The encyclopedia · Product & Design · Product decision · 2023–2026
Rowenta's X-Force Flex: the battery can ignite, and 67 of them already got hot
The Versatile X-Force lithium battery can overheat and ignite: 67 reports. 3,660 vacuums recalled at $250–550; a free replacement battery after photo check.
Rowenta · Groupe SEB · 2026-07-02
What happened
Rowenta's X-Force Flex 14.60 and 15.60 Animal cordless vacuums sold in the US at $250 to $550 through Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Rowenta.com, Shopify, Amazon and Walmart from July 2023 to January 2026 — about 3,660 units. The vacuums were manufactured in France; their Versatile X-Force lithium-ion batteries (model ZR0097U2, date codes starting 23 or 24) in China.
The battery can overheat and ignite. Groupe SEB received 2 reports of overheating or not charging in the US and 65 more globally; no injuries. On July 2, 2026, the CPSC recalled the vacuums carrying that battery.
The remedy: stop using, pull the battery from the handle, register with a photo of the model number and date code, and receive a free replacement battery. The old cell goes to household hazardous waste — not the trash.
Why it happened
- The ZR0097U2 lithium-ion battery (date codes 23/24, made before Dec 2024) can overheat and ignite — 2 US reports, 65 more globally; recalled July 2, 2026
- 3,660 vacuums sold July 2023–Jan 2026 at $250–550 through Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Amazon and Walmart — a premium shelf for a cell that runs hot
- The vacuum was built in France, the battery in China — the recall follows the cell, and the remedy is a photographed date code for a free replacement
The lesson
The vacuum was built in France and the fire was built in China — two supply chains, one recall. The remedy asks owners to photograph the date code before the replacement ships.
Sources
- CPSC — Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Fire and Burn Hazards (Jul 2026)
- USA Today — Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners (Jul 2026)
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