Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
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.
Ortovox, of Germany recalled This recall involves Ortovox avalanche transceivers, model numbers 1137000006, 1137000001… - a moderate-severity action.
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 moderate-severity CPSC recall-The transceiver can fail to work properly due to a software error and fail to transmit the position of surviv….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 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 CPSC action (record #18185) was formally reported on July 10, 2018. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Ortovox, of Germany is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 20,000 (In addition, about 7,000 were sold in Canada).
The documented reason for this recall is: 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. 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 transceivers and return them to Ortovox for a free repair, including free shipping. - 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, 3 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.
Medical Devices recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 40,322 medical devices 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 20,000 (In addition, about 7,000 were sold in Canada)
Related Recalls
6
3 from same agency
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
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| 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. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 18185.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (18185) 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
Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Fire and Burn Hazards
· 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing Recalls Amana Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Due to Risk of Serious Injury f…
· 2026-06-25
CPSC Moderate
Arizer Solo III Portable Vaporizers Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury or Death; Imported by…
· 2026-06-18
FDA Devices Moderate
GE HealthCare TRADE IN CARESCAPE TELEMETRY SERVER ARK-2250L - NORTH AMERICA, REF #5697603-902, Product Code KSA; used i…
GE Medical Systems Information Technologies Inc · 2026-06-03
FDA Devices Critical
Medline kits containing Huons Co. Bupivacaine HCL in Dextrose Injection, USP, labeled as: 1) BLOCK TRAY, Medline Kit…
Medline Industries, LP · 2026-06-03
Compare this recall with Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Due to Risk of Ser… →
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 July 10, 2018. 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.