Cricket EZ Cellular Phones recall 08-572

Cricket EZ Cellular Phones

Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled; Audio Problem Interferes with Emergency 911 Calls

CPSC published a recall notice for Cricket EZ Cellular Phones from Cricket Communications on May 20, 2008. CPSC identifies this hazard: A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911, the operator may not hear the caller or the caller may not hear the 911 operator. The official remedy states: Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cricket is directly contacting consumers who purchased these cell phones to alert them to the recall.

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.

Affected model numbers

CRKJ88BKITCRKJ88BKITB

Additional identifying details

Model number "CRKJ88BKIT" is located on a label inside the battery compartment behind the battery.

Which products are included?

This recall involves the "Cricket EZ" cellular phone. The cell phones are small, black and silver bar-style. "Cricket" is printed on top of the phone above the display panel. Model number "CRKJ88BKIT" is located on a label inside the battery compartment behind the battery. Units that have a model number that ends with a "B" ("CRKJ88BKITB"), units that have a green dot on the inside label, and units that were sold after March 2008 are not included in this recall.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911, the operator may not hear the caller or the caller may not hear the 911 operator.

Incidents and injuries

Cricket has received two reports of the audio not working properly when a consumer placed a call to 911. No injuries were reported.

Official remedy

Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cricket is directly contacting consumers who purchased these cell phones to alert them to the recall.

Product and sales details

Brand: Cricket Communications
Recall number: 08-572
Units: About 285,000
Manufactured in: China
Sold at / sales period: Cricket stores and independent dealers nationwide from February 2008 through March 2008 for about $90.
Distributor: Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.)