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Ortovox M1 and M2 Avalanche Transceivers - A device worn to help locate a buried avalanche victim

CPSC Recall #05-271 — September 14, 2005

Recall Summary

Recall Number05-271
Recall DateSeptember 14, 2005
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 15,500
ManufacturerOrtovox USA, of Hopkinton, N.H.
Manufactured InGermany

Where It Was Sold

Outdoor specialty stores nationwide from January 1997 through July 2005 for about $300.

Product

Ortovox M1 and M2 Avalanche Transceivers - A device worn to help locate a buried avalanche victim

Description

Both models of avalanche transceivers are plastic and measure 5.5-inches by 2.5-inches by 1-inch. The M1 has a navy blue body and a yellow volume control switch. The M2 avalanche transceiver comes in two colors: glacier white (grey) with a red volume control switch, and orange with a grey volume control switch. The model name and "ORTOVOX" are written on the front of the transceivers.

Hazard

The batteries in these devices can become dislodged when the transceiver is struck sharply. The transceiver could fail to function properly in the aftermath of an avalanche, and result in the buried victim not being found in time to avoid serious injury or death.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been three reports by consumers of the batteries in these devices becoming dislodged. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled avalanche transceivers and contact the firm to receive a new battery door that will help prevent the batteries from becoming dislodged.

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.

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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.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.

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