Rowenta is pulling about 3,660 cordless stick vacuums off the market after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned in July 2025 that the lithium-ion battery inside the units can overheat and catch fire. The recall covers two models in the X-Force Flex line, and owners who confirm their unit is affected can get a free replacement battery from the company.
Which vacuums are affected
The recall targets two specific products:
- X-Force Flex 14.60 Animal, model number RH99A2U1
- X-Force Flex 15.60 Animal, model number RH99F2U1
Both are cordless stick vacuums with removable battery packs. According to the CPSC recall notice, the affected batteries carry model and date codes that begin with “ZR.” That code is printed on the battery pack itself, not on the vacuum body, so owners need to remove the battery to check.
The vacuums were sold through major retailers in the United States. No injuries have been reported in connection with the recall, but the CPSC classified the hazard as a fire and burn risk, meaning the battery can fail during use, while charging, or even while sitting idle.
How to get a free replacement battery
Rowenta is offering a free replacement battery to every owner whose vacuum matches the recalled models and battery codes. Here is what to do:
- Stop using the vacuum immediately. Do not charge it or leave the battery installed.
- Check the model number on the vacuum and the date code on the battery pack. If the model is RH99A2U1 or RH99F2U1 and the battery code starts with “ZR,” your unit is part of the recall.
- Contact Rowenta through its customer service line or website to register for a replacement battery and get instructions for handling the old one.
- Store the vacuum safely while you wait. Place it on a hard, nonflammable surface away from furniture, curtains, and anything that could catch fire. Do not attempt to open or repair the battery pack.
Rowenta has not publicly explained the root cause of the overheating, whether it stems from a manufacturing defect, a cell chemistry problem, or a flaw in the charging circuit. The company’s recall page and the CPSC listing are the most reliable sources for updates.
Why lithium-ion battery recalls deserve quick action
Lithium-ion batteries power everything from phones to power tools, and when they fail, they can fail violently. A single defective cell can trigger what engineers call thermal runaway: a rapid, self-sustaining rise in temperature that produces intense flames, thick smoke, and toxic fumes. In a home setting, that kind of failure can ignite nearby materials within seconds.
The relatively small number of units involved, 3,660, does not diminish the seriousness of the hazard. The CPSC routinely issues recalls based on engineering analysis or a handful of confirmed reports when the potential consequences are severe. A cordless vacuum typically charges indoors, often overnight or unattended, which raises the stakes if a battery malfunctions.
Owners of other Rowenta cordless models that are not listed in this recall do not need to take action at this time, but anyone who notices unusual heat, swelling, odor, or discoloration from a lithium-ion battery in any device should stop using it and report the issue to the CPSC through SaferProducts.gov.
