Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Recall: The recalled lithium-ion

July 5, 2026 — This alert was compiled from official government recall data published by the CPSC. All facts are sourced directly from official records.

Sometimes, a product recall feels distant, like an issue that won't directly affect your household. Other times, the risk hits closer to home, especially when it involves an item used regularly for common household tasks. This latest announcement from Groupe SEB USA, concerning certain Rowenta cordless vacuum cleaners, falls squarely into that serious category. It's not just about a minor defect; we're talking about a fire and burn hazard tied to a product many American shoppers have brought into their homes, trusting its safety. For parents cleaning up daily messes or homeowners keeping their spaces tidy, understanding this specific recall is critical for immediate action.

The Unexpected Danger Lurking in Your Cleaning Tools

Your powerful Rowenta cordless vacuum, designed for convenience, might harbor a hidden fire risk. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today, July 2, 2024, announced the recall of specific Rowenta X-Force Flex cordless vacuum cleaners because their lithium-ion battery can overheat and ignite.

This potential for fire and burn hazards is a serious concern for households nationwide. While no injuries have been reported to date, the possibility of serious harm is real. Groupe SEB USA, the company behind Rowenta, is acting swiftly to address this safety issue, urging all owners of these vacuums to stop using them immediately.

Identifying If Your Rowenta Vacuum is Affected

Knowing if your particular Rowenta vacuum is part of this recall requires checking a few specific details. The recall involves certain Rowenta X-Force Flex cordless vacuum cleaners sold in red, black, and silver, where the lithium-ion battery is housed within the handle of the device.

You'll need to locate the model number and, most importantly, the battery's specific date code. Look for either the X-Force Flex 14.60 Animal, identified by model number RH99A2U1, or the X-Force Flex 15.60 Animal, with model number RH99F2U1. The key component here is the Versatile X-Force's lithium-ion battery, model number ZR0097U2. If your battery's date code begins with either "23" or "24," then your unit is affected by this urgent product safety notice. These batteries were sold both separately and as part of the vacuum cleaner units themselves. According to the official CPSC announcement, the hazard stems from the battery's potential to "overheat and ignite," posing fire and burn risks.

These affected vacuums were distributed widely to American shoppers. You might have purchased one from retailers like Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, or online through Rowenta.com, Shopify.com, Amazon.com, and Walmart.com. They were sold from July 2023 through January 2024, typically ranging in price between $250 and $550. If you've used one of these recalled products, the immediate next step isn't to worry, but to act. You'll need to verify if your specific unit matches the recall details, and if so, follow the steps for safe resolution.

What You Should Do Right Now

Taking immediate action is the most important step if you own one of these Rowenta cordless vacuums. Your safety and the safety of your home come first.

For U.S. consumers, here are the essential steps:

1. Stop using the Rowenta X-Force Flex cordless vacuum cleaner immediately and remove the lithium-ion battery from the handle.
2. Visit Rowenta's dedicated recall website at https://www.rowentausa.com/recall-campaign-xforce to register for the recall and begin the verification process.
3. You will be asked to upload a photograph of your vacuum's model number and the battery's date code for verification.
4. Upon confirmation that your battery is recalled, Rowenta USA will send you a free replacement lithium-ion battery.

Do not attempt to continue using the vacuum with the recalled battery, as the risk of overheating and fire remains. The company has made the process straightforward to ensure people can quickly and safely resolve this issue, providing a clear path to a new, safe battery.

The Unique Challenge of Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal

Disposing of a recalled lithium-ion battery isn't as simple as tossing it in the trash; it requires special care. This particular detail is crucial for your safety and for environmental protection.

Rowenta and the CPSC are very clear: do not throw this recalled lithium-ion battery or device into your regular trash, the general recycling stream (like curbside bins), or the used battery recycling boxes found at many retail stores. These batteries present a greater risk of fire even when no longer in use, meaning they must be handled differently than other types. Your local municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center may accept this recalled battery for disposal, but you should always contact them ahead of time to confirm their acceptance policies for recalled lithium-ion batteries. If they do not, your municipality can provide further guidance on safe disposal in accordance with local and state regulations across the United States.

This recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For the official notice and complete details, visit www.cpsc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to use my Rowenta vacuum if it's not one of the recalled models or if my battery code doesn't match?

You can continue to use your Rowenta cordless vacuum if it's not one of the specific models (RH99A2U1 or RH99F2U1) or if your battery model ZR0097U2 does not have a date code starting with "23" or "24." Only the specific identified models and battery codes are affected by this recall.

Q: How do I remove the battery from my Rowenta X-Force Flex vacuum?

The lithium-ion battery is housed in the handle of the device. Consult your vacuum's user manual for specific instructions on how to safely detach and remove the battery from the main unit. This is usually a straightforward process.

Q: What if I already used an affected Rowenta vacuum?

If you've already used one of the affected vacuums, you should stop using it immediately and remove the battery as instructed. While no injuries have been reported, the potential hazard exists, so taking corrective action now is key.

Q: How long will it take to get my replacement battery from Rowenta?

Once you register your recalled battery on the Rowenta recall website and your information is verified, the company will send a free replacement lithium-ion battery to you. The exact timeframe for delivery may vary, but typically these processes are handled as quickly as possible.

Q: Why are lithium-ion batteries so difficult to dispose of safely?

Lithium-ion batteries, especially those subject to a safety notice, can pose a significant fire risk if damaged or improperly handled during disposal. They require specialized recycling facilities or hazardous waste collection centers to prevent fires in landfills or waste processing plants, making general recycling methods unsafe for these particular batteries.