Recall #04-190 · Published July 30, 2004

Matsushita Electric Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney Combination TV/VCRs

CPSC, Matsushita Electric Corporation of America Announce Recall of Combination TV/VCRs

CPSC published a recall notice for Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney Combination TV/VCRs from Matsushita Electric on July 30, 2004. CPSC identifies this hazard: The TV/VCR cabinets can break when lifted by the ventilation holes in the top rear of the cabinet, permitting the TV/VCR to fall and injure hands and feet. The official remedy states: Consumers should contact Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney to receive a free retrofit kit to cover the ventilation holes and prevent lifting from this area.

Recalled Combination TV/VCRs with locations of model and serial numbers indicated
Recalled Combination TV/VCRs with locations of model and serial numbers indicated
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

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.

Additional identifying details

These sets can be identified by the model number which appears on the front and rear of the cabinet.

Which products are included?

The recalled combination TV/VCRs are gray/black and have these brand names: Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, or JCPenney. The cabinets have ventilation holes in the top rear of the cabinet. Only the 13" and 20" Combination TV/VCR sets manufactured between January 1, 1995, and December 30, 1995, are recalled. These sets can be identified by the model number which appears on the front and rear of the cabinet. The following model numbers are included in this recall: Brand Model Panasonic 13-inch models: PV-M1325, PV-M1345, PVM1365AD, AG-513B 20-inch models: PV-M2025, PV-M2035, PV-M2045, PV-M2065, AG-520B Quasar 13-inch model: VV-1305 20-inch models: VV-2005T, VV-2005, VV-2025 Thomson (RCA) 13-inch models: T13015BC, T13018BC 20-inch models: T20015BC, T20018BC, T20020BC JCPenney 20-inch model: 685-0879

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The TV/VCR cabinets can break when lifted by the ventilation holes in the top rear of the cabinet, permitting the TV/VCR to fall and injure hands and feet.

Incidents and injuries

About 10 incidents have been reported, in which the TV/VCR cabinet broke at the ventilation holes when lifted or carried, resulting in the TV/VCR dropping to the floor. Minor cuts and bruises have been reported in four incidents.

Official remedy

Consumers should contact Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney to receive a free retrofit kit to cover the ventilation holes and prevent lifting from this area.

Product and sales details

Brand
Matsushita Electric
Manufacturer
Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, Secaucus, New Jersey
Recall number
04-190
Units
About 500,000
Manufactured in
United States
Sold at / sales period
Retail stores nationwide, from January 1995 through December 1996, for between $300 and $490, depending on the model.

Panasonic, Quasar, RCA, and JCPenney Combination TV/VCRs

CPSC product type: Televisions, Mounts, Guards & Antennas

Recall contact information

Call Panasonic at (800) 833-9626 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. Visit Panasonic's website at www.Panasonic.com and RCA's website at www.RCA.com

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

Related recalls

Selected by shared brand or household-product category.

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CPSC, Verizon Wireless Announce Recall of Counterfeit Cell Phone Batteries

Verizon Wireless

Hazard: Some LG-branded TM-510 batteries may be counterfeit and susceptible to overcharging, especially if used with a non-LG charger. LG Infocomm U.S.A. Inc. states that these are counterfeit LG-branded batteries, which do not contain a safety device in the circuitry, to prevent overcharging. In turn, the counterfeit batteries can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to users.