The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·99017·Announced 1998-11-10

Electrolux Recalls Top-Corded Upright Vacuums Due to Shock and Burn Risks

Electrolux is recalling about 226,000 Ponytail top-corded upright vacuum cleaners because the power cords can break, causing shocks or burns to users.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves significant injury reports, specifically 11 serious injuries including second or third-degree burns and shocks, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Electrolux, L.L.C., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is recalling approximately 226,000 Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners. The affected models include the Genesis, Prolux S/R, Genesis LX, Prolux Warehouse, Genesis LXE, Regency, Prolux, Special Edition, and Prolux Plus. These vacuums feature power cords that extend from the very top of the handle, a design that often leads users to treat the cord as an extension of the handle.

The power cords on these vacuums can break inside the handle, or the casing around the cord can break, exposing wires. This defect can cause electric shocks or burns to the user's hand. Electrolux is aware of at least 75 reports of cord or casing failures, with about half resulting in burns or shocks. Among these reports, 11 serious injuries were documented, including second or third-degree burns and shocks.

These vacuums were sold between May 1991 and September 1993 for prices ranging from $150 to $550. They were available through direct sales, corporate customers, and retail stores such as Sam's Club, Service Merchandise, and Macy's. Consumers should immediately stop using these vacuums and return them to an Electrolux store for a free repair, which involves replacing the handle with a new model. For assistance, consumers can call Electrolux at (800) 896-9756.

The recalled product

Product
Electrolux Genesis LX Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Manufacturer
Prolux Plus
Category
Consumer Product — Vacuum Cleaners
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electric shock

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