Remington Vortex Ultra hair dryers
CPSC Recall #02-216 — July 29, 2002
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-216 |
| Recall Date | July 29, 2002 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 3,000 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| The recalled hairdryers were sold nationwide in K-Mart; Sears; Target; Bed |
| Bath & Beyond; K's Merchandise; Service Merchandise; Eckerd; Army and Air Force Exchanges; and other retailers from July 2000 through January 2001 for between $18 to $25. |
Product
Remington Vortex Ultra hair dryers
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Remington Products Co., LLC, of Bridgeport, Conn., is again announcing the recall of about 3,000 hairdryers. These hairdryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water. If dropped in water, the hairdryers pose an electrocution hazard to consumers. This recall was originally announced by CPSC and Remington on March 21, 2001.CPSC and Remington have not received any reports of electrocutions relating to these hairdryers. This recall is being announced to prevent the possibility of injury.The 1600-watt hairdryers have a chrome body, with black speed and heat controls. The model name, "Remington Vortex Ultra," is printed in black on one side of the air intake grill; with the model number, V-1030, and the words, "Do Not Immerse In Water" and "Made in China" printed in silver on the other side. The hairdryers have a UPC number of 0-74590-87541-6, which is located on the packaging box.The recalled hairdryers were sold nationwide in K-Mart; Sears; Target; Bed, Bath & Beyond; K's Merchandise; Service Merchandise; Eckerd; Army and Air Force Exchanges; and other retailers from July 2000 through January 2001 for between $18 to $25.Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately. Owners of the recalled hair dryers will be sent a postage-paid shipping container to return their unit to Remington. Consumers will receive a new 1875-watt Vortex hair dryer with an ALCI plug. For more information, contact Remington at (800) 736-4648 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.remington-products.com.
Hazard
These hairdryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water. If dropped in water, the hairdryers pose an electrocution hazard to consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and Remington have not received any reports of electrocutions relating to these hairdryers.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately. Owners of the recalled hair dryers will be sent a postage-paid shipping container to return their unit to Remington. Consumers will receive a new 1875-watt Vortex hair dryer with an ALCI plug.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.