The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·07094·Announced 2007-02-01

Maytag and Jenn-Air Dishwashers Recalled for Fire Hazard

Maytag is recalling about 2.3 million dishwashers because leaking rinse-aid can ignite internal wiring, posing a fire risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with reported property damage and injuries, including smoke inhalation and a serious laceration, which meets the criteria for a Severe rating (significant injury/property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

Maytag Corp. is recalling approximately 2.3 million Maytag and Jenn-Air brand under-counter and portable plastic tub dishwashers. The recall involves units with black, white, almond, bisque, and stainless steel front panels sold nationwide from July 1997 through June 2001 for between $370 and $800. Specific model and serial number combinations are listed on a label located on the dishwasher's plastic frame.

The recall is due to a fire hazard where liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher's internal wiring. This contact can cause the wiring to short-circuit and ignite. Maytag has received 135 reports of dishwasher fires resulting in product and/or property damage. Additionally, four injuries have been reported, including three cases of smoke inhalation and one serious hand laceration sustained while operating a fire extinguisher.

Consumers should immediately stop using these dishwashers and disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling the unit. They should inform all users of the fire risk. Consumers should contact Maytag for a free in-home repair or a $75 cash-back reimbursement following the purchase of a new Maytag, Jenn-Air, Whirlpool, or KitchenAid dishwasher. Units should not be returned to retailers.

The recalled product

Product
Maytag® and Jenn-Air® brand dishwashers
Manufacturer
Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa
Category
Consumer Product — Dishwashers
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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