CPSC recall 17-031, announced November 10, 2016, covers Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Kidde NightHawk combination smoke/carbon monoxide (CO) alarms (about 3.6 million units). The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its 7-year end of life if the batteries are replaced, leading consumers to believe it is still working. The notice cites 8 incident reports. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled alarms and contact Kidde directly for a free replacement alarm based on date of manufacture or a discount on a new alarm. Recall contact: call 855-239-0490, or go to www.kidde.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.
This recall involves Kidde NightHawk talking combo smoke/CO alarm with model number KN-COSM-IB and manufacture dates between June 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010.
Which products are included?
This recall involves Kidde NightHawk talking combo smoke/CO alarm with model number KN-COSM-IB and manufacture dates between June 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010. The alarms are hard-wired into a home's electric power. The unit has a compartment on the back for the installation of a replaceable 9V backup battery. The alarm is white, round and measures about 5 to 6 inches in diameter. "Kidde" is engraved on the front of the alarm. "Kidde," the model number and manufacture dates are printed on a label on the back on the alarm.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Also in the notice
- Date codes. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
a label on the back on the alarm
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- June 2004 through December 2010
- Where sold
- Amazon, among the sellers the notice names
- Price paid
- $40 to $65
Why it was recalled
The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its 7-year end of life if the batteries are replaced, leading consumers to believe it is still working. This poses a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire or CO incident in their home.
Incidents and injuries
Kidde has received eight reports of incidents with the recalled alarms. No injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled alarms and contact Kidde directly for a free replacement alarm based on date of manufacture or a discount on a new alarm.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call 855-239-0490, or go to www.kidde.com.
- Get the remedy. This recall offers a replacement. The notice says the remedy is free.
- 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
- Product type
- Smoke alarms, Carbon monoxide alarms
- Recall number
- 17-031
- Units
- About 3.6 million (in addition 1.5 million were sold in Canada)
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Electrical distributors and home centers nationwide and online at Amazon.com from June 2004 through December 2010 for between $40 and $65.
- Importer
- Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.
This recall in context
Compared with the 36 smoke alarm recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 3.6 million units: the largest of 28 smoke alarm recalls that state a unit count. The median is 28,500 units.
- Hazard
- Fire: named in 32 of 36 smoke alarm recalls, the most common hazard among them.
- Remedy
- Replacement: offered in 12 of 36 smoke alarm recalls, the most common remedy.
- Brand history
- Walter Kidde Portable Equipment is named in 9 CPSC notices in this index, from 1992 to 2021. This recall is the 6th. The one before: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Kidde plastic valve disposable fire… (15-079, Feb 2015). 6 of them are smoke alarm recalls.
- Time on sale
- About 7 years. Recalled 71 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Kidde toll-free at 855-239-0490 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Notice" for more information.
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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