Ope! Today would be a 
Vitamix Issuing Recall on Ascent or Venturist-Compatible Personal Containers Manufactured March 2018 or Prior
Vitamix is recalling select 20-oz and 8-oz containers for Ascent or Venturst. Specifically, they’re recalling containers (and blades) that were made before March of 2018.
This recall affects units sold in the United States and Canada.
According to Vitamix:
“Through our ongoing quality inspection program, we identified a potential safety issue with these containers. It is possible that the container may separate from the blade base, exposing the blades to consumers.”
Not all 8-oz and 20-oz containers are affected by the recall.
“The recall only affects these specific containers with manufacture dates of March 2018 (03-18) and before.
Look for the date printed on the blade itself.
The blade date code is laser-etched onto the top of the blade in the blade base. The operation and performance of the blender’s motor or base are not affected by this issue.”
What you should do if your 8-oz or 20-oz container is being recalled
It sounds like it’s an easy fix. You just need a new orange ring.
“Vitamix is providing free repair kits that consumers can easily implement themselves. The repair kit contains a set of newly designed gaskets (rings) that prevent the container from separating from the blade base during use.
And you should not need to do anything but wait. Your repair kit (new rings) will be sent automatically.
“These repair kits are being sent to all consumers who purchased these containers for whom Vitamix and its retail partners have records. Other consumers may contact Vitamix directly at 1-888-847-8842 to receive their kits. They can also visit www.recallrtr.com/blender.”
FAQ
What was the issue with the original ring (gasket)?Â
There was a potential safety issue. The container could potentially (probably did already) separate from the blade base exposing the blades.
Do you need to change all of the rings?
Yes. Simply remove and cut the old rings on all 8-oz cups and 20-oz bowls. Then install the new rings per instructions in the repair kit.
Is it okay to keep using the old rings until new ones arrive?
No. Don’t do that.
When will the repair kits be sent?
Kits will be sent automatically. But if you’d like to order one or confirm you’re getting one, call 1-888-847-8842 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday to request a kit.
Are all Ascent and Venturist 8-ounce and 20-ounce containers affected?Â
No. Only containers manufactured March 2018 or earlier are affected.
How do I know if my containers are okay?
The issue has been fully addressed in containers manufactured in April 2018 and beyond. Those containers are totally safe to use.
How do I know when my containers were manufactured?
Each blade is stamped with the manufacture date.
What about the blending cups on S-Series (S-30, S50, S55)?
The S-Series cups are not affected by this recall. Totally safe to use.
What about the Personal Cup Adapter?
The Personal Cup Adapter cups are not affected by this recall. Also safe to use.
Why are S-Series and Personal Cup Adapter Cups not affected?
S-Series and Personal Cup Adapter Cups are designed differently. As such, they’re not subject to the safety issue addressed by this recall.
What exactly is in the repair kit?
A packet of rubber gaskets (rings) and instructions. Quite simple and should not intimidate you. 🙂
Editor’s insight about this recall
This recall came out of nowhere.
But here’s the thing:
It’s not a surprise.
There was an issue with early versions of the 8-0z and 20-oz cups not getting detected by Smart System machines. We did a video demonstrating how to get around it.
In fact, you can see the exact issue they’re fixing at 4:35 of this video.
Hopefully this is a step in the right direction of making the 8-oz and 20-oz cups better. After all, this was Vitamix’s first attempt at personal blending on a full-size machine.
Recommendation and conclusion
Overall, we don’t think this is a big deal.
Do we wish this would have been fixed sooner? Absolutely.
But it’s an easy fix and an issue that Vitamix is taking responsibility for.
What now?
Look on your 8-oz or 20-oz blade base for the manufacture date.
If it’s March 2018 or earlier, stop using it immediately.
Your repair kit should be on the way. And if you want to confirm, call 1-888-847-8842 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday.
And, of course, subscribe to our weekend newsletter if you haven’t already. You’ll get updates like this (recalls, deals, etc), recipes, and tips & tricks for using your Vitamix.
Thank you for this. I was so fustrated with the small containers spilling. Your video helped me solved the issue.
My Vitamix Venturist is new (Jan. 2020), the date on the blade is 12-2019 and it is not detecting the 8 oz container. Just bought it yesterday…
Can you try to start with the arrows lined up and then twist until the arrows are lined up again?
I had this same issue and I was about to return it, but after some research, I came to an understanding this is the issue of self-detect connectivity.
In order to set it right after the power cycle when you see “—“, place the empty 20 oz cup in the cradle and twist the jar clockwise till you see “000” this is the loose position twist more to tight it. Here you will see again the “000” has come back when it is tightly fixed. Remember this is the correct position on your machine, mark it if possible. You are all set. Enjoy!
I just bought the A3500 Ascent Vitamix mixer and also got the 20oz. and 8 oz. cups. My mixer is not detecting the cups and after watching this video, that didn’t help either. I start by lining up the arrows like the video shows, but they aren’t even close once the blade/base is screwed on enough for it not to leak and it doesn’t detect it. It will only detect if the lid is really loose. Is anyone else having this issue?
Shalva just texted saying she was going post about this onto our Instagram. I told her it’s important to be super forthright and transparent with what we know and how we feel about this container recall.
She said “how do we feel?”
I said this:
Relieved that it wasn’t user-error when this happened to us. Disappointed they didn’t catch the issue before releasing the product to market and still don’t appear to be taking full responsibility for missing the defect originally. Hopeful that we see a true, full update to these personal containers since feedback overall has been mixed.