Recalls by severity
Every recall here is scored 1 to 5 from things you can check: the agency’s own classification, whether injuries or deaths are reported in the source notice, how widely the product was distributed, and the type of hazard. The score is never a reaction to how alarming the wording sounds. The methodology page has the full rubric.
- 5 · Critical7,452 recalls
Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.
- 4 · Severe32,304 recalls
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
- 3 · High50,499 recalls
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
- 2 · Moderate21,838 recalls
Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- 1 · Low2,741 recalls
Cosmetic or documentation issue. No expected health impact, but the manufacturer is correcting the affected products.
Two rules override everything else. Any death reported in the source notice makes a recall Critical regardless of how the agency classified it. And where the agency says explicitly that no illnesses or injuries have been reported and the hazard is theoretical, the score is capped at High — a precautionary recall is not the same thing as an outbreak.