CPSC recall 03-078, announced January 30, 2003, covers Zenith large-screen analog projection televisions (about 80,000 units). A tear in a gasket can cause coolant fluid to leak from the picture tube assembly. The notice cites 45 incident reports. Consumers who have one of these televisions should immediately contact Zenith to arrange for a free inspection and repair. Recall contact: call (800) 777-5195, or go to www.projorecall.com.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
The date of manufacture can be found on the white label on the back of the set.
Which products are included?
The projection televisions recalled in this expansion and the earlier program have 46-60 inch screens and were manufactured from April 1995 through July 1997, and August 1998 through November 1998. The date of manufacture can be found on the white label on the back of the set. These televisions were manufactured in Mexico. Projection televisions manufactured after 1998 are not included in this recall.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Also in the notice
- Date codes. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
the white label on the back of the set
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- April 1995 through April 1999
- Price paid
- $1,200 to $2,800
Why it was recalled
A tear in a gasket can cause coolant fluid to leak from the picture tube assembly. This can cause smoking, charring, and electrical arcing inside of the television, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents and injuries
Since 1998, Zenith has received 45 reports of incidents involving coolant leakage, causing smoking or charring with the televisions, including four cases where minor property damage occurred outside of the unit. No injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers who have one of these televisions should immediately contact Zenith to arrange for a free inspection and repair.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Contact the firm. Call (800) 777-5195, or go to www.projorecall.com.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- Zenith Electronics
- Manufacturer
- Zenith Electronics Corp., of Lincolnshire, Ill.
- Recall number
- 03-078
- Units
- About 80,000
- Manufactured in
- Mexico
- Sold at / sales period
- Major appliance and department stores nationwide sold these televisions, from about April 1995 through April 1999, for between $1,200 and $2,800.
Zenith large-screen analog projection televisions
CPSC product type: Televisions, Mounts, Guards & Antennas
This recall in context
Compared with the 221 home electronics recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 80,000 units: the 67th-largest of 200 home electronics recalls that state a unit count. The median is 25,950 units.
- Hazard
- Fire: named in 153 of 221 home electronics recalls, the most common hazard among them.
- Time on sale
- About 4 years. Recalled 45 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Consumers may contact Zenith at (800) 777-5195 anytime to arrange for a free inspection and repair. Consumers also can visit the company's dedicated website at www.projorecall.com
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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