FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2005
Release #05-156 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 250-6075
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Maytag Corp. Announce Recall of Hoover Self-Propelled Upright
Vacuum Cleaners

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.


Name of Product: Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Units: About 636,000

Manufacturer: Hoover Co., of North Canton, Ohio. Hoover Co. is part of
the Maytag Corp.

Hazard: The recalled vacuums have defective on-off switches that can
overheat the handle and toolholder areas of the vacuum, resulting in a
fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 249 reports of vacuums
overheating, which caused the handle area to smoke, melt or catch fire.
One minor burn injury requiring no medical attention was reported.

Description: Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners are plastic,
upright vacuums with the brand name "Hoover" and words "Self Propelled"
printed on the front of the product. The model and serial numbers are
printed on a label on the back of the vacuum.


The following model numbers are included in the recall:
U6423-900 U6425-900 U6425-950
U6445-900 U6445-960 U6449-900
U6450-900 U6451-900 U6455-900

Only those Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners manufactured
between May 1998 and November 1999 are included in this recall. The
recalled models include serial numbers 0598xxxxxxxx through
1199xxxxxxxx, with the first four digits of the serial number indicating
the month and year of production (e.g., 0598xxxxxxxx is May 1998).

Sold at: Household appliance and floorcare retailers nationwide from May
1998 through July 2000 for between $259 and $279.

Manufactured in: U.S.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and
contact Maytag to obtain the name and address of the nearest Hoover
repair center to schedule a free repair. Consumers should not return
their vacuum cleaners to retailers.

Consumer Contact: Call Maytag Corp. toll-free at (800) 250-6075 between
8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms' Web sites
at www.maytag.com or www.hoover.com

To view this recall online, please go to our website at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05156.html