What was recalled
On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a critical safety recall involving Apollo America Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors. This is not a broad recall affecting every smoke detector on the market; it is specific to a particular product line sold through a single retail channel. The affected units were sold exclusively by Vivint, a home security company. If you purchased your smoke or carbon monoxide detector directly from Vivint, there is a chance your device may be part of this recall. It is important to note that these detectors were not sold in general hardware stores or big-box retailers; they were distributed specifically through the Vivint supply chain.
The specific model number for the recalled units is 51000-600. These are combination detectors, meaning they are designed to detect both smoke from fires and carbon monoxide gas leaks with a single device. The physical appearance of the recalled detector is distinct: it is white in color. To help consumers identify if their unit is affected, you should look at the front face of the device. It will display the text "Replace by" followed by a specific expiration date. This date ranges from June 2034 to October 2034. If your detector has an expiration date outside this window, it is likely not part of this specific recall batch.
To further confirm if you have a recalled unit, turn the detector over to look at the back. The brand name "Apollo" and the model number "51000-600" will be printed there. The recall encompasses all units with this model number that were sold by Vivint. While the CPSC has not reported any incidents of injury or death related to these detectors so far, the potential for malfunction is serious enough to warrant immediate action. The failure mode in question is a complete lack of alerting; if a fire starts or carbon monoxide leaks into your home, this specific detector may not sound the alarm, leaving occupants unaware of the danger until it is too late. Because these devices are safety-critical, verifying your model number against the details above is the essential first step in protecting your household.
The scope of this recall is limited to the Apollo America brand detectors distributed by Vivint. No other brands or models are mentioned in this specific notice. The exclusive sales channel means that if you did not buy your detector from Vivint, you do not need to worry about this particular recall event. However, for those who did purchase through Vivint, the responsibility now falls on the company to provide a free replacement. Until you receive and install that replacement, you are advised to continue using the recalled detector, as having no detector at all would be more dangerous than using one that might fail. The exact number of units involved is not specified in the current recall facts, but because they were sold exclusively by Vivint, the company maintains records of known purchasers to facilitate the remedy process.
The hazard, explained
At the core of this recall is a critical failure in the device’s primary purpose: to warn you when your home is no longer safe. The Apollo America Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors (Model 51000-600) are designed to continuously monitor the air for two distinct, invisible threats—smoke particles from a fire and carbon monoxide gas, which is odorless and colorless. However, these specific units can malfunction in a way that prevents them from sounding an alarm when either hazard is present. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a complete loss of protection during the exact moments when early warning is most vital.
To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at how carbon monoxide (CO) affects the human body. When CO levels rise in an enclosed space, the gas binds to hemoglobin in your bloodstream more readily than oxygen does. This effectively starves your organs and tissues of the oxygen they need to function. Because CO has no smell and causes symptoms that mimic common illnesses—such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—victims often do not realize they are being poisoned until it is too late. Without a working detector to sound an audible alarm, you might mistake early signs of poisoning for fatigue or the flu, delaying evacuation and medical treatment until severe injury or death occurs.
Similarly, smoke inhalation is a leading cause of fire-related fatalities. In the initial stages of a house fire, flames may be small, but toxic smoke spreads rapidly through ventilation systems and hallways. The chemicals in this smoke can cause disorientation, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure long before the heat becomes unbearable. A functioning detector gives you precious minutes to escape or call for help. When the device fails to alert you, that window of safety vanishes. You are left vulnerable to both asphyxiation from smoke and chemical poisoning from CO, with no immediate signal that your environment has become lethal.
The specific units affected in this recall were sold exclusively by Vivint and feature a white casing with the model number 51000-600 printed on the back. The front of the unit displays a "Replace by" date ranging from June 2034 to October 2034. While the device may appear to be working normally—lighting up or passing self-test routines—it may still fail to detect actual smoke or CO leaks due to internal component malfunctions. This silent failure is particularly treacherous because it creates a false sense of security. You believe you are protected, but the safety net has holes in it.
It is important to note that, as of the recall announcement on June 5, 2025, there have been no reported incidents of injury or death associated with these detectors. This does not mean the risk is hypothetical; it simply means that, so far, the malfunction has not resulted in a documented casualty event. However, the potential for serious injury or death remains high because the failure mode directly compromises life-saving alert systems. The CPSC issued this recall to prevent future tragedies by ensuring that every affected unit is replaced before a real emergency occurs.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about the danger of a smoke or carbon monoxide detector failing to sound an alarm, the physical location of the device matters, but the people living inside the home matter even more. Because this specific recall involves detectors sold exclusively through Vivint, the individuals at greatest risk are those who currently subscribe to Vivint’s home security and smart home monitoring services. These are typically homeowners or renters who have integrated professional monitoring into their daily routine. The vulnerability here is not just about having a broken device; it is about the false sense of security that comes with relying on a system you believe is actively protecting you. If the detector within that system malfunctions silently, the entire safety net for that household disappears without warning.
Within these households, certain demographics face significantly higher consequences if a fire or carbon monoxide leak occurs undetected. Carbon monoxide, often called the "silent killer," is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. This makes it particularly dangerous for young children and infants. Their breathing rates are faster than adults, meaning they inhale more air—and potentially more toxic gas—per pound of body weight in a given timeframe. Furthermore, their developing lungs and brains are more susceptible to the damaging effects of oxygen deprivation. If a CO leak were to happen while their detector is failing, these little ones could lose consciousness or suffer long-term neurological damage before anyone realizes there is a problem.
The elderly and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease, are also in the highest risk category. For these groups, even low levels of carbon monoxide can exacerbate health issues rapidly, leading to dizziness, confusion, and loss of coordination. In a fire scenario, the primary threat is often smoke inhalation rather than the flames themselves. Smoke contains toxic chemicals like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, which can impair judgment and mobility. For an older adult with limited mobility or cognitive decline, the ability to evacuate quickly is critical. A silent detector denies them the crucial minutes needed to escape, turning a manageable situation into a fatal one.
Additionally, people who sleep heavily, use alcohol or sedatives, or live in homes with attached garages where cars might idle are at elevated risk. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in sleeping quarters overnight if it seeps from a garage or a faulty furnace. Because these individuals may not wake up to the subtle early symptoms of poisoning—such as a headache or nausea—the reliance on a functioning alarm is their only line of defense. When that defense fails, as it does with the recalled Apollo America models, the window for survival shrinks dramatically. It is vital to recognize that while any home with this detector is at risk, those with vulnerable members who cannot easily flee or communicate distress are relying on this device more than anyone else.
Finally, consider those who may be away from home during the day. If a leak occurs while the house is empty, there is no one to smell the gas or see the smoke. The detector’s job is to alert both the residents and the monitoring center. If it fails, the fire or poisoning can grow unchecked until it becomes catastrophic. Therefore, the risk extends beyond immediate physical harm to include severe property loss and the trauma of discovering that a preventable tragedy occurred because a single component failed. This underscores why acting quickly to replace these units is not just a recommendation, but a critical safety imperative for every household that depends on them.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you installed a smoke and carbon monoxide detector through Vivint, it is important to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall. Because these devices are often mounted on ceilings or high walls where they are not constantly in view, identifying the correct model requires a careful look at both the front and back of the device. The recall specifically targets Apollo America Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors with the model number 51000-600. Since these units were sold exclusively by Vivint, if you purchased your home security or monitoring system directly from them, there is a possibility your detector is included in this batch.
To confirm if your device is affected, start by safely removing the detector from its mounting bracket. You will need to inspect the exterior casing for specific markings. On the front face of the unit, look for the text "Replace by" followed by a date. The recalled units feature an expiration date ranging from June 2034 to October 2034. This date is critical; if your detector has an expiration date outside this window, it is likely not part of this specific recall. Additionally, the front of the device should be white in color.
Next, turn the device over to examine the back of the casing. Here, you will find the manufacturer's branding and the crucial model identification. Look for the brand name "Apollo" printed clearly on the back. Directly adjacent to or near the brand name, you must verify the model number. The only model included in this recall is 51000-600. If the number on your device differs from 51000-600, or if the brand name is not Apollo America, your unit is not subject to this specific recall action. It is also helpful to check the date of installation or your original Vivint purchase records, as these detectors were distributed exclusively through their sales channels.
If you are unsure whether your detector is included in the recall or if you cannot locate the model number on the device itself, do not guess. Contact Vivint directly to verify the status of your unit. You can reach them toll-free at 800-281-9667, email recalls@vivint.com, or visit their dedicated recall page at https://www.vivint.com/smoke-co-recall. They can confirm if your specific serial number or installation date falls within the affected range. Until you have confirmed your device is not part of the recall or have received a replacement, continue using your current detector as normal.
What to do — step by step
If you purchased your combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector through Vivint, you are likely already covered under this recall program without needing to take any immediate action to initiate the process. The most important instruction from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is that you should continue using your recalled Apollo America detector until the free replacement unit arrives and has been properly installed. Do not remove the current device or stop relying on it for safety purposes before the new one is in place. Your home’s protection against fire and carbon monoxide leaks must remain uninterrupted during this transition period.
Once your free replacement detector arrives, follow these specific steps to ensure your safety and proper disposal of the faulty unit:
- Install the Replacement Detector Immediately: As soon as you receive the new unit, install it right away. Do not delay. Detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to remove the recalled detector and install the replacement are available via the Replacement Guide linked by Vivint. Proper installation is critical to ensuring the device functions correctly.
- Mark the Recalled Unit: After the new detector is installed, take a marker and clearly write the word "recalled" on the original Apollo America detector. This simple step prevents anyone else in your household from accidentally reinstalling the faulty unit later.
- Remove the Batteries: Disconnect the power source by removing the batteries from the recalled detector. This is a crucial safety step to prevent any potential short-circuiting or accidental activation during disposal.
- Dispose of the Detector Safely: You may dispose of the main body of the recalled detector in your regular household garbage. However, you must handle the batteries with extreme care.
- Properly Dispose of the Lithium Battery: The recalled detectors use primary/non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Do not throw these batteries in the trash or place them in curbside recycling bins. Lithium batteries pose a significant fire risk if mishandled. Instead, take them to your local municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center or to battery recycling boxes at retail or home improvement stores. Before visiting an HHW center, call ahead to confirm they accept lithium batteries, as policies vary by location. If they do not accept them, contact your municipality for further guidance on safe disposal.
If you have questions about whether your specific detector is included in this recall or want to check the status of your replacement, you can contact Vivint directly. They are available toll-free at 800-281-9667, via email at recalls@vivint.com, or online at vivint.com/smoke-co-recall. You can also visit vivint.com and click on "Product Recall" at the bottom of the page for additional information.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you purchased one of the recalled Apollo America Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors exclusively through Vivint, you do not need to worry about paying for a fix or buying a new unit yourself. The remedy provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is straightforward: Vivint is sending a free replacement detector to all known purchasers. This means your primary action item right now is simply to wait for that package to arrive in the mail. There is no cost to you, and there is no need to return the defective unit to receive the new one. The company has taken responsibility for the malfunctioning inventory and is handling the logistics of getting a safe device into your home.
While you are waiting for your replacement, it is important to understand the conditions under which this remedy applies. The recall affects model number 51000-600 detectors that were sold in white color with specific "Replace by" dates ranging from June 2034 to October 2034 on the front, and the Apollo branding along with the model number on the back. If your device matches these physical descriptions, it is included in this recall. You do not need to take any action to qualify for the free replacement; Vivint is proactively mailing units to their customer database. However, if you have questions about whether your specific detector is included or if you are curious about the status of your replacement shipment, you should contact Vivint directly. They have established several channels for consumer support to help clarify these details.
To get in touch with Vivint regarding this recall, you can call their toll-free number at 800-281-9667. If you prefer written communication, you may send an email to recalls@vivint.com. For those who prefer online resources, detailed information is available on their dedicated recall page at https://www.vivint.com/smoke-co-recall. You can also navigate to the main Vivint website at https://www.vivint.com/ and look for the "Product Recall" link located at the bottom of the page. These contacts are your official line for any inquiries about eligibility or shipment tracking.
Once your free replacement detector arrives, you will need to manage the disposal of the old unit properly. After you have successfully installed the new replacement, take a marker and write "recalled" on the original product. Then, remove the batteries from the old detector. The batteries should be disposed of in accordance with local and state regulations. It is crucial to note that if your detector uses a primary non-rechargeable lithium battery, you must not throw it in the trash or curbside recycling bins due to fire risks. Instead, take these batteries to a municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center or a retail battery recycling box, but call ahead to confirm they accept lithium batteries. The old detector housing itself can be disposed of in your regular household garbage after the batteries are removed and handled correctly.