Amazon Ring Doorbell Recall 2020: 350,000 Units Recalled Over Fire Hazards

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for around 350,000 Ring video doorbells that were sold in the United States and Canada.

The notice was issued on Tuesday, November 11, after receiving multiple reports of these smart doorbell devices that triggered fire. It covered around 350,000 Ring doorbells (2nd gen) sold in the US and about roughly 8,700 more sold in Canada sold between June and October on Ring's website and on Amazon.

Amazon Ring doorbell recall

The CPSC noted that the recall is provided on Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen.) with model number 5UM5E5. The CPSC notice stated that the battery of the video doorbell can overheat if it was installed with incorrect screws. This also poses risks of fire and burn.

On November 10, CSPC shared the recall notice in Twitter. The tweet said: "#Recall: the battery on @Ring Video Doorbells (2nd Gen) can overheat if punctured during install; Fire and burn risks." The tweet also advised buyers to contact Ring for further instructions. They may go to their app or call 800-656-1918.

These smart video doorbells have blue ring at the front and available in satin nickel, which is a combination of black and silver as well as in Venetian bronze, which is black-bronze combination. The package includes a two-way video doorbell, mounting bracket, a USB charging cable. The doorbell has a night vision feature and can be used with batteries or hardwired. However, it appeared that the package came with incorrect screws.

How to check if the Ring doorbell is included in the recall

Since there is a specific batch of Ring doorbells impacted by the recall, it is highly advised for Ring doorbell users to check the model and S/N of their device. They may look for it on the label printed on the outer packaging as well as at the back of the doorbell. The recall covers Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen.) devices with model number 5UM5E5.

If they the model number shows 5UM5E5, they would need to visit https://support.ring.com/ring-2nd-gen-recall and enter their doorbell's serial number to check if their doorbell is included in the recall.

Ring received 23 reports of doorbells caught on fire

Before the recall, Ring received 85 cases of incorrect doorbell screws installed, in which 23 of these video doorbells caught fire and caused minor damage to property as well as eight reports of minor burns due to these doorbell fires.

A Ring spokesperson told CNET that their customers' safety is their top priority, so they have continuously cooperated with the CPSC regarding this matter. They also contacted customers who bought a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) to make sure "they received the updated user manual and follow the device installation instructions." Meanwhile, customers are not required to return their recalled devices while costumers are urged to check out updated installation instructions in the Ring app and website.

As of Nov. 5, there was only one complaint related to a faulty video doorbell, but Ring decided to recall 8,500 devices across the country.

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Written by CJ Robles