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Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners

CPSC Recall #99-017 - November 9, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-017
Recall DateNovember 9, 1998
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 226,000
ManufacturerElectrolux, L.L.C., of Atlanta, Ga.

Where It Was Sold

Most of these vacuums were sold through direct sales and retail stores
including Sam's Club
Service Merchandise and Macy's
between May 1991 and September 1993 for between $150 and $550
depending on the model and accessories. Some vacuums were sold directly to corporate customers.

Product

Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Electrolux, L.L.C., of Atlanta, Ga., is recalling about 226,000 Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners. The power cords on these vacuums extend out of the very top of the handle, and the cord is often used as an extension of the handle. The power cord can break inside the handle or the casing around the cord can break, and cause shocks or burns to the user's hand. Even when there is no apparent breaking of the casing around the cord, these vacuums can still cause injuries. Electrolux is aware of at least 75 reports of the cords on these vacuums breaking or the casing around the cord exposing wires. About half of these incidents reportedly resulted in burns or shocks to users. Of these reports, there were 11 serious injuries which included consumers suffering second or third degree burns, shocks, or a combination of these injuries. The Ponytail vacuums were sold under the following names: Genesis Prolux S/R Genesis LX Prolux Warehouse Genesis LXE Regency Prolux Special Edition Prolux Plus Only Electrolux upright vacuums with the cord coming out of the very top of the handle are included in this recall. "Electrolux" and the model name are written on each vacuum. Most of these vacuums were sold through direct sales and retail stores, including Sam's Club, Service Merchandise and Macy's, between May 1991 and September 1993 for between $150 and $550, depending on the model and accessories. Some vacuums were sold directly to corporate customers. Consumers should immediately stop using these vacuums, and return them to an Electrolux store for a free repair. The handle on the vacuum will be replaced with a new model handle. For more information and to find the Electrolux store nearest to you, call Electrolux at (800) 896-9756 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Hazard

The power cord can break inside the handle or the casing around the cord can break, and cause shocks or burns to the user's hand. Even when there is no apparent breaking of the casing around the cord, these vacuums can still cause injuries.

Incidents & Injuries

Electrolux is aware of at least 75 reports of the cords on these vacuums breaking or the casing around the cord exposing wires. About half of these incidents reportedly resulted in burns or shocks to users. Of these reports, there were 11 serious injuries which included consumers suffering second or third degree burns, shocks, or a combination of these injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using these vacuums, and return them to an Electrolux store for a free repair. The handle on the vacuum will be replaced with a new model handle.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair 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 (Repair) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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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