What was recalled
In early February 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving specific models of BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners. This action was taken after internal testing and consumer reports revealed that certain lithium-ion battery packs within these units could overheat, potentially leading to smoke or fire. The affected products are primarily the BISSELL Multi Reach line, which has been marketed as a versatile cleaning tool for both handheld tasks and larger floor areas. If you own one of these vacuums, it is important to identify exactly which version you have, as the recall covers a wide array of model numbers that share similar internal components.
The recall specifically targets vacuum cleaners with the following model numbers: 1985, 19851 (also known as the Multi Auto), 19859, 1985T, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151T, 2151W, and 2151V. To confirm if your unit is included, look for the words "Multi Reach" printed on the hand vacuum portion of the device. Additionally, the specific model number is located on the product rating label, which is typically found behind the dirt tank. These vacuums were sold in a variety of colors to suit different home decors, so color alone cannot be used to determine if your unit is part of this recall.
While the provided recall documents do not specify the exact total number of units affected or the precise geographic regions where they were sold beyond general U.S. distribution channels, it is clear that these models have been widely available in retail stores and online platforms over time. The breadth of model numbers suggests that this issue may affect multiple production runs or variations of the same product line. Because the hazard stems from the battery pack rather than the external casing, identifying the model number on the rating label is the only reliable way to determine if your specific vacuum is subject to this safety notice.
If you are unsure whether your vacuum cleaner is part of this recall, do not guess. The consequences of using a defective lithium-ion battery can be severe, ranging from property damage to personal injury. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the model number against the list provided by BISSELL and the CPSC. If your model matches any of the numbers listed above, you should treat the vacuum as potentially hazardous until you have taken the steps outlined in the remedy section of this recall notice.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a failure within the lithium-ion battery pack that powers the BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners. To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at what is happening inside that battery when things go wrong. Lithium-ion batteries are designed to store energy efficiently, but they rely on strict internal balances to remain safe. In these specific units, the battery pack has a defect that allows it to overheat. When the temperature rises beyond its safe operating limits, the chemical components inside can break down or react unpredictably. This process often begins with the emission of smoke—a visible warning sign that the battery’s internal structure is failing.
The seriousness of this hazard lies in the potential for thermal runaway. This is a chain reaction where the heat generated by the battery causes even more heat, creating a feedback loop that can quickly escalate from a smoldering issue to an open flame. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), BISSELL has received 17 reports of these vacuums smoking and emitting a burning odor. More critically, six of those reports involved the battery pack actually catching fire. This is not just a minor malfunction; it is a significant fire risk that can ignite nearby combustible materials, such as carpets, upholstery, or dust accumulations.
The consequences of this hazard are real and documented. Among the reported incidents, three cases resulted in minor property damage, likely from the flames spreading to surrounding items in the home. Two other reports resulted in minor burn injuries to users, highlighting that the risk extends beyond just your belongings to your personal safety. When a lithium-ion battery fails catastrophically, it can release flammable gases and reach temperatures high enough to cause burns upon contact or ignite nearby surfaces. This is why the remedy involves immediate cessation of use and specific instructions for handling the defective power source.
It is important to note that this hazard is unique to the recalled battery technology and model configurations. While lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when functioning correctly, defects in manufacturing or design can compromise their integrity. The smoking and burning odor you might notice are critical indicators that the internal components are degrading. Unlike a standard appliance failure where the device simply stops working, a battery-related fire hazard requires immediate attention because the risk of ignition increases with each attempt to use the device or charge it further. Therefore, recognizing these signs early and following the official recall procedures is essential for preventing injury or property loss.
Who is most at risk
When we discuss product recalls involving lithium-ion batteries and fire hazards, it is easy to assume that any owner of the device faces an equal level of danger. However, the reality of who is "most at risk" is nuanced. It depends less on age or physical ability alone and more on the specific context of how the vacuum is used, where it is stored, and the user’s awareness of early warning signs. The BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners (models 1985, 19851, 19859, 1985T, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151T, 2151W, and 2151V) present a hazard that manifests through overheating and smoking before potentially igniting. This progression creates different risk profiles for different households.
First, consider the elderly or individuals with limited mobility. These consumers are often the primary users of hand vacuums because they require less physical exertion than full-sized uprights. If a battery pack begins to overheat while the device is in use, the user may experience the burning odor or see smoke. For someone with slower reaction times or reduced dexterity, the ability to immediately power down the unit and move away from the hazard might be compromised. Furthermore, if the vacuum is left charging unattended in a bedroom or living area—common for those who charge devices overnight near their resting places—the risk of waking up to a fire increases significantly. Lithium-ion batteries can fail internally without external triggers, meaning even careful users are not immune to sudden thermal events.
Families with young children also face heightened vulnerability, though for different reasons. Children are naturally curious and may insert objects into the vacuum’s intake or tamper with the battery compartment if accessible. While the recall notice does not cite child-specific incidents, a damaged battery pack is more susceptible to short-circuiting if physically compromised. Additionally, if a fire does occur, children are far less likely to recognize the smell of burning plastic as an immediate threat compared to an adult. They may also be slower to evacuate or alert others, increasing their exposure to smoke inhalation and heat during the critical first minutes of an incident.
Another group at significant risk is anyone who stores these vacuums in enclosed spaces such as closets, garages, or under beds. The recalled units were sold in various colors and often kept out of sight when not in use. If a defective battery begins to smolder inside a closet door or behind furniture, the lack of ventilation can cause temperatures to rise rapidly, accelerating the transition from smoke to flame. This is particularly dangerous for homes with multiple sleeping areas nearby, as fire spreads quickly through confined, oxygen-starved spaces once ignition occurs.
Ultimately, anyone who owns these models is at risk because the defect is inherent in the battery pack itself, not just in how it is used. The fact that BISSELL has received 17 reports of smoking and six instances of actual fire means the probability is non-negligible. Therefore, the "most at risk" category includes everyone who continues to use or charge these devices past the recall date. Ignoring the hazard assumes that no incident will happen to you, but statistical safety relies on removing the danger entirely, not hoping to avoid it.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action, the most critical step is confirming whether your specific vacuum cleaner is part of this recall. Because BISSELL produces many different models and sold these units in a variety of colors, visual inspection alone is not enough to be certain. You must verify the model number through official documentation on the device itself. Start by looking at the hand vacuum portion of the unit; you should see the words "Multi Reach" printed there. This branding confirms you are dealing with one of the affected product lines, but it does not guarantee your specific unit is recalled. To pinpoint whether your item is included, you need to find the model number.
The model number is not printed on the exterior plastic shell or the handle. Instead, it is located on the product rating label, which is situated directly behind the dirt tank. You will need to remove the dust container to access this label. Once you have removed the tank, look closely at the area where the tank connects to the main body of the vacuum. There, you will find a sticker containing important safety and manufacturing information. It is vital that you read the model number printed on this label carefully.
The recall specifically targets BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners with the following model numbers: 1985, 19851 (also known as Multi Auto), 19859, 1985T, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151T, 2151W, and 2151V. If your model number matches any of these codes exactly, your vacuum is part of this recall. Note that while the vacuums were sold in various colors, the color does not determine whether a unit is recalled; only the model number matters.
If you cannot find the label or if the writing has faded over time, do not guess. You can also verify your product by visiting BISSELL’s website at www.BISSELL.com and clicking on "Product Recalls" located under the "Support Resources" column at the bottom of the page. Alternatively, you may contact BISSELL directly to confirm your model status. If you have one of the listed models, please stop using the vacuum immediately, as the lithium-ion battery pack can overheat and pose a serious fire hazard.
What to do — step by step
If you own a BISSELL Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaner that matches the models listed in this recall, your immediate safety is the absolute priority. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a serious fire hazard linked to the battery packs in these specific units. Because lithium-ion batteries can overheat and potentially ignite when defective, ignoring this issue is not an option. However, you do not need to panic. BISSELL has established a clear, free remedy for affected customers. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your home remains safe and that you receive the correct replacement unit. First and foremost, stop using the recalled vacuum cleaner immediately. Do not attempt to charge the device or use it for any cleaning tasks. The reports indicate that the battery pack can overheat, smoke, and in some cases, catch fire. Continuing to use the unit increases the risk of a dangerous incident occurring in your home. Simply turn the vacuum off and leave it alone until you can proceed to the next steps. Next, you need to contact BISSELL directly to initiate the remedy process. The company is offering a free replacement vacuum to all affected consumers. You can reach their dedicated recall support team by calling 1-855-417-7001. Their representatives are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on Saturdays. If you prefer written communication, you may also email RecallNA@bissell.com. Alternatively, you can visit www.BISSELL.com/recall or navigate to the "Product Recalls" section under "Support Resources" at the bottom of the main BISSELL website for detailed instructions and online support forms. Once you have contacted BISSELL, they will provide specific instructions on how to deplete the charge on the battery pack safely. This is a critical safety step designed to minimize the risk of the battery igniting during handling or transport. Please follow their guidance precisely. Do not simply throw the recalled lithium-ion battery in your household trash. Doing so can cause fires in garbage trucks and landfills. Furthermore, do not place it in standard used battery recycling boxes found at retail stores, as these are not equipped to handle potentially hazardous, defective batteries. Instead, you must dispose of the recalled battery in accordance with your local and state ordinances. Contact your municipal recycling center for the specific procedures they have established for damaged or recalled lithium batteries. Finally, wait for BISSELL’s instructions regarding the return or disposal of the old unit and the shipment of your new replacement. The entire process is free of charge to you. By following these steps, you eliminate a significant fire hazard in your home while receiving a fully functional, safe product to replace it.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have confirmed that your Bissell Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaner is part of this recall, the good news is that you do not need to keep a potentially dangerous product in your home. The company has established a clear remedy designed to resolve the issue completely and safely for free. Specifically, Bissell is offering consumers a free replacement vacuum cleaner. This is the primary path forward for most owners. You will not be asked to pay for shipping or handling to receive this new unit, nor are you required to purchase any additional accessories to qualify. The goal here is to ensure your cleaning needs are met without exposing you to the fire hazard associated with the original battery pack.
To initiate this process, you must contact Bissell directly through one of their designated channels. It is important to use only the official contacts listed in the recall notice to avoid scams or incorrect information. You can call them toll-free at 855-417-7001. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. If you prefer written communication or need to provide additional details about your unit, you may email them at RecallNA@bissell.com. Alternatively, you can visit their official website at www.Bissell.com/recall for specific instructions and forms. Another helpful route is to go to the main page at www.Bissell.com, scroll down to the "Support Resources" column in the footer, and click on "Product Recalls" to find your specific case.
Before you receive your free replacement, Bissell will provide you with specific instructions on how to safely deplete the charge on the recalled battery. This is a critical safety step that you must follow carefully. The battery pack in these units can overheat and smoke, posing a significant fire risk if mishandled. Do not simply throw the old battery in the trash or place it in standard used battery recycling boxes found at retail stores, as these facilities are not equipped to handle damaged or recalled lithium-ion batteries. Instead, you must dispose of the recalled battery in accordance with your local and state ordinances. Follow the procedures established by your municipal recycling center for damaged or defective lithium batteries. This ensures that the potentially hazardous component is neutralized safely before it enters the general waste stream.
Once you have followed the instructions to deplete the battery and disposed of it properly, Bissell will arrange for the shipment of your free replacement vacuum. While the recall notice does not specify an exact timeline for delivery, contacting them promptly is advisable given the number of reports received. Remember, this remedy is exclusive to the manufacturer; no third-party retailers are involved in processing these specific recalls. By following these steps, you ensure that you are protected from the six reported incidents where batteries caught fire, as well as the seventeen reports of smoking and burning odors associated with this model.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your Bissell Multi Reach vacuum cleaner immediately. These devices are designed to be convenient and powerful, helping us maintain clean homes with minimal effort. When a product works well for months or even years, the idea of discontinuing its use can feel frustrating, especially when the recall notice feels distant or abstract. However, in this specific case, ignoring the recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct invitation to a serious safety risk that has already manifested in real-world scenarios. The core issue lies within the lithium-ion battery pack, which is engineered to overheat and emit smoke under certain conditions. This is not a minor glitch that can be managed with careful usage; it is a fundamental flaw in the component’s thermal stability. The consequences of continuing to use a recalled unit are grounded in the 17 reports Bissell has already received regarding this specific hazard. These are not theoretical warnings but documented events where the vacuum cleaners began smoking and emitting a burning odor. In six of these reported instances, the battery pack actually caught fire. This escalation from smoke to flame demonstrates how quickly a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery can transition from a nuisance to a dangerous event. Lithium-ion batteries store significant energy in a small space. When they fail thermally, this energy is released rapidly as heat and flames, often without warning signs other than the initial smoke that many users might mistakenly try to ignore or ventilate away. The real-world impact of these failures has already caused harm beyond the device itself. According to the recall data, three of the fire incidents resulted in minor property damage. This likely includes scorch marks on floors, melted surrounding furniture, or damage to walls and cabinets where the vacuum was stored or used. More concerning are the two reports of minor burn injuries sustained by consumers. These injuries serve as a stark reminder that the hazard is not contained within the vacuum’s casing. Once the battery ignites, it can spread quickly, posing a direct physical threat to anyone nearby, including children and pets who may be in the vicinity during cleaning or storage. Ignoring the recall also creates a secondary risk regarding disposal. If you continue to use the vacuum until the battery fails completely, you are left with a damaged lithium-ion battery that is highly unstable. These batteries must not be thrown in the trash or placed in standard retail recycling bins, as they can ignite in waste management facilities, endangering sanitation workers and causing larger fires. By acting now, you avoid the stress of handling a potentially hazardous, dead battery later. The path of least resistance today leads to the safest outcome tomorrow, sparing you from potential property loss, personal injury, and the complex logistics of disposing of a dangerous defective component.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a defect in certain BISSELL vacuum models, the underlying issue—lithium-ion battery overheating—is a concern for anyone who owns modern cordless cleaning appliances. These batteries are incredibly convenient, offering the freedom to clean without being tethered to an outlet, but they require a different approach to safety than traditional nickel-cadmium or lead-acid batteries. To keep your home safe and your devices running longer, it helps to understand how these power sources behave under stress.
First, always follow the manufacturer’s charging guidelines strictly. Lithium-ion cells are sensitive to heat, which is why they can swell, leak, or in rare cases, catch fire if charged improperly. Never leave a cordless vacuum charging overnight or unattended for extended periods. It is best to charge the device on a non-flammable surface, such as a tile floor or a concrete garage area, away from curtains, carpets, or other combustible materials. Avoid using third-party chargers that do not match the original equipment manufacturer’s specifications, as incompatible voltage can damage the battery management system and lead to thermal runaway.
Second, treat your vacuum like any other appliance with a power cord: inspect it regularly. Look for signs of wear on the charging port, frayed wires, or physical damage to the battery pack itself. If you notice a strange odor, unusual heat during use or charging, or if the battery holds significantly less charge than it used to, stop using the device immediately. These are early warning signs that the internal chemistry may be failing. Do not attempt to open the battery pack yourself; this can expose you to hazardous chemicals and increase the risk of a short circuit.
Finally, stay proactive about product safety by checking for recalls regularly. Many people do not realize that they should monitor their appliances for safety notices long after the purchase date. You can sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov, or create an account with major retailers where you made your purchases to receive notifications about products you own. Keeping a digital or physical record of your appliance models and serial numbers in a dedicated folder or notebook makes it much easier to quickly identify if your specific unit is affected by a future safety alert. Taking these simple, consistent steps can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure your cleaning tools remain reliable companions for years to come.