The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·13089·Announced 2013-01-09

Columbia Sportswear Recalls Omni-Heat Lithium-Polymer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

Columbia Sportswear is recalling Omni-Heat lithium-polymer batteries sold with electric jackets due to a cell defect that poses a fire hazard.

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 fire hazard due to a cell defect, which is a risk-of-harm product. Although one overheating incident was reported in Europe, no injuries or incidents were reported in the U.S., fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Columbia Sportswear Company is recalling Omni-Heat™ Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries that were sold with specific electric jackets. The recall involves approximately 66 battery packs, which were included with Fall 2011 men's and women's jacket styles such as the Electro Amp™ Jacket and Circuit Breaker™ Softshell. These battery packs were sold by Columbia online and at nine specific Columbia Sportswear stores between September and November 2012 for about $260.

The batteries have a cell defect that can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard. The firm received one report of an overheating battery in Europe, but no incidents or injuries were reported in the United States.

Consumers should immediately check the battery packs included with their electric jackets to determine if they are part of the recall. Affected battery packs are black, measure 3.25 inches by 2.3 inches by 0.7 inches, and are marked with "Columbia" on the top and "OMNI-HEAT™" on the bottom, with part number 054978-001 printed on the side. Those with affected batteries should immediately remove the battery pack(s) from the jacket and contact Columbia Sportswear for a free replacement.

The recalled product

Product
Omni-Heat™ Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries
Affected units
66

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Same manufacturer · Columbia Sportswear Company, of Portland, Ore.

See all →