When a product recall affects your household items, the first step is to check the specific brand and model listed in the CPSC's recall announcement. The CPSC tracks product recalls to protect consumers from unsafe products, and understanding the recall details helps you secure the correct remedy without unnecessary delays.
Quick Answer
Check the brand and model in the CPSC recall notice to confirm your product is affected. Then, follow the remedy instructions provided in that notice to get a replacement, repair, or refund. If issues arise, contact the company first before using the CPSC complaint form.
Step: Locate the Recall Notice
To confirm your product is included in the recall, match its brand, model, and any date codes with the specific details in the CPSC recall notice. Each recall applies only to the exact brand and model identified in the announcement, not broader product categories.
The recall notice specifies the remedy for consumers, such as a replacement or refund, to follow the company's instructions. You must use the Consumer Contact information in the recall notice to request the remedy directly from the company.
If the company fails to respond to your remedy request, submit the CPSC complaint form to report the issue to the Consumer Hotline. This form is not for initial remedy requests but for resolving problems after contacting the company.
- Check the product label for brand and model to confirm recall inclusion
- Compare your product's model number and date code with the recall notice details
- Contact the company using the Consumer Contact information in the recall notice
Step: Verify Your Product Is Included
Recalls apply only to the exact brand and model specified in the CPSC notice, not broader categories. Each recall targets specific product batches or models, not the entire product line.
Verify your product matches the recall notice's brand, model, and any date codes to confirm inclusion.
Use the Consumer Contact information in the recall notice to request the remedy directly from the company.
- Compare your product's model number and date code with the recall notice to confirm inclusion.
Step: Follow the Remedy Instructions
Once you've confirmed your product is part of the recall, follow the remedy instructions provided in the recall notice. These instructions typically include how to get a replacement, repair, or refund. The CPSC emphasizes that you should act according to the specific guidance in the recall announcement to secure the remedy.
- Contact the company directly using the Consumer Contact information in the recall notice to request the remedy.
Step: Address Remedy Issues
The CPSC complaint form addresses remedy issues after contacting the company, not initial remedy requests. You must verify your product is part of the recall before using the form to avoid misdirected complaints.
The form is only for reporting non-responsive companies after you've followed the recall notice's remedy instructions. It does not apply if your product isn't covered by the recall, as the CPSC directs such cases to SaferProducts.gov.
Submit the form through the CPSC website using the Consumer Contact information from the recall notice.
- Submit the CPSC complaint form if the company fails to respond to your remedy request.
Step: Clarify Recall Duration and Scope
Recalls may apply indefinitely without a specific end date, so verify the recall notice's duration terms. Even if you discovered the recall years after its announcement, the notice's instructions remain valid for your product. Each recall targets only the exact brand and model specified in the announcement, not broader product categories.
If your product isn't covered, report it to SaferProducts.gov instead of assuming it's part of the recall.
Decision Worksheet
| Check | What to do | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Step: Locate the Recall Notice | Check the product label for brand and model to confirm recall inclusion | |
| Step: Verify Your Product Is Included | Compare your product's model number and date code with the recall notice to confirm inclusion. | |
| Step: Follow the Remedy Instructions | Contact the company directly using the Consumer Contact information in the recall notice to request the remedy. | |
| Step: Address Remedy Issues | Submit the CPSC complaint form if the company fails to respond to your remedy request. |
FAQ
What if I don't know the product's model number?
Check the product label or packaging for the brand and model. If unavailable, search the CPSC website using the product's name or category to find the recall notice.
Can I get a refund if my product is recalled?
Yes, but the refund depends on the remedy specified in the recall notice.
Primary Sources
Everyday Record Lab provides general information. Confirm current instructions with the responsible official source.