Chicago, IL – Bissell has issued a recall for over 150,000 vacuum cleaners in the U.S. and Canada due to a potential fire hazard caused by overheating battery packs, the company announced on Friday.
The affected models, including the Multi Reach Cordless Vacuum, were sold between August 2016 and December 2022 at various stores like Lowe’s and Macy’s. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stated that consumers who have purchased these vacuums should stop using them immediately and contact Bissell for instructions on how to deplete the charge on the battery and receive a free replacement vacuum.
The CPSC revealed that 17 incidents of the recalled vacuum cleaners smoking and emitting a burning odor have been reported, with some resulting in minor property damage and minor burn injuries. Bissell has offered a free replacement vacuum for those affected and has urged consumers to dispose of the lithium-ion batteries in accordance with local and state laws.
This recall comes nearly a year after Bissell recalled a different vacuum model over similar concerns regarding battery packs overheating and catching fire. This is not the first time the company has faced issues with their product safety, prompting customers to be more cautious when purchasing their products.