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CPSC recall · Reported November 10, 2016

Kidde Recalls Combination Smoke/CO Alarms Due to Alarm Failure

The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its 7-year end of life if the batteries are replaced, leading consumers to believe it is still working. This poses a risk o…

Recall #
17031
Affected scope
About 3.6 million (in addition 1.5 million were sold in Canada)
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
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The CPSC recalled This recall involves Kidde NightHawk talking combo smoke/CO alarm with model number KN-CO… - a moderate-severity action.

Kidde Recalls Combination Smoke/CO Alarms Due to Alarm Failure was recalled and listed by the CPSC in November 10, 2016. Reason: The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its 7-year end of life if the batteries are replaced,…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled alarms and contact Kidde directly fo…. Verify recall #17031 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its 7-year end of life if the batteries are replaced,….

Moderate
severity level
November 10, 2016
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #17031 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #17031) was formally reported on November 10, 2016. 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 3.6 million (in addition 1.5 million were sold in Canada).

The documented reason for this recall is: The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its 7-year end of life if the batteries are replaced, leading consumers to believe it is still working. This poses a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire … 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 stop using the recalled alarms and contact Kidde directly for a free replacement alarm based on date of manufacture or a discount on a new alarm. - 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

1020304050 20052008201120142017202020232026 36
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

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.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 3.6 million (in addition 1.5 million were sold in Canada)

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

This recall involves Kidde NightHawk talking combo smoke/CO alarm with model number KN-COSM-IB and manufacture dates between June 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010. The alarms are hard-wired into a home's electric power. The unit has a compartment on the back for the installation of a replaceable 9V backup battery. The alarm is white, round and measures about 5 to 6 inches in diameter. "Kidde" is engraved on the front of the alarm. "Kidde," the model number and manufacture dates are printed on a label on the back on the alarm.

Reason for recall

The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its 7-year end of life if the batteries are replaced, leading consumers to believe it is still working. This poses a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire or CO incident in their home.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled alarms and contact Kidde directly for a free replacement alarm based on date of manufacture or a discount on a new alarm.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 17031
Date reported November 10, 2016
Date initiated November 10, 2016
Recalling firm Not disclosed
Affected scope About 3.6 million (in addition 1.5 million were sold in Canada)
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 stop using the recalled alarms and contact Kidde directly for a free replacement alarm based on date…

  • Check the recall number (17031) 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 Kidde NightHawk talking combo smoke/CO alarm with model number KN-COSM-IB and manufacture dates between June 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010. The alarms are hard-wired into a home's electric power. The unit has a compartment on the back for the installation of a replaceable 9V backup battery. The alarm is white, round and measures about 5 to 6 inches in diameter. "Kidde" is engraved on the front of the alarm. "Kidde," the model number and manufacture dates are printed on a label on the back on the alarm.. Units affected: About 3.6 million (in addition 1.5 million were sold in Canada).
Why was this product recalled?
The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its 7-year end of life if the batteries are replaced, leading consumers to believe it is still working. This poses a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire or CO incident in their home.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled alarms and contact Kidde directly for a free replacement alarm based on date of manufacture or a discount on a new alarm.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on November 10, 2016. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 17031.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (17031) 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

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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 November 10, 2016. 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.