January 5, 2026 – A Verizon Wireless Ellipsis Jetpack MHS900L mobile hotspot device reportedly overheated severely, causing its battery to swell and pop open the device’s back casing. The incident highlights potential fire and explosion hazards associated with defective lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 11, 2025, a consumer reported that their Verizon Wireless Ellipsis Jetpack MHS900L mobile hotspot device experienced severe overheating. The battery within the unit swelled to such an extent that it forced the back cover off the device. The consumer described the situation as a “very serious fire hazard” and expressed concern that the battery “possibly could have exploded.” The unit was originally purchased at a Verizon retail store in San Angelo, TX, on Sherwood Way. Upon attempting to seek assistance from the store, the consumer was reportedly informed that there was no warranty on the battery and received no further help, despite the evident safety risk.
Safety Concerns
The overheating and battery swelling incident with the Verizon Ellipsis Jetpack MHS900L presents significant safety concerns, primarily related to lithium-ion battery failure:
- Immediate Dangers: Swelling batteries are a clear indicator of internal chemical reactions gone awry, often due to overcharging, manufacturing defects, or internal short circuits. This condition can rapidly escalate to thermal runaway, leading to extreme heat, smoke, fire, and potentially an explosion. Such events pose an immediate risk of burns to individuals handling or near the device, and can ignite flammable materials in the vicinity.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if an immediate fire or explosion does not occur, a swollen battery indicates a compromised and unstable power source. Continued use, or even storage, of such a device risks future catastrophic failure.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using or storing the affected device is at risk. This includes individuals, families, and particularly children who might unknowingly interact with a hazardous product. The device is portable and often used in various environments, increasing the potential for a fire or explosion in homes, vehicles, or workplaces.
- Property Damage Potential: A battery fire, especially from a lithium-ion source, can be intense and difficult to extinguish, capable of causing extensive property damage to homes, furniture, vehicles, and other personal belongings. The smoke and soot damage alone can be considerable.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Verizon Wireless Ellipsis Jetpack MHS900L, especially if purchased between April 2017 and March 2021, immediate action is crucial:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If your device is hot, swollen, or emitting any odor, smoke, or fire, immediately and carefully move it to a safe, non-flammable location away from combustible materials and people. Do not attempt to charge or use the device. If possible, place it in a fire-resistant container (like a metal pot with a lid) or outdoors. Do not puncture or crush the battery. If a fire starts, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
- How to Check If You Own the Affected Product: Verify the model number, “Ellipsis Jetpack MHS900L,” typically found on a label on the back or inside the battery compartment of the device.
- Prevention Measures: Do not use or charge any device that exhibits signs of battery swelling or overheating. Always use manufacturer-approved charging cables and adapters. Avoid exposing electronic devices to extreme temperatures.
- Reporting Procedures: Even if a recall has been announced, it’s vital to report incidents of overheating or battery swelling directly to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC monitor product safety and identify potential widespread issues.
Manufacturer’s Response
On December 19, 2025, Verizon provided a response acknowledging the incident. They stated that Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspots sold from April 2017 through March 2021 were subject to a voluntary recall announced by the CPSC on April 8, 2021. Consumers with concerns about the recall can contact Verizon at 800-922-0204. The initial report from the consumer noted that the Verizon retail store offered no assistance regarding the safety hazard, indicating a potential disconnect in communicating recall information or handling customer service for affected units.
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.