December 18, 2025 – A recent incident report details a fire originating in the motor housing of a Bissell 2252L vacuum cleaner. The fire became visible within seconds of the unit being plugged in and used, prompting the operator to immediately unplug the device and contact emergency services.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 1, 2025, an individual experienced a frightening incident involving their Bissell 2252L vacuum cleaner. Upon plugging in the vacuum and initiating use, fire became visible from the lower portion of the unit within approximately 20-30 seconds. The operator reacted quickly, immediately running to the outlet to unplug the unit and subsequently calling 911. The operator explicitly stated that they did not cause any mechanical damage to the power cord, nor did the cord get sucked into the vacuum. Furthermore, no thermal activity was observed in the area of reported damage to the power cord, indicating the fire likely originated elsewhere within the unit.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights significant safety concerns associated with consumer vacuum cleaners:
- Immediate Fire Hazard: The most critical risk is the potential for fire. A fire originating in the motor housing, as reported, can spread rapidly, posing a severe threat to occupants and property.
- Burn Injuries: Direct contact with a flaming or smoldering appliance can cause severe burns.
- Smoke Inhalation: Fires generate toxic smoke, which can lead to respiratory damage, asphyxiation, and other serious health issues, even if direct contact with flames is avoided.
- Property Damage: A fire, especially one that ignites quickly, can cause extensive and irreparable damage to flooring, furniture, and the structure of a home.
- Electrical Shock: While not the primary reported hazard in this specific incident, any electrical malfunction leading to a fire can also present a risk of electrical shock to the user.
- Unforeseen Malfunction: The rapid onset of the fire (within 20-30 seconds of use) suggests an internal electrical or mechanical malfunction rather than prolonged misuse. This indicates a potential inherent defect or vulnerability.
The incident affects anyone operating the vacuum cleaner, as well as any individuals or pets present in the vicinity when the fire occurs. The potential for property damage is high, especially if the fire is not immediately detected and extinguished.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Bissell 2252L vacuum cleaner or a similar model, please take the following precautions:
- Stop Use Immediately: If you observe any smoke, burning smell, unusual noises, or visible flames from your vacuum cleaner, immediately stop using it, unplug it from the wall outlet, and move yourself and others to a safe area.
- Do Not Attempt Repairs: Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself if you suspect an internal electrical issue or fire hazard.
- Check Your Model: Verify if you own the Bissell 2252L model. The model number is typically located on a label on the back or bottom of the vacuum cleaner.
- Report Incidents: If you experience any issues, especially those involving smoke, fire, or electrical malfunction, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify potential safety trends.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to BISSELL Homecare, Inc. customer service to report the incident and inquire about their recommendations.
- Maintain Your Vacuum: Regularly inspect your vacuum cleaner for signs of damage, such as frayed cords, loose connections, or unusual wear. Keep filters clean to prevent motor strain.
Manufacturer’s Response
BISSELL Homecare, Inc. provided a response on December 5, 2025, stating: “BISSELL is committed to product safety and takes reports of incidents involving its products very seriously. This product, like all BISSELL products, meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards. Any CPSC notifications received are investigated and analyzed to ensure that there are no larger safety concerns to address. This CPSC notification was handled in this manner and a response provided to the CPSC in connection with the consumer’s report.” While BISSELL acknowledges the report and their commitment to safety, no public recall or specific consumer advisory regarding the Bissell 2252L model has been issued at this time in direct response to this incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.