Star Wars AT-AT Walker Recalled for Tip-Over Hazard

Star Wars AT-AT Walker Recalled for Cold Weather Failure

Vancouver, Canada - December 11, 2011: An AT-AT walker from the Star Wars movie franchise on a black background. The model was made by Micro Machines, from Galoob.

Transport Canada recalled the All-Terrain Armored Transport (AT-AT Walker) from the 2017 model-year. At least 10,000 units were manufactured by the Galactic Empire for use by Imperial stormtroopers against the Rebel Alliance.

The four-legged armored battle vehicle made its first appearance in the icy Hoth battle scene from Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, and reappeared on a beach in Scarif in Star Wars: Rogue One.

Transport Canada recalled the walker for its tendency to fail in “extreme cold temperatures, such as on planet Hoth or in Northern Canada.” According to the notice:

This could impair laser cannon tracking, and affect the walker’s ability to maintain balance and could ultimately result in a crash causing injury to imperial troops.”

The notification type is listed as “inconsequential,” despite the seriousness of the defect. The AT-AT Walker is extremely heavy and unstable on non-level surfaces due to its high center of gravity. There are reports of it getting bogged down on sandy beaches and tipping over when its legs become entangled by smaller and faster vehicles.

There have also been sporadic reports of R2 Units with a bad Motivator. In addition, multiple Death Stars with large reactor cores may be vulnerable to chain-reaction explosions due to an exhaust-port design flaw.

Source: Transport Canada Recall # 2017242