CPSC recall 05-156, announced April 14, 2005, covers Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners (about 636,000 units). The recalled vacuums have defective on-off switches that can overheat the handle and toolholder areas of the vacuum, resulting in a fire hazard. The notice cites 249 incident reports and 1 injury. Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact Maytag to obtain the name and address of the nearest Hoover repair center, to schedule a free repair. Recall contact: call (800) 250-6075, or go to www.maytag.com.
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.
Affected model numbers
The model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the back of the vacuum.
Which products are included?
Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners are plastic upright vacuums with the brand name "Hoover" and words "Self Propelled" printed on the front of the product. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the back of the vacuum. The following model numbers are included in the recall: U6423-900 U6425-900 U6425-950 U6445-900 U6445-960 U6449-900 U6450-900 U6451-900 U6455-900 Only those Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners manufactured between May 1998 and November 1999 are included in this recall. The recalled models include serial numbers 0598xxxxxxxx through 1199xxxxxxxx, with the first four digits of the serial number indicating the month and year of production (e.g., 0598xxxxxxxx is May 1998).
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The recalled vacuums have defective on-off switches that can overheat the handle and toolholder areas of the vacuum, resulting in a fire hazard.
Incidents and injuries
Maytag has received 249 reports of vacuums overheating, which caused the handle area to smoke, melt or catch fire. One minor burn injury requiring no medical attention was reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact Maytag to obtain the name and address of the nearest Hoover repair center, to schedule a free repair. Consumers should not return their vacuum cleaners to retailers.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Hoover Self-Propelled Upright
- Manufacturer
- Hoover Co., of North Canton, Ohio (Hoover Co. is part of the Maytag Corp.)
- Product type
- Vacuum cleaners
- Recall number
- 05-156
- Units
- About 636,000
- Manufactured in
- United States
- Sold at / sales period
- Household appliance and floorcare retailers nationwide, from May 1998 through July 2000, for between $259 and $279.
Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners
CPSC product type: Vacuum Cleaners/Sweepers
Recall contact information
Call Maytag Corp. toll-free at (800) 250-6075 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms' Web sites at www.maytag.com or www.hoover.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.
