Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported May 20, 2008
Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled; Audio Problem Interferes with Emergency 911 Calls
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 …
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.) recalled This recall involves the "Cricket EZ" cellular phone. The cell phones are small, black an… - a moderate-severity action.
Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled; Audio Problem Interferes with Emergency 911 Calls was recalled by Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.) in May 20, 2008. Reason: A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cr…. Verify recall #08572 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.) issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911….
- Moderate
- severity level
- May 20, 2008
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #08572 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #08572) was formally reported on May 20, 2008. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.) is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 285,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: 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. 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: 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. - 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.
Electronics recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 609 electronics 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
About 285,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product 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.
Reason for recall
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, 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.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 08572 |
| Date reported | May 20, 2008 |
| Date initiated | May 20, 2008 |
| Recalling firm | Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.) |
| Affected scope | About 285,000 |
| 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
Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cricket is directly contacting consumers w…
- Check the recall number (08572) 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? ▼
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.. Recalled by Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.). Units affected: About 285,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
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.
What should consumers 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.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 20, 2008. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 08572.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (08572) 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.
CPSC Moderate
Projecting LED Finger Light Toys Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury Death from Battery Ingestion; Violate Mandatory…
Shenzhen Bopu Product Design Co., Ltd., dba POPOOO, of China · 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Failure to Al…
· 2026-06-25
CPSC Moderate
Raychy Children's Light Sneakers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Battery Ingestion; Violate Mandat…
· 2026-06-25
CPSC Moderate
Super Off-Road Solar Power Banks Recalled Due to Overheating; Imported by Spector & Co.
· 2026-06-25
CPSC Moderate
School Specialty Recalls Tip Restraint Kits Included in Childcraft Furniture Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death fro…
School Specialty, LLC, of Greenville, Wisconsin · 2026-06-11
Compare this recall with Projecting LED Finger Light Toys Recalled Due to Risk of Se… →
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 May 20, 2008. 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.