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Why that ‘great deal’ could be a recalled product
From online marketplaces to thrift stores, recalled products can quietly resurface years later — turning a bargain into a hidden safety risk.
Producer/Editor, Special Projects
That toy from a thrift store.
That mini fridge at a garage sale.
The bargain on Facebook Marketplace.
It might look perfectly safe, but it could have been recalled.
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A recalled product does not always disappear. Some recalled products remain in homes for years before they are donated, passed down or sold secondhand. Someone selling a recalled product may not even know it has been recalled.
How do I check if a product has been recalled?
Checking usually takes less than a minute.
Find the product’s:
- Brand
- Model number
- Product name
- Serial number, if available
Then search that information at CPSC.gov/Recalls
A recall notice will tell you:
- Which models are affected
- Why the product was recalled
- The safety hazard
- Whether you should stop using it
- Whether you are eligible for a repair, replacement or refund
Buying online? Ask one question
Buying secondhand? Start by asking for the make and model number.
Some recalls apply only to specific models, not every version of a product.
If the seller cannot provide key details, it may be best to pass.
Any consumer product can be recalled, but experts say these categories deserve extra attention before you buy secondhand or accept a hand-me-down:
Children’s products
More than one-fourth of the recalls analyzed in PIRG’s latest report involved products for children, including toys, infant sleep products and children’s clothing.
U.S. PIRG Education Fund is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization focused on product safety and consumer protection.
Furniture
Pay extra attention to dressers, bookcases and other clothing storage units. They can tip over and cause serious injuries.
Battery-powered electronics
Watch for power banks, portable chargers and other rechargeable electronics. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode.
Household appliances
Watch for air fryers, coffee makers, pressure cookers and other household appliances. They can pose fire, burn and electrical hazards.
One simple step many people skip
Register your products with the manufacturer after you buy them.
Registration usually takes less than a minute.
It’s especially important for:
- Baby gear
- Car seats
- Appliances
- Electronics
- Vehicles
If one of these products is recalled, the manufacturer can use your registration information to contact you directly with next steps.
Some manufacturers and registration resources:
What to do if you own a recalled product
If you learn a product has been recalled:
- Stop using it.
- Read the recall notice carefully.
- Contact the manufacturer to see whether you are eligible for a repair, replacement or refund.
- Do not donate, sell or give the product to someone else.
Spot a dangerous product? Report it
If a product overheats, breaks unexpectedly or causes an injury, you can report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Your report can help investigators identify safety issues and may lead to future recalls or public warnings.
