The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·05156·Announced 2005-04-14

Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners Recalled for Fire Hazard

Maytag Corp. is recalling about 636,000 Hoover self-propelled upright vacuum cleaners because defective switches can overheat and cause fires.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with 249 reports of overheating, smoking, melting, or catching fire, and one reported minor burn injury, meeting the criteria for significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Maytag Corp. is recalling approximately 636,000 Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners. The recall involves specific models manufactured between May 1998 and November 1999, including model numbers U6423-900, U6425-900, U6425-950, U6445-900, U6445-960, U6449-900, U6450-900, U6451-900, and U6455-900. These vacuums were sold at household appliance and floorcare retailers nationwide from May 1998 through July 2000 for between $259 and $279.

The recalled vacuums have defective on-off switches that can overheat the handle and toolholder areas, resulting in a fire hazard. Maytag has received 249 reports of vacuums overheating, which caused the handle area to smoke, melt, or catch fire. One minor burn injury requiring no medical attention was reported.

Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact Maytag to obtain the name and address of the nearest Hoover repair center to schedule a free repair. Consumers should not return their vacuum cleaners to retailers. Maytag Corp. can be reached toll-free at (800) 250-6075 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or via the websites www.maytag.com or www.hoover.com.

The recalled product

Product
Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Manufacturer
Hoover Co., of North Canton, Ohio (Hoover Co. is part of the Maytag Corp.)
Category
Consumer Product — Vacuum Cleaners
Hazard
Affected units
636,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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