Fitbit Fined $12.25M for Delayed Defect Report on Ionic Smartwatch

Fitbit is paying $12.25 million for a civil penalty levied by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The agency claimed dozens of people were burned due to a defect in the company’s Ionic smartwatches. The CPSC imposed the heavy fine because Fitbit knew about the flaw but dragged its feet when reporting it to the commission.

“Despite possessing information that reasonably supported the conclusion that the smartwatches contained a defect that could create a substantial product hazard or created an unreasonable risk of serious injury, Fitbit did not immediately report to the Commission as required,” stated the CPSC, per FOX Business.

After years of issues, the CPSC brought charges against the company for allegedly disregarding the Consumer Product Safety Act. Instead of fighting the allegations, Fitbit decided to pay the fine.

Fitbit’s Overheating Battery Issues

In 2018, Fitbit began getting complaints from consumers about overheating issues with its Ionic smartwatches. The reports continued for another two years. Among the 115 complaints in the U.S., 78 Ionic owners stated they were burned on their wrists and arms by the devices, including two people receiving third-degree burns and four with second-degree burns. Another 59 overheating reports were received from international customers, with 40 saying they were also burned.

Fitbit believed an unusually hot battery was the issue and initiated a firmware update as a solution. Yet, the problem continued, and burn reports kept coming in.

The company ultimately discontinued the Iconic smartwatch in 2020. With roughly 1.7 million devices already purchased globally, both the CPSC and Fitbit issued a recall in March 2022.

Despite the recall, Fitbit-owner Google was served with a lawsuit that claimed the defect was not limited to just Ionic smartwatches but all the company’s devices. Court papers filed in 2023 noted all of its smartwatches and fitness trackers had the same overheating battery flaw.

“Reasonable consumers purchase the Products to burn calories — not their skin — and to safely pursue a healthy lifestyle with the aid of a smartwatch,” the complaint states, per The Verge. 

Beyond the $12.25 million fine, Fitbit also must enact internal controls and a compliance program to prevent future violations of the Consumer Product Safety Act. An annual report must also be submitted to the commission that outlines the effectiveness of its procedures and training.

Late last year, the CPSC recalled Walmart Christmas tree light controllers over fire safety concerns. The wireless receiver in the device had the potential to overheat and start a fire, leading to the recall of over 44,000 units.