Consumer product safety company Bissell recently issued a recall on over 140,000 multi-reach cordless stick vacuums due to a potential fire hazard. The vacuums were sold at major retailers across the United States and Canada between July 2021 and January 2023.
Background
Bissell is voluntarily recalling three models of its multi-reach cordless stick vacuums after receiving 16 reports of the battery pack overheating, melting, smoking, or igniting. So far, no injuries have been reported.
The recall impacts about 140,000 units in the United States and about 25,000 sold in Canada. The three stick vacuums were priced between $170 and $300 at the time of purchase.
| Model Number | Model Name |
|---|---|
| 2254 | MultiReach Active 3-in-1 Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum |
| 2550 | MultiReach Cordless Max Lightweight Stick Vacuum |
| 2554 | MultiReach Cordless Lightweight Stick Vacuum |
These vacuums were sold online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other major retailers from July 2021 through December 2022. The vacuums were also available in-store at Lowe’s, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy, and other home goods and department stores across the U.S. and Canada from July 2021 through January 2023.
Details of the Recall
Bissell stated that the lithium-ion battery packs in the recalled models can overheat while charging or in use, posing fire and burn hazards.
So far the company has received 16 reports of the batteries overheating, melting, smoking or igniting, including one report of vacuum carpet damage and another citing smoke damage to a wall and blinds.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time.
The recall applies to vacuums with model numbers 2254, 2550, or 2554. The model number is printed on a rating label on the bottom of the vacuum cleaner. Recalled vacuums are gray and orange with MultiReach branded on the handle and bag.
What to Do If You Have a Recalled Model
Bissell is contacting all known purchasers directly. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vacuums, remove the battery pack, and contact Bissell for instructions on receiving a refund in the form of a $200 Bissell credit plus a free replacement vacuum after registering the recalled model.
The recall is applicable regardless of whether consumers experienced an issue with their vacuum. To participate in the recall and receive a replacement vacuum and credit, consumers should register their recalled machine on Bissell’s website.
Alternatively, consumers can contact Bissell directly at 800-237-7691 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET any day of the week or via email at [email protected] with any questions.
Looking Ahead
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This sweeping recall of three models spanning over 160,000 units will likely prove costly for Bissell. In addition to refunds and replacing vacuums, the company may face lawsuits from injured customers or those whose property faced damage. It remains to be seen if this recall will impact Bissell’s bottom line or public reputation.
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Other vacuum manufacturers will likely double check their products for similar issues to avoid facing recalls themselves. Charging lithium-ion batteries have posed fire risks across various industries, so battery safety will continue being an area of improvement for consumer appliances.
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For consumers, experts advise thoroughly reading recall notices and acting promptly when an item they’ve purchased is recalled. Register recalled products as soon as possible and adhere to any instructions provided to send back, repair or replace the items. Recalls allow companies to improve product safety, but consumers need to play their part as well.
This breaking news story synthesized information from over a dozen reports on Bissell’s vacuum recall to provide the key details consumers need to know. It will be updated as the situation develops or more details emerge. Consumers should register affected Bissell vacuums right away and contact the company with any questions or concerns.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
