Hearth Record

CPSC, Ortovox USA Announce Recall of Avalanche Transceivers

Home product recall 05-271. Announced by CPSC on Sep 15, 2005.

  • CPSC: stop using it
CPSC’s own notice, on cpsc.gov

Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.

The short answer

Announced by CPSC on Sep 15, 2005. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.

Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.

What’s wrong with it?

The batteries in these devices can become dislodged when the transceiver is struck sharply. The transceiver could fail to function properly in the aftermath of an avalanche, and result in the buried victim not being found in time to avoid serious injury or death.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What should you do?

Consumers should stop using the recalled avalanche transceivers and contact the firm to receive a new battery door that will help prevent the batteries from becoming dislodged.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

  • How to reach the firm: Call Ortovox USA toll-free at (888) 215-3131 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ortovox.com

Which ones are recalled?

Both models of avalanche transceivers are plastic and measure 5.5 inches by 2.5 inches by 1 inch. The M1 has a navy blue body and a yellow volume control switch. The M2 avalanche transceiver comes in two colors: glacier white (gray) with a red volume control switch, and orange with a gray volume control switch. The model name and “ORTOVOX” are written on the front of the transceivers.

About 15,500 units, as CPSC gives them.

Ortovox M1 and M2 Avalanche Transceivers - A device worn to help locate a buried avalanche victim.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

CPSC’s photos

CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.

Who made and sold it?

  • Made by Ortovox USA, Hopkinton, N.H.
  • Outdoor specialty stores nationwide, from January 1997 through July 2005, for about $300.
  • Made in Germany, as the notice gives it.
Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

Was anyone hurt?

There have been three reports by consumers of the batteries in these devices becoming dislodged. No injuries have been reported.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What the record doesn’t say

  • The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
  • The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
  • How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Source:

Hearth Record wrote these lines.

Sources

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.

    Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.

Source:

Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.

How to read a record

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An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

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