DOJ and CPSC File Federal Lawsuit to Force Recall of 98,000 Fire-Hazard Water Heaters

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have initiated a rare federal lawsuit to force the recall of roughly 98,000 portable immersion water heaters.[1][3]

The devices, sold under the brand name "Lakkzoom," were distributed directly to American consumers through Amazon and eBay between September 2022 and July 2026.[2]

According to the federal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the heaters pose an "imminent and unreasonable risk of death, serious illness, or severe personal injury."[1]

The CPSC has logged 235 reports of the devices catching fire, with some consumers reporting that the heaters melted down, sparked, and ignited bathtubs and garages.[2][3]

The core mechanical flaw lies in the product's lack of an automatic shutoff mechanism.[2]

Immersion heaters are designed to be submerged in water, which safely absorbs the intense heat generated by the metal element.[2]

However, if the Lakkzoom heaters are energized while completely or partially out of water, the heating element rapidly overheats.[1]

Testing by the CPSC demonstrated that under these conditions, the devices can burst into flames within minutes, easily igniting nearby combustible materials.[1][3]

What makes this recall unusual is the legal mechanism required to execute it.

Typically, when a defective product is identified, the CPSC works with the U.S.-based manufacturer or importer to issue a voluntary recall, which often includes a refund or repair program.[3]

In this case, the products were manufactured by Cixi Miaojie Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd. and imported by Changsha Jiayi Tianzhuo Trading Co. Ltd., both based in China.[1]

Because these companies sold directly to consumers via third-party e-commerce platforms, there was no independent U.S. importer of record for the CPSC to hold accountable.

Faced with a lack of cooperation, the CPSC invoked Section 12 of the Consumer Product Safety Act, a provision designed specifically for "imminent hazards."[1]

This marks the first time the agency has used its Section 12 authority since 1987, underscoring the regulatory challenges posed by modern direct-to-consumer online retail.[1]

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the Justice Department "will not allow dangerous products manufactured in China or elsewhere to flow to American consumers and expose unwitting families to the risk of serious injury or death."[1][2]

Because the recall is being sought through a contested court action rather than a voluntary agreement, there is currently no manufacturer-backed refund or replacement program available.[3][4]

The CPSC is urging anyone who owns a Lakkzoom immersion water heater—identifiable by metal tubes with circular or heart-shaped holes and black, yellow, or pink plastic endcaps—to stop using it immediately.[3]

Consumers are advised to dispose of the devices safely and report any incidents or injuries directly to the CPSC via SaferProducts.gov.[3]

Legal experts note that the 235 documented fire incidents could lead to separate product liability litigation, though pursuing damages against overseas entities presents significant logistical hurdles.[4]

The landmark lawsuit signals a potential shift in how federal regulators will police international sellers on platforms like Amazon and eBay, prioritizing aggressive legal intervention when traditional recall negotiations fail.[1]