Bissell recalls more than 150,000 vacuum cleaners across US, Canada

Bissell is recalling over 150,000 vacuum cleaners in the U.S. and Canada, the company announced Friday.

The company is recalling its Multi Reach Cordless Vacuum “because the battery pack can overheat and smoke, resulting in a fire hazard,” it said on a webpage about the recall.

The models affected, 1985, 19851 (also called Multi Auto), 19859, 1985T, 1985C, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151C, 2151T, 2151W, 2151, were sold between August 2016 and December 2022 at stores like Lowe’s and Macy’s, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) said in a release.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vacuums and contact BISSELL for instructions on how to deplete the charge on the battery and receive a free replacement vacuum,” the CSPC said in the release. “Recalled lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of in accordance with any local and state laws and not in the trash.”

The CSPC also said that Bissell has “received 17 reports of the recalled vacuum cleaners smoking and emitting a burning odor.”

“Six of the reports included the battery pack catching fire, three of which resulted in minor property damage and two resulting in minor burn injuries,” the CSPC said.

Bissell said it is offering a free replacement vacuum to those who have the affected vacuums on the webpage about the recall. They can fill out a form on the webpage to request the replacement vacuum.

“Do not throw this recalled battery in the trash. Do not deposit this recalled battery in used battery recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores,” the CSPC said in its release.

The notice comes nearly a year after the company recalled a different vacuum model over similar concerns regarding battery packs overheating and catching fire.