New Jersey & Pennsylvania: Vacuum Recall

Certain Bissell cordless vacuum cleaners have been recalled, because there is the potential that they may catch fire.

Specifically, the battery pack may overheat, smoke and become a fire safety hazard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that more than 150,000 of the affected units were sold in America and Canada.

Most of the recalled vacuums were sold in the United States at 142,000. The remaining 14,600 were sold in Canada.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, "The battery pack can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard.”

There have been 16 known incidents in the United States, with at least 6 causing fires and property damage and one incident led to minor burns for one individual.

Bissell has identified the affected product as the Multi Reach ™ Cordless Vacuum.

Here are the affected model numbers:

1985, 19851 (also known as multi-auto), 19859, 1985T, 1985C, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, and 21519.

Bissell has advised that you “stop using the vacuum immediately.”

Bissell has provided a form that is available on their website. It details what you must do to receive a placement vacuum for your potentially defective one.

Bissell also advises that once your new vacuum arrives, promptly dispose of your previous vacuum and battery.

In the United States, you can reach Bissell at (855) 417-7001 and in Canada at (855) 739-1702.

In both countries, Bissell is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., ET Eastern Time and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can also Email Bissell at:

RecallNA@bissell.com for additional support.

Bissell also advises you to take a photo of the sticker (Which displays your model number) on your vacuum in order to process a claim for a replacement vacuum.

SOURCE: United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.