GE Recalls 2.5 Million Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

Plain-English summary

General Electric is recalling approximately 2.5 million built-in dishwashers sold under the Eterna, GE, GE Profile, GE Monogram, Hotpoint, and Sears-Kenmore brands. The recall covers units sold from September 1997 through December 2001 at department and appliance stores for about $400. The dishwashers were available in white, black, almond, bisque, and stainless steel.

The recall is due to a fire hazard. Liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser onto the dishwasher's internal wiring, causing an electrical short and overheating. GE has received 191 reports of overheated wiring, including 56 reports of property damage and 12 reports of fires that escaped the dishwasher. Fire damage was limited to the dishwasher or the adjacent area, and no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers and contact General Electric for a free repair, a $150 rebate towards the purchase of a new GE dishwasher, or a $300 rebate towards the purchase of a new GE Profile or GE Monogram dishwasher. For additional information, consumers can contact General Electric toll-free at (877) 607-6395 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday or visit www.geappliances.com.

The recalled product

Product

GE Dishwashers

Manufacturer

GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Ky.

Category

Consumer Product — Dishwasher

Hazard

• fire
• electrical-short
• overheating

Distribution

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