CPSC recall 99-017, announced November 10, 1998, covers Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners (about 226,000 units). The power cords on these vacuums extend out of the very top of the handle, and the cord is often used as an extension of the handle. The notice cites 75 incident reports and 11 injuries. Consumers should immediately stop using these vacuums, and return them to an Electrolux store for a free repair. Recall contact: call (800) 896-9756.
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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.
Which products are included?
The Ponytail vacuums were sold under the following names: Genesis Prolux S/R Genesis LX Prolux Warehouse Genesis LXE Regency Prolux Special Edition Prolux Plus Only Electrolux upright vacuums with the cord coming out of the very top of the handle are included in this recall. "Electrolux" and the model name are written on each vacuum.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- When sold
- May 1991 through September 1993
- Where sold
- Sam's Club and Macy's, among the sellers the notice names
- Price paid
- $150 to $550
Why it was recalled
The power cords on these vacuums extend out of the very top of the handle, and the cord is often used as an extension of the handle. The power cord can break inside the handle or the casing around the cord can break, and cause shocks or burns to the user's hand. Even when there is no apparent breaking of the casing around the cord, these vacuums can still cause injuries.
Incidents and injuries
Electrolux is aware of at least 75 reports of the cords on these vacuums breaking or the casing around the cord exposing wires. About half of these incidents reportedly resulted in burns or shocks to users. Of these reports, there were 11 serious injuries which included consumers suffering second or third degree burns, shocks, or a combination of these injuries.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using these vacuums, and return them to an Electrolux store for a free repair. The handle on the vacuum will be replaced with a new model handle.
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 (800) 896-9756.
- 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
- Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright
- Manufacturer
- Electrolux, L.L.C., of Atlanta, Ga.
- Product type
- Vacuum cleaners
- Recall number
- 99-017
- Units
- About 226,000
- Sold at / sales period
- Most of these vacuums were sold through direct sales and retail stores, including Sam's Club, Service Merchandise and Macy's, between May 1991 and September 1993 for between $150 and $550, depending on the model and accessories. Some vacuums were sold directly to corporate customers.
Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners
CPSC product type: Vacuum Cleaners/Sweepers
This recall in context
Compared with the 27 vacuum cleaner recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 226,000 units: the 5th-largest of 22 vacuum cleaner recalls that state a unit count. The median is 125,000 units.
- Hazard
- Burn: named in 7 of 27 vacuum cleaner recalls.
- Time on sale
- About 2 years. Recalled 62 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
For more information and to find the Electrolux store nearest to you, call Electrolux at (800) 896-9756 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.
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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