Ortovox Recalls Avalanche Transceivers Due to Software Error
Ortovox is recalling about 20,000 avalanche transceivers because a software error may prevent them from transmitting survivor location data, delaying rescue efforts.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
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 (avalanche safety equipment) where the failure could delay rescue operations, but no injuries have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.
Plain-English summary
Ortovox, of Germany, is recalling about 20,000 avalanche transceivers in the United States and about 7,000 in Canada. The recall involves model numbers 1137000006, 1137000001, and 1137000002, which were sold in black/blue, black/black, and neon green colors. These devices are used as beacons to locate individuals buried in avalanches. All transceivers manufactured from 2010 through 2018 are included in the recall.
The transceivers can fail to work properly due to a software error, which may prevent them from transmitting the position of survivors. This failure can result in delayed search and rescue operations. No injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.
The transceivers were sold at outdoor specialty stores, ski shops nationwide, and directly to avalanche professionals, search and rescue personnel, and mountain guides from July 2010 through April 2018 for about $350. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled transceivers and return them to Ortovox for a free repair, including free shipping. For more information, consumers can contact ORTOVOX toll-free at 877-384-9252 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT Monday through Thursday, email [email protected], or visit www.ortovox.com and click on RECALL 3+.
The recalled product
- Product
- Avalanche transceivers
- Manufacturer
- Ortovox, of Germany
- Affected units
- 20,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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