Kwikset Locks Mislabeled as ‘Made in USA,’ Suit Alleges

Kwikset Corp. of Irvine has been accused in a lawsuit of misleading consumers for several years by mislabeling locks largely made in Mexico as “Made in U.S.A.”

The lawsuit, brought by three law firms on behalf of the general public, contends that despite the domestic label, 60% to 80% of the work that goes into making the locks is performed in Mexico.

Many consumers paid a premium for what they believed were American-made locks, according to the suit, which was filed Friday in Orange County Superior Court.

The complaint said the firm’s business practices are fraudulent and violate several state and federal laws.

Neither Kwikset officials nor the plaintiffs could be reached for comment.

The civil action asks the court to require Kwikset to replace the locks or make appropriate refunds, among other things.

Kwikset is a division of Black & Decker.