Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled; Audio Problem Interferes with Emergency 911 Calls
CPSC recall 08572 · announced May 20, 2008 · Cricket Communications · 285,000 units affected
The product
This recall involves the "Cricket EZ" cellular phone. The cell phones are small, black and silver bar-style. "Cricket" is printed on top of the phone above the display panel. Model number "CRKJ88BKIT" is located on a label inside the battery compartment behind the battery. Units that have a model number that ends with a "B" ("CRKJ88BKITB"), units that have a green dot on the inside label, and units that were sold after March 2008 are not included in this recall.
The hazard
A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911, the operator may not hear the caller or the caller may not hear the 911 operator.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cricket is directly contacting consumers who purchased these cell phones to alert them to the recall.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): Cricket has received two reports of the audio not working properly when a consumer placed a call to 911. No injuries were reported.
Sold at: Cricket stores and independent dealers nationwide from February 2008 through March 2008 for about $90.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact Cricket toll-free at (866) 441-1577 between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. MT Monday through Saturday, and between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. MT on Sunday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.mycricket.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.