Hydrogen gas can leak from the battery during charging, potentially leading to an explosion.
ION Audio, with the help of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, this week recalled several models of its portable speakers after it received five reports of the products blowing up while charging.
According to the recall, the Sport Express, Cornerstone, Cornerstone Glow, and Keystone speakers can leak hydrogen gas when plugged in. The highly combustible gas can cause the speakers to burst suddenly.
ION Audio said that it received no reports of injuries, but four of the five explosions resulted in “property damage to the surrounding area.”
ION Audio Exploding Speakers
“It has come to our attention, that these units have a fault that may cause the product to unexpectedly burst resulting in flying debris that could cause property damage and/or bodily injury,” the Rhode Island-based company said in its voluntary recall. “Out of an abundance of caution, and because your safety is of our highest priority, we urge you to discontinue use immediately and contact ION to determine whether your product is affected, and if so, to exchange.”
In total, ION Audio estimates about 41,000 speakers may be affected by this recall. The brand advises consumers to stop using the speaker and check the UPC number located on the bottom. The following UPC numbers are included in the recall:
- Cornerstone/Cornerstone Glow
- 0812715018078
- 0812715018528
- 0812715019976
- 0812715019969
- Keystone
- 0812715018139
- Sport Express
- 0812715010911
ION said the Sport Express model sold exclusively at Best Buy between June 2018 through May 2019 for about $70. The Cornerstone and Cornerstone Glow ($100) as well as the Keystone ($200) sold at electronics stores nationwide from March 2016 through March 2019.
Owners can contact ION customer service at 1-833-682-0371. Alternatively, consumers can also fill out this return form, and ION will determine whether the speaker needs to be returned. If so, the brand will issue a gift card for the purchase of a new speaker.
