CPSC recall 08-572, announced May 20, 2008, covers Cricket EZ Cellular Phones (about 285,000 units). A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. The notice cites 2 incident reports. Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Recall contact: call (866) 441-1577, or go to www.mycricket.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.
Affected model numbers
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 noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- 2 listed, all starting with
CRKJ88BKIT. Yours must match one exactly. - Where to look
a label inside the battery compartment behind the battery
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- February 2008 through March 2008
- Price paid
- $90
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.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the 2 listed in this recall.
- Contact the firm. Call (866) 441-1577, or go to www.mycricket.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
- 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.)
Cricket EZ Cellular Phones
CPSC product type: Telephones, Cell Phones & Accessories
This recall in context
Compared with the 221 home electronics recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 285,000 units: the 25th-largest of 200 home electronics recalls that state a unit count. The median is 25,950 units.
- Time on sale
- 2 months. Recalled 2 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
For additional information, contact Cricket toll-free at (866) 441-1577 between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. MT Monday through Saturday, and between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. MT on Sunday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.mycricket.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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