OUTDOOR GEAR SAFETY

Mustang Survival auto-inflate life vest recall — may fail to activate in water

Last updated: 2026-05-05 · Source: GearVerify Atlas

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CRITICAL

Automatic inflation fails to activate in water — wearer has no buoyancy in emergency · 8,400 life vests sold specifically for high-risk water activities where manual inflation may be impossible · CO2 cartridge corrosion from saltwater exposure makes failure invisible during routine inspection

Does this recall affect your product?

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Model number

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What this recall means for you

Mustang Survival is recalling approximately 8,400 MD1151 auto-inflate personal flotation devices after reports that the automatic inflation mechanism can fail to activate when the device enters water, leaving the wearer without buoyancy in an emergency drowning scenario. The root cause is a corrosion issue on the CO2 cartridge firing mechanism caused by prolonged exposure to saltwater and high humidity environments without proper rinsing and maintenance. While the life jacket appears structurally sound and the manual override pull-tab functions correctly, the automatic inflation system on affected units may not pierce the CO2 cartridge when submerged. The recall is particularly dangerous because divers, kayakers, and boaters who rely on auto-inflate PFDs often choose this equipment specifically for situations where they may be incapacitated — such as being knocked unconscious in a capsize — and cannot manually pull the inflation tab. The affected life jackets were sold at West Marine, Defender Marine, and online at mustangsurvival.com from January 2021 through December 2023, with the model and date code printed on a white tag sewn into the inside of the vest.

What to do next

Locate the model number on the product label — usually inside the collar, on the waist belt, or on the tent stuff sack tag
Confirm your unit is affected by checking the model number and date code against the recall list at CPSC.gov
Remove the recalled gear from service immediately and do not use it in any situation where equipment failure could cause injury or death
Contact the manufacturer directly using the phone number or website on the recall notice — most recalls offer free repair, replacement, or refund
Register your product on the manufacturer recall page to receive notifications and confirm your eligibility for compensation
If you purchased the product from a retailer, also keep your receipt as many manufacturers require proof of purchase for refunds on older items

Recall data

Brand	Mustang Survival
Product	MD1151 Auto-Inflate PFD life jacket, all colors, manufactured 2021–2023
Deaths Reported	None reported
Primary Hazard	drowning
Remedy	Remove the affected life jacket from service immediately and do not rely on it for water safety. Contact Mustang Survival at 1-800-526-0532 or mustangsurvival.com/recall for a free replacement CO2 cartridge and inspection service, or to receive a full refund if the jacket is beyond repair. As an interim measure, always wear a properly functioning life vest and never enter the water without a manual backup flotation device.
Category	outdoor-gear
Recall Date	Feb 8, 2025
Record ID	CPSC-25-OUT11

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Source	cpsc.gov
Last Updated	2026-05-05
Published	2025-02-08
Record ID	CPSC-25-OUT11