The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·00089·Announced 2000-04-04

BISSELL Recalls Upright Vacuum Cleaners Due to Power Cord Shock Risk

BISSELL is recalling about 207,000 PowerClean and PureAir upright vacuum cleaners because the power cord insulation can tear, posing a risk of shock and burns.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (electric shock/burns) where injury has been reported (one burn injury), but no deaths or serious injuries are documented, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

BISSELL Homecare Inc. is recalling approximately 207,000 PowerClean and PureAir upright vacuum cleaners sold nationwide from July 1998 through March 2000. The recall includes one model of the PowerClean vacuum (model 3540-1, black) and three models of the PureAir vacuum (models 3540-2, 3541, and 3541-P). The recalled units are identified by date codes ranging from 98176000 through 99254999 located on the label on the back of the vacuum. These specific units lack a 3-inch plastic flex relief where the power cord enters the handle.

The power cord insulation on these vacuums can tear where the cord attaches to the unit, exposing bare wires. This defect poses a risk of electric shock and burns to consumers. BISSELL is aware of 54 reports of the cords tearing and one report of a consumer suffering a burn injury on her hand.

Consumers should stop using these vacuum cleaners immediately. They should contact BISSELL toll-free at (888) 445-6688 between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to arrange for a free repair through BISSELL's authorized service network. Retailers cannot repair these vacuums.

The recalled product

Product
Bissel PowerClean™ and PureAir™ vacuum cleaners
Manufacturer
BISSELL® Homecare Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Category
Consumer Product — Vacuum Cleaners
Hazard
Affected units
207,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same hazard · electric shock

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