Rear Projection Televisions
CPSC Recall #03-544 — July 2, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-544 |
| Recall Date | July 2, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | 3,400 |
| Manufacturer | Toshiba America Consumer Products, Inc., of Wayne, N.J. |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Consumer electronic stores |
| department stores |
| and mass merchandisers nationwide from April 21 |
| 2003 through May 8 |
| 2003 for between $999 and $2 |
| 200. |
Product
Rear Projection Televisions
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Toshiba America Consumer Products, Inc., of Wayne, N.J. is voluntarily recalling 3,400 Rear Projection Televisions. If the capacitors short circuit due to a very high electrical surge, such as from a lightning strike, the metal parts on the television could present a shock or electrocution hazard. In addition, the metal jacks on the back of the television or another metal box attached to the television could present a shock or electrocution hazard as a result of the capacitors' failure.Name of Product: Rear Projection TelevisionsUnits: 3,400Manufacturer: Toshiba America Consumer Products, Inc., of Wayne, N.J.Hazard: If the capacitors short circuit due to a very high electrical surge, such as from a lightning strike, the metal parts on the television could present a shock or electrocution hazard. In addition, the metal jacks on the back of the television or another metal box attached to the television could present a shock or electrocution hazard as a result of the capacitors' failure.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.Description: This program includes a limited number of units of the following Toshiba rear projection televisions: Model 50A62, Model 51H83, and Model 57H83. To determine if your television set is affected by this corrective action, go to www.tacp.toshiba.com/safety_notice.asp and follow the instructions.Sold at: Consumer electronic stores, department stores, and mass merchandisers nationwide from April 21, 2003 through May 8, 2003 for between $999 and $2,200.Manufactured in: U.S.A.Remedy: Toshiba has contacted many of the owners of the affected televisions. However, if you have not been contacted, please contact Toshiba at the phone number or website below. Consumers who have an affected television will receive a free replacement, which includes removal of the recalled television, delivery and installation of the replacement.Consumer Contact: (877) 290-6064, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 7 PM CT or go to http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/navShell.jsp?cf=Consumer_Notices.Media Contact: Marlene Franklin or Tina Tuccillo at (973) 628-8000
Hazard
If the capacitors short circuit due to a very high electrical surge, such as from a lightning strike, the metal parts on the television could present a shock or electrocution hazard. In addition, the metal jacks on the back of the television or another metal box attached to the television could present a shock or electrocution hazard as a result of the capacitors' failure.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Toshiba has contacted many of the owners of the affected televisions. However, if you have not been contacted, please contact Toshiba at the phone number or website below. Consumers who have an affected television will receive a free replacement, which includes removal of the recalled television, delivery and installation of the replacement.
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.