Cricket EZ Cell Phones Recalled; Audio Problem Interferes with Emergency 911 Calls

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.. Recalled by Cricket Communications, of San Diego, Calif. (subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc.). Units affected: About 285,000.

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.

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.

This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 20, 2008. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 08572.