Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled; Audio Problem Interferes with Emergency 911 Calls
Source: CPSC Recall #08572
Recall Date
2008-05-20
Manufacturer
Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.)
Units Affected
About 285,000
Products Involved
Cricket EZ Cellular Phones
Hazard
A software problem with the cell phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911, the operator may not hear the caller or the caller may not hear the 911 operator.
Remedy
Consumers should immediately return their phone to Cricket for a free software repair. Cricket is directly contacting consumers who purchased these cell phones to alert them to the recall.
Reported Injuries
Cricket has received two reports of the audio not working properly when a consumer placed a call to 911. No injuries were reported.
Sold At
Cricket stores and independent dealers nationwide from February 2008 through March 2008 for about $90.
Manufactured In
China
Full Recall Description
This recall involves the "Cricket EZ" cellular phone. The cell phones are small, black and silver bar-style. "Cricket" is printed on top of the phone above the display panel. Model number "CRKJ88BKIT" is located on a label inside the battery compartment behind the battery. Units that have a model number that ends with a "B" ("CRKJ88BKITB"), units that have a green dot on the inside label, and units that were sold after March 2008 are not included in this recall.
Data source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via SaferProducts.gov.
For the most current recall information, check directly with CPSC or the manufacturer.
Last verified: 2026-03-28