Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled Due to 911 Audio Interference
CPSC recalls Cricket EZ cell phones because a software defect prevents clear audio during 911 calls. Consumers should return the device for a free software repair.
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 where the defect interferes with emergency 911 calls, but no injuries have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.
Plain-English summary
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recalling approximately 285,000 Cricket EZ cellular phones due to a software problem that interferes with emergency 911 calls. The defect causes audio issues where the 911 operator may not hear the caller, or the caller may not hear the operator. Cricket has received two reports of this audio malfunction occurring during 911 calls, though no injuries were reported.
The affected phones are small, black and silver bar-style devices with "Cricket" printed above the display panel. The model number "CRKJ88BKIT" is located on a label inside the battery compartment. Units with model numbers ending in "B" ("CRKJ88BKITB"), units with a green dot on the inside label, and units sold after March 2008 are not included in this recall. The phones were sold at Cricket stores and independent dealers nationwide from February 2008 through March 2008 for about $90.
Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cricket is directly contacting consumers who purchased these cell phones to alert them to the recall. For additional information, consumers can contact Cricket toll-free at (866) 441-1577 or visit www.mycricket.com.
The recalled product
- Product
- Cricket EZ Cellular Phones
- Category
- Consumer Product — Cell Phones
- Affected units
- 285,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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