Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Two widely used tech products from 2016—the Samsung Galaxy Note7 and certain self-balancing scooters, often called hoverboards—were recalled in the United States over fire hazards. That does not mean every old phone or hoverboard is unsafe, or that these two examples make a substantiated list of five. Safety depends on the exact model and the applicable recall notice.
Why this is not a reliable list of five unsafe tech products
A product’s age or place in tech history is not evidence that it is unsafe. The available official records support two standalone consumer-tech examples: the Galaxy Note7 and recalled self-balancing scooters. A Takata air-bag inflator recall is also relevant to safety technology, but it affects specified vehicles and is not clearly one of the consumer products implied by this headline. Naming two more products without comparable official evidence would risk wrongly labeling them unsafe.
Recalls apply to identified products or units, for a specified hazard and remedy. Check the exact make and model—and, for a vehicle, its vehicle identification number (VIN)—rather than relying on a broad product category.
Samsung Galaxy Note7: every U.S. model was recalled
On October 13, 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall covering about 1.9 million Galaxy Note7 smartphones sold in the United States. The lithium-ion batteries could overheat and catch fire, creating fire and burn hazards. The recall included replacement phones as well as original devices; a green battery icon did not mean a phone was safe. The notice described 5.7-inch phones sold from August through October 2016 and listed refund and replacement remedies. Read the CPSC recall notice.
#1 Best Overall
- CEL Doctor: The ANCEL AD310 is one of the best-selling OBD II scanners on the market and is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a YouTuber and auto mechanic. It can easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on. After repairing the vehicle's problems, it can quickly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes of emission system, read live data & hard memory data, view freeze frame, I/M monitor readiness and collect vehicle information
- Sturdy and Compact: Equipped with a 2.5 foot cable made of very thick, flexible insulation. It is important to have a sturdy scanner as it can easily fall to the ground when working in a car. The AD310 OBD2 scanner is a well-constructed mechanic tool with a sleek design. It weighs 12 ounces and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, transporting the device is not a problem. The buttons are clearly labelled and the screen is large and displays results clearly
- Accurate Fast and Easy to Use: The AD310 scanner can help you or your mechanic understand if your car is in good condition, provides exceptionally accurate and fast results, reads and clears engine trouble emission codes in seconds after you fixed the problem. This device will let you know immediately and fix the problem right away without any car knowledge. No need for batteries or a charger, get power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle
- OBDII Protocols and Car Compatibility: Many cheap scan tools do not really support all OBD2 protocols. AD310 scanner as it can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device also has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Pls confirm with our customer service whether it is compatible with your vehicle before purchasing
- Home Necessity and Worthy to Own: This is an excellent code reader to travel or home with as it weighs less and it is compact in design. You can easily slide it in your backpack as you head to the garage, or put it on the dashboard, this will be a great fit for you. The AD310 is not only portable, but also accurate and fast in performance. Moreover, it covers various car brands and is suitable for people who just need a code reader to check their car
Samsung had announced on September 2, 2016, that it had found a battery-cell issue and stopped sales. The company said that, as of September 1, it had received 35 reports globally. That figure was Samsung’s report, not an independent regulator’s incident tally. Read Samsung’s statement.
U.S. authorities also prohibited transporting a Galaxy Note7 by air beginning at noon Eastern Daylight Time on October 15, 2016. The prohibition covered carrying the device on one’s person, in carry-on or checked baggage, or as cargo. This was a specific historical order concerning the Note7, not a general restriction on current smartphones. Read the Department of Transportation order.
Rank #2
- 【Diagnose Check Engine Light in Seconds – No Mechanic Needed】The FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 scanner instantly reads & clears engine fault codes (DTCs) with one click. Simply plug into the 16-pin DLC port, turn ignition on, and get accurate results within seconds—No prior car knowledge required. Save hundreds on dealership fees by knowing exactly what’s wrong before you visit a shop. The #1 choice car scanner for DIYers and car owners who want to take control of their vehicle’s health
- 【Clear & Reset CEL with Confidence】Unlike cheap code readers that just erase codes temporarily, NT301 works like all professional vehicle code readers: It clears the check engine light only after you’ve fixed the underlying issue. If the problem isn’t fully repaired, the fault code will reappear. So you’ll never get a false pass. Use the foxwell scanner to verify your repair work and drive with peace of mind
- 【Sm-og Check Helper – Know Your Pass/Fail Status Before the Test】With dedicated one-click I/M readiness hotkeys and a simple Red-Yellow-Green LED indicator, you’ll instantly know if your vehicle is ready for annual testing. Built-in speaker provides clear audio feedback. No guesswork—just confidence before you head to the test center. One less thing to worry about when inspection day comes
- 【Advanced OBDII Modes – O- 2 Sensor & EVAP Testing】NT301 go beyond basic code reading with enhanced OBD2 modes. Run an EVAP system check to assess fuel tank condition, and use the O- 2 sensor test to optimize air-fuel ratio, boosting fuel economy, cutting em- issions, and saving you money at the pump. The code reader for cars and trucks is like having a mini em-issions lab in your glove box
- 【Live Data Graphing – Spot Engine Issues in Real Time】View and log live sensor data in easy-to-read graphs with this OBD2 scanner diagnostic tool. Monitor ox- ygen sensors, fuel trims, coolant temperature, RPM, and more to spot suspicious values instantly. This obd scanner gives you professional-grade insight without the pro price tag—a feature you won’t find on basic $20 car code readers
Hoverboards: recalls covered particular brands and models
On July 6, 2016, the CPSC announced that ten firms were recalling about 501,000 self-balancing scooters. Their lithium-ion battery packs could overheat, smoke, spark, catch fire, or explode. The agency’s notice cited at least 99 incident reports, including burns and property damage. Remedies varied by company and model: they included refunds, repairs, and replacements. These figures describe recalled units and reported incidents, not the chance that an individual scooter will fail. Read the CPSC recall announcement.
Why the exact recall notice matters
One Powerboard recall covered about 70,000 scooters and cited 27 reports of overheating, sparking, or smoking, along with one report of property damage. The company had gone out of business, so no remedy was available. Read the Powerboard notice.
Rank #3
- [Easy to Use—Work Out of the Box] + [FOXWELL 2026 New Version] FOXWELL NT604 Elite scan tool is the 2026 new version from FOXWELL, designed for car owners who want to figure out the cause of issues before fixing car problems by scanning common systems like ABS, SRS, engine, and transmission. The NT604 Elite obd2 scanner diagnostic tool comes with the latest software—no need to waste time downloading software first. Plug the scanner into the OBDII port with OBDII cable to start the diagnosis.
- [Affordable] + [Reliable Car Health Monitor] Will you be confused what happens when the warning light of ABS/SRS/transmission/check engine flashes? Instead of taking your cars to dealership, this FOXWELL scanner will help you do a thorough scanning and detection for your cars and pinpoint the root cause. Note：The device is a diagnostic tool, not a repair tool. To turn off a warning light, you must first physically repair the issue causing it. Only then can the scanner be used to clear the corresponding fault code.
- [5 in 1 Car Diagnostic Scanner] Compared with obd scanners (50-100), NT604 Elite code scanner not only includes their OBDII diagnosis but also serves as ABS/SRS scanner, transmission and check engine code reader. When it’s an odb2 scanner, you can use it to check if your car is ready for annual test through I/M readiness menu. In addition, live data stream, built-in DTC library, data play back and print, all these features are a big plus for it. Note: doesn't support maintenance functions like reset or relearn. For the SRS system, NT604 Elite can read and clear common fault codes not caused by a crash, but crash/collision data cannot be cleared.
- [Fantastic AUTOVIN] + [No extra software fee] Through the AUTOVIN menu, this NT604 Elite car scanner allows you to get your V-IN and vehicle info rapidly, no need to take time to find your V-IN and input one by one. What's more, the NT604 Elite ABS SRS scanner supports 60+ car brands from worldwide (America/Asia/Europe). You don’t need to pay extra software fee. AUTOVIN may not work on some older vehicles or certain vehicle brands. If AUTOVIN fails, please input the vin code manually or go to the Diagnostic Menu to select your vehicle model.
- [Solid protective case KO plastic carrying bag] + [Lifetime update] Almost all same price-level car scanner diagnostic tool only offers plastic bag to hold the scanner.However, NT604 Elite automotive scanner is equipped with solid protective case, preventing your obd2 scanner from damage. Then you don’t need to pay extra money to buy a solid toolbox.
A separate CPSC recall covered about 28,000 non-UL-certified Razor Hovertrax scooters. The notice directed owners to stop using the recalled units and contact Razor for a replacement certified to comply with UL 2272. The make and model determine whether that notice applies; it does not establish that every hoverboard is recalled. Read the Razor recall notice.
Takata air bags are a vehicle-recall example, not a fifth gadget
Some Takata air-bag inflators can degrade after long-term exposure to heat and humidity. In an extreme failure, an inflator can explode and send shrapnel toward vehicle occupants. The recall concerns affected makes and model years, not every car with an air bag. Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) VIN lookup to check a specific vehicle, then follow the manufacturer’s current instructions. NHTSA encourages owners to check for recalls at least twice a year. Read NHTSA’s Takata guidance and check a vehicle by VIN.
Rank #4
- Multi-Functions - Practical Multi-Functions OBD2 code reader features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed.
- Wide Capability - Supports 9 protocols compatible with most 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles. Supports 6 languages - English,German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian.
- 2.8" LCD Display - Designed with a clear display 2.8" Large LCD screen - white backlight and contrast adjustment. No need any battery or charger, OBD reader gets the power directly from your vehicle through the OBDII Data Link Connector.
- Compact Design - Car diagnostic scanner is equipped with a 2.5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator.There are 6 buttons on OBD2 Scanner:scroll up/down,enter/exit and buttons that quick query VIN vehicle number& the DTC fault code.
- ABS / Airbag codes NOT Supported - It is able to read and clear check engine information which is part of OBDII system, but it cannot work with non-OBDII systems, including ABS / Airbag / Oil Service Light, etc.
How to check a product or vehicle for a recall
-
Identify the item. Find its brand, model, and any serial or identifying number shown on the product or its documentation. For a vehicle, use the VIN.
Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: Fix Windows Errors and Clear Junk Files in Minutes - Free Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Search the appropriate official database. For consumer products, search the CPSC recall portal or SaferProducts using the exact brand and model. For a vehicle, use NHTSA’s VIN lookup.
Best Value
Sale
BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, No Subscription, ABS SRS TPMS- [Diagnose Like a Pro] BlueDriver Pro Next-Gen is a professional OBD2 scanner and diagnostic tool that helps you scan, understand, and clear vehicle trouble codes with confidence. Turn your phone into a powerful car diagnostic scanner—no guesswork, no unnecessary repairs.
- [Read and Clear More Codes Than Ever] Read and clear more codes than basic car code readers. Access enhanced diagnostics for Check Engine, ABS, SRS, Airbag, TPMS, Transmission, and more on supported vehicles, including expanded coverage on newer model years.
- [Verified Fixes and Real-Time Data] Get unlimited, technician-verified repair reports matched to your VIN, with definitions, causes, and confirmed fixes. Monitor live vehicle data as you drive, view freeze frames, check smog readiness, and analyze Mode 6 test results.
- [Expanded Make & Model Coverage] Optimized for today’s vehicles with strong support for GM, Ford, Stellantis (RAM, Jeep, Chrysler), Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and VW. Enhanced communication on select 2024+ Nissan and Mazda models (see compatibility chart).
- [Gas Vehicles 1996+ & Select Light-Duty Trucks] Works with all gas-powered vehicles made in 1996 or newer, plus select light-duty trucks and diesels, including F-250, RAM 2500, Silverado, and Sierra. Built for daily drivers, family vehicles, and real-world truck use.
-
Match the notice to your item. Read the complete notice, including affected models or units, the hazard, required actions, and remedy. Similar names or appearances alone do not establish that your item is covered.
-
Follow the notice’s instructions. Stop using the product if directed. Do not charge, test, repair, or disassemble a recalled battery device to see whether it fails. Do not assume a generic battery, charger, or repair part resolves a recall.
-
Use the stated remedy and handling instructions. Do not ship, recycle, or discard a recalled battery product contrary to the notice or local hazardous-waste guidance. Contact the manufacturer or agency listed in the notice if its instructions or remedy are unclear.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Recall information and remedy availability can change: the CPSC says its recall data updates weekly, while remedy availability may change daily. Check the current notice before acting. See the CPSC’s information about recall data.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
