How to Get a Refund for a Recalled Product

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Short answer: You get a refund for a recalled product by following the remedy in the recall notice, not the store's normal return rules. The notice says whether you'll get a refund, a repair (often a free kit) or a replacement, and what proof to send, usually photos of the model number and proof you disabled the item. If the company won't honor the remedy, file a complaint with the agency that announced the recall.

Last checked October 14, 2026 against CPSC, FDA and retailer policy pages.

The three recall remedies

The company chooses the remedy, and the agency signs off on the plan. You can't usually swap a repair for a refund, though some companies offer a choice. Cosori, for example, let owners pick a free replacement air fryer or another Cosori product.

How to claim a recall refund, step by step

1. Confirm your item is covered. Match the model, lot or date code with the notice. Our guide on how to check if a product is recalled shows where to find each code.
2. Stop using it unless the notice says part of it is still safe to use (the Ninja Foodi recall, for example, says the air fry function is fine).
3. Gather proof. Usually a photo of the product, its model number and date code. Many refunds also ask for proof it can't be used again, like a photo of the power cord cut off.
4. Use the remedy link or phone number in the notice. Not the store's general returns desk, unless the notice says to return it in-store.
5. Keep records. Save confirmation emails and claim numbers.

You usually don't need a receipt. CPSC's Cosori notice, for example, says no receipt is needed. When a receipt matters, the notice will say so.

Store-by-store

• Amazon: Contact the manufacturer first, then the seller. Under a 2025 CPSC order covering certain products, Amazon must refund buyers who show the product was destroyed. See Amazon recalls.
• Walmart: Walmart's Marketplace returns policy says recalled items are refunded regardless of condition (WIC/SNAP restrictions apply). See Walmart recalls.
• Costco: Each notice has its own steps, and Costco's general return policy guarantees a refund on most merchandise. See Costco recalls.

Food and medicine refunds

FDA enforcement reports don't include refund instructions. The company's own announcement does, usually "return it to the place of purchase for a full refund" or "throw it away and contact us." Find it on the FDA recalls page. For pet food, see our dog food recall guide. For formula, see baby formula recalls.

If the company won't give you the remedy

• Household and kids' products: each CPSC recall notice links a recall complaint form for remedies that aren't being honored or companies that don't respond. You can also report to SaferProducts.gov.
• Food, pet food, medicine: contact the FDA through its consumer complaint process. For pet food, use the pet food complaint page.
• Car seats and vehicles: contact NHTSA through nhtsa.gov.
• Store won't help: ask for a manager and show the recall notice. Your card issuer may also help with a dispute, depending on its terms.

Get told about the next recall

The best way to hear about a recall is to register your products with the maker. You can also add items to Watch my items on our recall center.

Related guides

• How to check if a product you own has been recalled
• Amazon recalls, Walmart recalls, Costco recalls
• Air fryer and pressure cooker recalls
• Product registration and recalls

*Photo: Karolina Grabowska (Kaboompics) / Pexels*