Visioneer Computer Scanners Recalled for Motor Lock-Up and Overheating Risk
Visioneer, HP, and Compaq are correcting approximately 150,000 computer scanners where a power fluctuation can cause the motor to lock and overheat.
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 (overheating) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.
Plain-English summary
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Visioneer, Inc. have announced a voluntary correction program for approximately 150,000 computer scanners sold under the names PaperPort Vx, Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 4s, and Compaq Scanner Keyboard. The affected units were sold nationwide between September 1995 and May 1996 through catalogs, mail order, and third-party distributors for suggested retail prices ranging from $299 to $349. Scanners manufactured after March 15, 1996, are not affected by this issue.
The recall addresses a condition where a momentary decrease in the scanner's power supply can cause the motor to lock and potentially overheat. Visioneer, Hewlett-Packard, and Compaq have received a total of 38 reports of motor lock-up involving these scanners. However, CPSC and Visioneer have not received any reports of injuries from customers experiencing an overheat condition.
Consumers can download a software solution from Visioneer's website that significantly reduces the chance of lock-up. Additionally, consumers can obtain and install a free retrofit kit from Visioneer, Hewlett-Packard, or Compaq, which includes a new circuit to prevent motor lock-up. Contact information for ordering the free kits is available through the respective manufacturers' customer service lines.
The recalled product
- Product
- Compaq Scanner Keyboard computer scanners
- Manufacturer
- PaperPort Vx
- Hazard
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same hazard · overheating
See all →- Severe3M Recalls Scotch Thermal Laminators Due to Fire Hazard
CPSC · 2026-10-15
- SevereIntellijoint Navigation Systems Recalled for Potential Fire Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- CriticalINMO Air3 Smart Glasses Recalled for Overheating Burn Hazard
CPSC · 2026-09-24
- HighGentherm Medical Recalls Blanketrol III Thermal Regulating Systems
FDA (Devices) · 2026-08-26
- ModerateGentherm Medical Recalls Blanketrol II Thermal Regulating Systems
FDA (Devices) · 2026-08-26
Similar recalls
- SevereCanon Recalls Desktop Copiers for Fire Hazard Repair
CPSC · 2006-09-18
- SevereXerox, Hitachi, and GCC Laser Printers Recalled for Fire Hazard
CPSC · 2003-01-29
- SevereEpson Recalls Scanner Power Adapters Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC · 2020-05-01
- SevereCompaq Notebook Computer AC Adapters Recalled for Fire Hazard
CPSC · 2001-10-04
- Severe
- SevereHP Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC · 2006-04-20