Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported May 9, 2013
Family Dollar Stores Recalls Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters Due to Overheating and Fire Hazards
The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard.
The CPSC recalled Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters are portable electric tower heaters that are about 10 inches… - a moderate-severity action.
Family Dollar Stores Recalls Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters Due to Overheating and Fire Haz… was recalled and listed by the CPSC in May 9, 2013. Reason: The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard.. Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the heaters and return the product to …. Verify recall #13186 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard..
- Moderate
- severity level
- May 9, 2013
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #13186 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #13186) was formally reported on May 9, 2013. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. The recalling firm is not specified in the federal record. Federal records list the affected scope as About 19,640.
The documented reason for this recall is: The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard. 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 unplug and stop using the heaters and return the product to any Family Dollar Stores location for a full refund. - 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
About 19,640
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters are portable electric tower heaters that are about 10 inches wide, 25 inches tall and 9 inches deep. The heaters have a white metal casing with a white plastic top, a wire cage protecting the heating elements and vent slits at the bottom. The front section of the top has the brand name Optimus, a power light, a caution light and two dials. One dial turns the heater on or off and selects the power of either 750 watts or 1500 watts. The other control knob selects the heat range between high and low. The rear section of the top has fire, high temperature and shock warnings and diagrams of the heater being used in 750 watt mode and 1500 watt mode. Model number "H-5232" is on a silver sticker on the bottom of the heater below the words "Optimus" and "Quartz Heater."
Reason for recall
The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the heaters and return the product to any Family Dollar Stores location for a full refund.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 13186 |
| Date reported | May 9, 2013 |
| Date initiated | May 9, 2013 |
| Recalling firm | Not disclosed |
| Affected scope | About 19,640 |
| 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 unplug and stop using the heaters and return the product to any Family Dollar Stores location for a …
- Check the recall number (13186) 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? ▼
Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters are portable electric tower heaters that are about 10 inches wide, 25 inches tall and 9 inches deep. The heaters have a white metal casing with a white plastic top, a wire cage protecting the heating elements and vent slits at the bottom. The front section of the top has the brand name Optimus, a power light, a caution light and two dials. One dial turns the heater on or off and selects the power of either 750 watts or 1500 watts. The other control knob selects the heat range between high and low. The rear section of the top has fire, high temperature and shock warnings and diagrams of the heater being used in 750 watt mode and 1500 watt mode. Model number "H-5232" is on a silver sticker on the bottom of the heater below the words "Optimus" and "Quartz Heater.". Units affected: About 19,640.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the heaters and return the product to any Family Dollar Stores location for a full refund.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 9, 2013. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 13186.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (13186) 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
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· 2026-06-11
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· 2026-06-04
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Compare this recall with HSN Recalls Kitchen HQ Thermal Insulated Bowls Due to Fire … →
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 9, 2013. 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.