Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled; Audio Problem Interferes with Emergency 911 Calls
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (2008-05-20). Models: CRKJ88BKIT. About 285,000 units in the US.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 08572 |
| Published | 2008-05-20 |
| Last updated | 2014-05-23 |
| Product category | Telephones, Cell Phones & Accessories |
| Products | Cricket EZ Cellular Phones |
| Firms | Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.) (distributor) |
| Manufactured in | China |
| Units (US) | 285,000 |
| Model numbers | CRKJ88BKIT |
| Remedy classes | repair |
| Sold | Cricket stores and independent dealers nationwide from February 2008 through March 2008 for about $90. |
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.
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.
Incidents and injuries
Cricket has received two reports of the audio not working properly when a consumer placed a call to 911. No injuries were reported.
Machine access
This record, with every extracted field, the source record (contact text and images withheld) and provenance: GET https://api.data.aroqon.com/v1/product-recalls/cpsc-08572. Look up a model number or UPC with /v1/product-recalls/lookup?code=…. About the dataset · free and paid keys.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (US Government work). Not affiliated with or endorsed by CPSC. Structured by Data Foundry (product-recall-structuring@2); last changed 2026-09-28. Always confirm with the agency notice.