Bissell, a privately held company specializing in floor care products, is issuing a recall for approximately 150,000 vacuum units distributed in the United States and Canada.
This action is prompted by concerns related to a potential fire hazard associated with the affected products.
The recall pertains to specific models of cordless Bissell Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners, identifiable by the presence of “Multi Reach” printed on the hand vacuum section of the product, as outlined by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The commission reports that 142,000 units have been recalled in the United States, with approximately 14,600 sold in Canada.
Bissell: 17 Reports of Smoke in Affected Products
As per an official notice, Bissell has received 17 reports indicating instances of the affected products emitting smoke and a burning odor.
Among these reports, six detailed incidents where the battery pack caught fire, resulting in three cases of minor property damage and two instances of minor burn injuries.
The CPSC advises consumers to cease using the recalled vacuums immediately and to contact Bissell for guidance on discharging the battery and obtaining a complimentary replacement vacuum.
Additionally, the CPSC emphasizes the proper disposal of the recalled lithium-ion batteries in compliance with local and state regulations, discouraging disposal in regular trash bins.
Models Recalled by Bissell
Owners are further instructed to check the model number to ascertain whether their unit is subject to the recall.
The specific models affected by the recall are 1985, 19851 (also known as Multi Auto), 19859, 1985T, 1985C, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151C, 2151T, 2151W, as well as 2151V.
The impacted Bissell vacuum cleaners were distributed through various retail outlets such as Lowe’s, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and other physical stores nationwide.
The sales period extended from August 2016 to December 2022, with prices ranging from $110 to $270, as specified in the notice.
These vacuum units were manufactured in China. Bissell has advised owners of cordless vacuum models bearing the designation “Multi Reach” to discontinue use immediately.