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Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled; Audio Problem Interferes with Emergency 911 Calls

Recalled May 20, 2008 · CPSC recall 08572 · Cricket

Hazard

A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911, the operator may not hear the caller or the caller may not hear the 911 operator.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cricket is directly contacting consumers who purchased these cell phones to alert them to the recall.

Units

About 285,000

Incidents / injuries

Cricket has received two reports of the audio not working properly when a consumer placed a call to 911. No injuries were reported.

Description

This recall involves the "Cricket EZ" cellular phone. The cell phones are small, black and silver bar-style. "Cricket" is printed on top of the phone above the display panel. Model number "CRKJ88BKIT" is located on a label inside the battery compartment behind the battery. Units that have a model number that ends with a "B" ("CRKJ88BKITB"), units that have a green dot on the inside label, and units that were sold after March 2008 are not included in this recall.

What to do

Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cricket is directly contacting consumers who purchased these cell phones to alert them to the recall.

Contact

For additional information, contact Cricket toll-free at (866) 441-1577 between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. MT Monday through Saturday, and between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. MT on Sunday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.mycricket.com

Product

Cricket EZ Cellular Phones

Distributed by

Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.)

Retailers

Cricket stores and independent dealers nationwide from February 2008 through March 2008 for about $90.

Made in

China

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →