The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·04190·Announced 2004-07-30

Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney Combination TV/VCRs Recalled for Structural Defect

Matsushita Electric is recalling about 500,000 combination TV/VCRs because the cabinets can break when lifted by ventilation holes, causing the units to fall and injure hands and feet.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (cabinet breakage) with reported injuries (minor cuts and bruises), meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Matsushita Electric Corporation of America is recalling approximately 500,000 Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney combination TV/VCRs. The recalled units are gray/black 13-inch and 20-inch models manufactured between January 1, 1995, and December 30, 1995. These specific sets can be identified by model numbers listed on the front and rear of the cabinet, including Panasonic models PV-M1325, PV-M1345, PVM1365AD, AG-513B, PV-M2025, PV-M2035, PV-M2045, PV-M2065, and AG-520B; Quasar models VV-1305, VV-2005T, VV-2005, and VV-2025; Thomson (RCA) models T13015BC, T13018BC, T20015BC, T20018BC, and T20020BC; and JCPenney model 685-0879.

The recall is due to a structural defect where the TV/VCR cabinets can break when lifted by the ventilation holes located in the top rear of the cabinet. This failure permits the TV/VCR to fall to the floor, posing a risk of injury to hands and feet. About 10 incidents have been reported where the cabinet broke at the ventilation holes when the unit was lifted or carried. In four of these incidents, minor cuts and bruises were reported.

The affected units were sold at retail stores nationwide from January 1995 through December 1996 for between $300 and $490, depending on the model. Consumers should contact Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, or JCPenney to receive a free retrofit kit designed to cover the ventilation holes and prevent lifting from this area. Consumers can call Panasonic at (800) 833-9626 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, or visit Panasonic's website at www.Panasonic.com and RCA's website at www.RCA.com.

The recalled product

Product
Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney Combination TV/VCRs
Manufacturer
Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, Secaucus, New Jersey
Category
Consumer Product — Television
Hazard
Affected units
500,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · structural failure

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