VST Tankless Heaters Recalled Due to CO Poisoning Risk Posted on November 12, 2025 The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a safety recall for the VST brand of tankless water heaters, due to possible risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. What’s Being Recalled The recall involves VESTA.DS’ gas-fired tankless water heaters sold under the VST brand. It was issued after reports that the heaters’ exhaust ducts can crack and leak combustion gases, including carbon monoxide (CO), into homes. The recall covers wall-mounted VST-brand tankless water heaters in the VR, VR Plus and VT series. Affected model numbers include: VRS-150 VRS-199 VRP-150 VRP-199 VRS Plus-150 VRS Plus-199 VRP Plus-150 VRP Plus-199 VTS-150 VTS-199 VTP-150 VTP-199 Scope of Recall There are approximately 36,700 affected units that were sold in the US, and an additional 3,500 in Canada. The units were sold through plumbing supply stores from May 2017 to July 2025, with retail prices ranging from $480 to $1,340. The CPSC lists VESTA.DS of Ontario, California as the importer, while the heaters were manufactured in South Korea. Reason Behind the Recall The recall comes after 33 reported incidents in the US of cracked exhaust ducts, while Health Canada recorded 10 such incidents in Canada. So far there are no reported injuries or deaths linked to the defect, but the CPSC warns the failure could allow CO to enter living spaces, creating a life-threatening hazard. How to Identify Heater Model The water heaters are metal, rectangular units. They will have VST printed in white on the control panel near the bottom, or VESTA.DS.Inc. printed in gray near the top of the panel. The model number is printed on a white label on the side of the water heater. If you’re uncertain, take a photo of the label and contact VESTA.DS for confirmation (see below). What To Do If You Have an Affected Unit 1. Stop using the water heater immediately. The CPSC and VESTA.DS both advise consumers to cease use of affected units until they are inspected and repaired. 2. Contact VESTA.DS for a free repair. VESTA.DS is offering a free repair service to replace the affected exhaust duct. The repairs will be performed by certified technicians. Consumers can call 1-888-505-5525 (8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, Mon–Fri), or email [email protected]. 3. Practice safety. If you must keep using the unit while awaiting repair, make sure you have working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms and that they are tested regularly. The CPSC specifically notes that homeowners who continue to use the heater should have functioning alarms. Where to Get Help VESTA.DS / Recall support Telephone: 1-888-505-5525 Email: [email protected] Website: recallrtr.com/condensingwaterheater US Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall page with details and images: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/VESTA-DS-Recalls-VST-Brand-Tankless-Water-Heaters-Due-to-Carbon-Monoxide-CO-Poisoning-Hazard-and-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-and-Death Health Canada Health Canada’s recall alert. recalls-rappels.canada.ca Note that federal law prohibits the sale of recalled consumer products. If you encounter an affected unit being offered for resale, report it to the CPSC. Why CO Risk Matters Carbon monoxide or CO is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. CO is dangerous to health, especially due to their nearly undetectable nature. Early symptoms of CO exposure include headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. High exposure can cause loss of consciousness and death. According to the CDC, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, over 100,000 visit an emergency department, and over 14,000 are hospitalized each year due to CO poisoning. If you or family members experience these symptoms near a gas appliance, get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Install and test CO detectors on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. And if you’re looking to replace your old water heater, we carry both electric and gas-fired tankless water heaters from reliable top brands, for your family’s safety and peace of mind. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
