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CPSC recall · Reported July 10, 2018

ORTOVOX Recalls Avalanche Transceivers Due to Loss of Emergency Communications Capability

The transceiver can fail to work properly due to a software error and fail to transmit the position of survivors of an avalanche, resulting in delayed search and rescue operations.

Recall #
18185
Affected scope
About 20,000 (In addition, about 7,000 were sold in Canada)
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Ortovox, of Germany recalled This recall involves Ortovox avalanche transceivers, model numbers 1137000006, 1137000001….

ORTOVOX Recalls Avalanche Transceivers Due to Loss of Emergency Communications Capability was recalled by Ortovox, of Germany in July 10, 2018. Reason: The transceiver can fail to work properly due to a software error and fail to transmit the position of surviv…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled transceivers and return them to Orto…. Verify recall #18185 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Ortovox, of Germany issued this CPSC recall-The transceiver can fail to work properly due to a software error and fail to transmit the position of surviv….

None
agency class
July 10, 2018
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #18185 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls - 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.

Medical Devices recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 41,021 medical devices recalls on record

01,0002,0003,0004,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,947

Product description

This recall involves Ortovox avalanche transceivers, model numbers 1137000006, 1137000001 and 1137000002. They were sold in black/blue (model number 1137000006), black/black (model number 1137000001) and neon green (model number 1137000002). The transceiver is used as a beacon to locate an individual in the event of avalanche burial. ORTOVOX and 3+ are printed on the top of the device. In the open/receive position, the top half of the transceiver displays a blue screen with green border that displays an image and distance reading of the buried individual. The transceivers measure about 5 inches long by 3 inches wide by 1 inch thick in the closed/transmit position. All transceivers manufactured from 2010 through 2018 are included in the recall. The manufacture date is printed inside the battery door on the back of the transceiver with a roman numeral representing the quarter of the year and a two digit number referring to the year. For example, a manufacture date of IV/17 represents the fourth quarter. The year of manufacture is five years earlier. In this case, the transceiver was manufactured in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Reason for recall

The transceiver can fail to work properly due to a software error and fail to transmit the position of survivors of an avalanche, resulting in delayed search and rescue operations.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled transceivers and return them to Ortovox for a free repair, including free shipping.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Not classified by agency
Status Active
Recall number 18185
Date reported July 10, 2018
Date initiated July 10, 2018
Recalling firm Ortovox, of Germany
Affected scope About 20,000 (In addition, about 7,000 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 transceivers and return them to Ortovox for a free repair, including free sh…

  • Check the recall number (18185) 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 Ortovox avalanche transceivers, model numbers 1137000006, 1137000001 and 1137000002. They were sold in black/blue (model number 1137000006), black/black (model number 1137000001) and neon green (model number 1137000002). The transceiver is used as a beacon to locate an individual in the event of avalanche burial. ORTOVOX and 3+ are printed on the top of the device. In the open/receive position, the top half of the transceiver displays a blue screen with green border that displays an image and distance reading of the buried individual. The transceivers measure about 5 inches long by 3 inches wide by 1 inch thick in the closed/transmit position. All transceivers manufactured from 2010 through 2018 are included in the recall. The manufacture date is printed inside the battery door on the back of the transceiver with a roman numeral representing the quarter of the year and a two digit number referring to the year. For example, a manufacture date of IV/17 represents the fourth quarter. The year of manufacture is five years earlier. In this case, the transceiver was manufactured in the fourth quarter of 2012.. Recalled by Ortovox, of Germany. Units affected: About 20,000 (In addition, about 7,000 were sold in Canada).
Why was this product recalled?
The transceiver can fail to work properly due to a software error and fail to transmit the position of survivors of an avalanche, resulting in delayed search and rescue operations.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled transceivers and return them to Ortovox for a free repair, including free shipping.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on July 10, 2018. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 18185.
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.

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This recall: CPSC, reported July 10, 2018. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026