Bissell Recalls Over 150,000 Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners Due to Fire Hazard
In a recent announcement, Bissell, a renowned floor cleaning product company, has issued a recall for over 150,000 of its Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners. The recall comes as a result of a potential fire hazard associated with the vacuum’s battery pack. The United States Product Safety Commission (USPSC) and Bissell’s official website both released statements regarding the recall.
According to the USPSC’s release, the battery pack of the Multi Reach vacuum has the potential to overheat and smoke, posing a significant fire hazard. The recall affects approximately 142,000 units in the United States, with an additional 14,600 units sold in Canada. Bissell became aware of the issue after receiving reports of 17 incidents where the vacuum cleaners emitted smoke and a burning odor. Out of these reports, six involved the battery pack catching fire, resulting in three cases of minor property damage and two instances of minor burn injuries.
In response to the recall, Bissell has emphasized its commitment to consumer safety. A spokesperson for the company stated, “Consumer safety is our top priority, and we are working in full cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to voluntarily recall our Multi Reach™ Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners.” Bissell urges all consumers who own the affected models to immediately stop using them and visit their website at www.BISSELL.com/recall for more information on impacted models and steps to receive a free replacement.
The Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners were sold both in-store and online at major retailers such as Lowe’s, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, as well as on websites like www.bissell.com, www.amazon.com, and www.hsn.com. At the time of publication, these retailers had not yet responded to requests for comment.
To ensure consumer safety, the release advises users to contact Bissell for instructions on how to deplete the charge on the battery and receive a free replacement vacuum. It is crucial to dispose of the recalled lithium batteries properly, following local and state laws. The release emphasizes that these batteries should not be deposited in regular battery recycling boxes found at retail and home improvement stores due to their potentially hazardous nature.
To determine if their vacuum cleaner is affected by the recall, consumers can locate their model number on the product rating label located behind the dirt tank. The specific model numbers impacted by the recall include 1985, 19851 (also known as Multi Auto), 19859, 1985T, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151T, 2151W, and 2151V.
In light of this recall, it is essential for all consumers who own the affected Bissell Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners to take immediate action. By visiting Bissell’s website and following the provided instructions, individuals can ensure their safety and receive a free replacement vacuum. Bissell’s commitment to consumer safety remains unwavering as they work diligently with the USPSC to address this fire hazard promptly.
