What to do if you own a recalled product
Finding out that something you own is recalled is stressful. The steps are usually simple, and the recall notice tells you exactly which ones apply.
1. Stop using it, unless the notice says otherwise
CPSC’s guidance is that you should typically stop using a recalled product and follow the instructions in its recall announcement. Read the hazard description first so you understand the risk.
2. Read the remedy
There is no single remedy. It is usually a refund, a repair or a replacement, and the notice spells out which one applies and how to claim it. Each recall page on this site shows the remedy and links to the official notice.
3. Contact the company first
The notice lists a toll-free number and website for the company. Many notices ask you to take a photo, mark the product as recalled or confirm that you have disposed of it. A receipt is not always required. Follow the notice exactly, because some tell you not to repair the product yourself.
4. Escalate if the company does not respond
If the company does not resolve it, you can contact CPSC at (800) 638-2772 or through its contact form. CPSC also has a form for problems with a recall remedy or a company that is not responding.
5. Report what happened
If you were hurt or had a close call, report it at SaferProducts.gov. Reports help CPSC spot problems.
Common questions
Can I still get a remedy for an old recall?
Often yes. Recalls usually have no end date, so follow the notice anyway. Whether a company still honours an old remedy depends on the notice, so contact it and, if needed, CPSC.
Should I throw a recalled product away?
Only if the notice says to. Some remedies require you to send the product back, others to show proof of disposal. Disposing of it early can make a refund harder to claim.
Sources
This guide summarises public CPSC advice and is not a substitute for the instructions in a specific recall notice or from a product’s manufacturer.