ApplianceJournal.com

June 3, 2010

Whirlpool Corp., the world’s largest appliance manufacturer, is recalling 1.7 million of its Maytag dishwashers due to fire hazard, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Hazard: An electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element can pose a serious fire hazard.

Consumers should stop using the recalled dishwashers immediately and disconnect the power source by either unplugging the dishwasher power cord or flipping the circuit breaker.

So far, there has been 12 reports of fire, including one with extensive kitchen damage. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Maytag dishwashers sold under Amana, Jenn-Air, Magic Chef, Admiral, Performa and Crosley brand names are covered in the recall.

Whirlpool estimates the cost of this recall to be $75 million:

“We currently expect to undertake a corrective action to address a supplier-related quality and potential product safety issue,” Whirlpool said in the filing. “We have accrued $75 million for this matter based on our current estimate of the costs of the action.

Effected customers can choose to have their dishwasher repaired at their home free of charge or receive a rebate towards one of selected new Maytag dishwashers. The rebate comes in two price levels - $150 rebate for a less expensive Maytag dishwasher (models MDB7759, MDB7609 or MDBH979) and $250 for a more expensive, stainless-steel tub Maytag dishwasher (models MDB8959, MDB8859, MDB7809 or MDB7709).

This latest recall comes three years after Maytag had recalled 2.3 million dishwashers due to fire hazard. Although having similar hazard, the previous recall was due to a problem with the liquid rinse aid dispenser.

Details of the recall:

Name of Product: Dishwashers

Units: About 1.7 million in the United States

Manufacturer: Maytag Corp. of Newton, Iowa or Maytag Corp. of Benton Harbor, Mich.

Hazard: An electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element can pose a serious fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 12 reports of dishwasher heating element failures that resulted in fires and dishwasher damage, including one report of extensive kitchen damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes Maytag®, Amana®, Jenn-Air®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley® brand dishwashers with plastic tubs and certain serial numbers. The affected dishwashers were manufactured with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front panels. The brand name is printed on the front of the dishwasher. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located inside the plastic tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening. Serial numbers will start or end with one of the following sequences.

Sold at: Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from February 2006 through April 2010 for between $250 and $900.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Maytag at (800) 544-5513 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.repair.maytag.com

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