Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported October 5, 2004
CPSC, Runtal North America Inc. Announce Recall to Replace Runtal Sundance Towel Radiators
The towel rack may overheat and rupture when overloaded with towels, releasing heated fluid, which could result in a burn injury.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Runtal North America, Inc., Ward Hill, Mass. recalled The Sundance Towel Radiator is a wall-mounted towel warmer and decorative heater. The pro… - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC, Runtal North America Inc. Announce Recall to Replace Runtal Sundance Towel Radiators was recalled by Runtal North America, Inc., Ward Hill, Mass. in October 5, 2004. Reason: The towel rack may overheat and rupture when overloaded with towels, releasing heated fluid, which could resu…. Remedy: Free replacement. Consumers should immediately stop using the heater function with towels…. Verify recall #05503 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Runtal North America, Inc., Ward Hill, Mass. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The towel rack may overheat and rupture when overloaded with towels, releasing heated fluid, which could resu….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 200 units
- affected scope
- October 5, 2004
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #05503 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #05503) was formally reported on October 5, 2004. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Runtal North America, Inc., Ward Hill, Mass. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as 200.
The documented reason for this recall is: The towel rack may overheat and rupture when overloaded with towels, releasing heated fluid, which could result in a burn injury. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Free replacement. Consumers should immediately stop using the heater function with towels loaded on the top rungs. Runtal is replacing all current Sundance units with new units incorporating an impro… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Appliances recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 419 appliances recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
200
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
The Sundance Towel Radiator is a wall-mounted towel warmer and decorative heater. The product warms towels and provides radiant heat through a thermal element inside the fluid-filled tubular rack.
Reason for recall
The towel rack may overheat and rupture when overloaded with towels, releasing heated fluid, which could result in a burn injury.
Remedy, what to do
Free replacement. Consumers should immediately stop using the heater function with towels loaded on the top rungs. Runtal is replacing all current Sundance units with new units incorporating an improved temperature control and monitoring system, at no cost to the consumer. Sundance is contacting every customer who purchased this product by letter and by phone to arrange for pick-up and replacement.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 05503 |
| Date reported | October 5, 2004 |
| Date initiated | October 5, 2004 |
| Recalling firm | Runtal North America, Inc., Ward Hill, Mass. |
| Affected scope | 200 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Free replacement. Consumers should immediately stop using the heater function with towels loaded on the top rungs. Runtal is repl…
- Check the recall number (05503) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
The Sundance Towel Radiator is a wall-mounted towel warmer and decorative heater. The product warms towels and provides radiant heat through a thermal element inside the fluid-filled tubular rack.. Recalled by Runtal North America, Inc., Ward Hill, Mass.. Units affected: 200.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The towel rack may overheat and rupture when overloaded with towels, releasing heated fluid, which could result in a burn injury.
What should consumers do? ▼
Free replacement. Consumers should immediately stop using the heater function with towels loaded on the top rungs. Runtal is replacing all current Sundance units with new units incorporating an improved temperature control and monitoring system, at no cost to the consumer. Sundance is contacting every customer who purchased this product by letter and by phone to arrange for pick-up and replacement.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on October 5, 2004. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 05503.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (05503) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported October 5, 2004. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.