, we believe parents deserve transparency, answers, and the support needed to keep their families safe.