Thousands of BISSELL vacuums recalled for fire hazard

Lara Bonatesta
·2 min read

(WHTM) — Thousands of BISSELL brand vacuum cleaners have been recalled due to a fire hazard, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall affects about 142,000 Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners sold in the U.S. and about 14,600 sold in Canada.

According to the commission, the recalled vacuum battery pack can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard.

Models 1985, 19851 (also called Multi Auto), 19859, 1985T, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151T, 2151W, 2151V are affected by the recall. The words “Multi Reach” are also printed on the hand vacuum section of the product.

  • Recalled BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaner with floor attachment (Photo courtesy: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
    Recalled BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaner with floor attachment (Photo courtesy: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
  • Recalled BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaner with handheld attachment (Photo courtesy: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
    Recalled BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaner with handheld attachment (Photo courtesy: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
  • Location of the dirt tank (Photo courtesy: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
    Location of the dirt tank (Photo courtesy: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
  • Product rating label located behind the dirt tank (Photo courtesy: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
    Product rating label located behind the dirt tank (Photo courtesy: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

According to the commission, there have been 17 reports to date of the vacuum cleaners smoking and emitting a burning odor, including six reports of the battery pack catching fire.

Three of those cases resulted in minor property damage and two resulted in minor burn injuries.

The commission is telling consumers to immediately stop using the recalled vacuum cleaners, as well as contact BISSELL for instructions on how to deplete the charge on the batter and receive a free replacement vacuum.

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The Commission reminds consumers that recalled lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of per local and state laws and not in the trash.

BISSELL can be reached at their toll-free number at 855-417-7001 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET on Saturday. BISSELL can also be reached by email at RecallNA@bissell.com or online at www.BISSELL.com/recall or www.BISSELL.com.

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