Vuse Vibe Recall: Possible Fire Risk

RJ Reynolds Vapor Company has issued a recall for 2.6 million Vuse Vibe power units. This is the first recall of a mass-manufactured vapor product ever.

The company initiated the recall voluntarily, after receiving 10 complaints from customers about malfunctioning batteries, which the company says may cause the device to overheat and create a fire risk. There have been no reported injuries caused by defective devices.

Reynolds uses the term “power unit” to describe what most vapers would call the battery. It is the rechargeable section of the vape pen. The Vuse Vibe is a closed-system vape device, similar in appearance to an eGo-style pen, but using sealed, non-refillable clearomizer tanks.

“We believe that the issue is confined to a small fraction of all Vuse Vibe products sold, and involve a battery manufactured in 2016 by a contract supplier,” says the RJR Vapor website. “Until we have concluded our investigation and identified the exact cause of the problem, we have voluntarily taken the action to recall all Vuse Vibe power units in the market, until further notice.” Reynolds has notified the FDA of the recall.

Reynolds has issued the following instructions for Vibe owners:

1. STOP using your Vuse Vibe
2. Unscrew the tank from the power unit
3. Do NOT charge your Vuse Vibe power unit
4. Call 1-800-369-8200 to get further instructions

Reynolds will mail a prepaid shipping envelope for recalled units. They are not being replaced by retailers. The recall only applies to the Vibe model. The Vuse Solo and Ciro devices use different batteries.

RJ Reynolds Vapor Company is the vapor subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), which itself is now owned by U.K.-based British American Tobacco. Reynolds has been based in Winston-Salem, NC since 1875, and is best known for manufacturing Camel cigarettes.