Philips MRI Systems Recalled Over Fire and Smoke Risk From Gradient Coil Failure

Health Canada has issued a health product recall for Philips Achieva and Ingenia MRI systems after the manufacturer identified a serious defect that could cause the machines to overheat, smoke, or catch fire. The recall, published on July 18, 2025, affects multiple MRI models used in hospitals and imaging centers, and is classified as a Type II recall by Health Canada.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The recall covers a wide range of Philips Achieva and Ingenia MRI systems, including the Achieva 3.0T MRI System, Achieva XR System, Ingenia 1.5T, Ingenia 3.0T, Ingenia 3.0T CX, Ingenia Elition X, Ingenia Ambition S, Ingenia Ambition X, and the MR 7700 system. All lots of these systems are affected, spanning multiple model and catalog numbers such as 781315, 782115, 782107, 781358, 782153, 781271, 782108, 782139, 782109, 781356, and 782138. The recall specifically applies to systems equipped with gradient coil types WA15, WA30S, WB30S, and AG30S.

Why Was This Recall Issued?

According to Health Canada, Philips identified an issue where component failures in the gradient coil of the affected MR systems may act as a heat source with the potential to produce smoke and/or fire. Warning signs of a failing component may include repeated scan abort error messages caused by gradient amplifier fault detection, unusual noise coming from the system in the examination or technical room, and a burning smell. If a fire or smoke event occurs, the risk to patients or operators may include smoke inhalation, burns, and/or asphyxia, which could lead to serious injury or death. The issue could also result in property damage to the facility housing the equipment.

Who Is Affected?

This recall is directed at the healthcare sector, particularly hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and clinics that operate the affected Philips Achieva or Ingenia MRI systems. Since the recall applies to ‘all lots’ of the listed models, any facility using one of these specific model or catalog numbers with the named gradient coil types should consider their unit part of the recall. Patients undergoing MRI scans on these systems, as well as radiology staff and technicians operating them, are the individuals potentially at risk if a gradient coil failure leads to smoke or fire.

What Should You Do?

Healthcare facilities operating an affected Philips Achieva or Ingenia system should watch for the warning signs listed by Philips, including repeated scan abort errors, unusual noises, or a burning smell coming from the equipment. If any of these signs are observed, staff should stop using the system immediately and contact Philips Medical Systems Nederland B.V. for further instructions. Facilities are advised to contact the manufacturer directly if they require additional information about their specific unit or about corrective actions being taken. Health Canada also encourages anyone with concerns about a health or safety issue involving these devices to report it through its official reporting channel.

Official Statement

Health Canada describes the recall as being issued because ‘component failures in the gradient coil of the affected MR systems may act as a heat source with a potential to produce smoke and/or fire,’ according to the published notice. The recall was assigned identification number RA-77750 and classified as a Type II health product recall, with a recall start date of July 7, 2025. The manufacturer of record is listed as Philips Medical Systems Nederland B.V., based in Best, Netherlands.