CPSC, Electrolux Announce Recall to Repair Top-Corded Vacuum Cleaners
Home product recall 99-017. Announced by CPSC on Nov 10, 1998.
- CPSC: stop using it
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 Nov 10, 1998. Copied from CPSC on Oct 23, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 226,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The power cords on these vacuums extend out of the very top of the handle, and the cord is often used as an extension of the handle. The power cord can break inside the handle or the casing around the cord can break, and cause shocks or burns to the user’s hand. Even when there is no apparent breaking of the casing around the cord, these vacuums can still cause injuries.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should immediately stop using these vacuums, and return them to an Electrolux store for a free repair. The handle on the vacuum will be replaced with a new model handle.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For more information and to find the Electrolux store nearest to you, call Electrolux at (800) 896-9756 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.
Which ones are recalled?
The Ponytail vacuums were sold under the following names: Genesis Prolux S/R Genesis LX Prolux Warehouse Genesis LXE Regency Prolux Special Edition Prolux Plus Only Electrolux upright vacuums with the cord coming out of the very top of the handle are included in this recall. “Electrolux” and the model name are written on each vacuum.
About 226,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Electrolux, L.L.C., Atlanta, Ga.
- Most of these vacuums were sold through direct sales and retail stores, including Sam’s Club, Service Merchandise and Macy’s, between May 1991 and September 1993 for between $150 and $550, depending on the model and accessories. Some vacuums were sold directly to corporate customers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Electrolux is aware of at least 75 reports of the cords on these vacuums breaking or the casing around the cord exposing wires. About half of these incidents reportedly resulted in burns or shocks to users. Of these reports, there were 11 serious injuries which included consumers suffering second or third degree burns, shocks, or a combination of these injuries.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 23, 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.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
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 23, 2026.