Bissell Vacuums Recalled Over Fire Risk

Bissell Inc. recalled an estimated 142,000 vacuums because their battery packs may overheat and smoke, posing a fire risk, according to a Feb. 1 announcement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The company received 17 reports of the recalled products smoking with a burning odor. Among the incidents, six battery packs caught fire, leading to two minor burn injuries and three instances of minor property damage.

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The vacuums were sold nationwide between August 2016 and December 2022 at retailers including Lowe’s, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart and Best Buy. Online, they were available at bissell.com, amazon.com and HSN.com, among other retailers.

BISSELL Inc.

The recalled vacuums

The recall involves Bissell Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaner models 1985, 19851 (also called Multi Auto), 19859, 1985T, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151T, 2151W, 2151V.

To identify if your vacuum is recalled look for the model number printed on the product rating label located behind the dirt tank. “Multi Reach” will also be printed on the hand vacuum portion of the product.

Advice for consumers

 Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled vacuums immediately and contact Bissell for instructions on how to deplete the battery’s charge and receive a free replacement vacuum.

The recalled lithium batteries should not be thrown in the trash. Instead, follow local and state laws for proper disposal.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests using these locators to find a recycling site near you:

• Earth911
• Call2Recycle
• Consumer Technology Association’s Greener Gadgets

Bissell may be contacted at 855-417-7001, by email at recallNA@bissell.com or online at Bissell.com/recall.