Remington Vortex Ultra hairdryers

CPSC Recall #01-111 — March 20, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-111
Recall DateMarch 20, 2001
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedAbout 3,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

The recalled hairdryers were sold nationwide in K-Mart; Sears; Target; Bed
Bath & Beyond; K's Merchandise; Service Merchandise; Eckerd; and Army and Air Force Exchanges and other retailers from July 2000 through January 2001 for between $18 to $25.

Product

Remington Vortex Ultra hairdryers

Description

WASHINGTON. D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Remington Products Co., LLC, of Bridgeport, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 hairdryers. These hairdryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter plug (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.CPSC and Remington have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted 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; and 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, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers also can mail the hairdryers to Remington Products Co., LLC, 60 Main St., Bridgeport, Conn. 06604. Consumers will be reimbursed the cost of shipping and should indicate whether they prefer a full refund or replacement hairdryer (which includes an ALCI plug). For more information, call Remington toll-free at (800) 736-4648 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Hazard

These hairdryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter plug (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 injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers also can mail the hairdryers to Remington Products Co., LLC, 60 Main St., Bridgeport, Conn. 06604. Consumers will be reimbursed the cost of shipping and should indicate whether they prefer a full refund or replacement hairdryer (which includes an ALCI plug).

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, 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 (Refund, 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.