Fitbit Faces $12.25 Million Fine Over Ionic Smartwatch Battery Issues
Fitbit, the popular fitness tracker manufacturer, is set to pay a $12.25 million fine following a recall of its Ionic smartwatches due to overheating lithium-ion batteries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has provisionally accepted the settlement, marking a significant development in the ongoing saga of Fitbit’s device safety concerns.
The fine comes in the wake of a 2022 recall that affected approximately 1.7 million Ionic watches. The recall was initiated after Fitbit received 115 reports of overheating batteries, with 78 cases resulting in burn injuries. Among these, two users suffered third-degree burns, while four others experienced second-degree burns.
Despite Fitbit’s attempts to address the issue through a firmware update in 2020, complaints continued to surface from 2018 to 2020. The CPSC criticized Fitbit for not reporting the problem promptly, raising questions about the company’s commitment to consumer safety.
While the recall specifically targeted Ionic watches, consumers have alleged similar issues with other Fitbit devices. In 2023, a lawsuit was filed against Google, Fitbit’s parent company, claiming battery problems across the entire Fitbit product line.
The lawsuit further alleges that Fitbit attributed the overheating issues to “consumer hygiene,” a claim that has drawn criticism from affected users. Customers have reported feeling ignored by Fitbit’s support team when seeking assistance with these issues.
As part of the settlement, Fitbit is required to implement internal controls to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act for all its devices. This measure aims to prevent similar safety concerns in the future and restore consumer confidence in the brand.
The Fitbit case serves as a reminder of the importance of product safety in the rapidly evolving wearable technology market. As the settlement awaits final approval, consumers and industry watchers alike will be closely monitoring Fitbit’s response and future product developments.
