The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·10259·Announced 2010-06-10

GE Recalls Front-Load Washing Machines Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

GE is recalling approximately 181,000 front-load washing machines because a wire can break and contact metal parts, posing fire and shock risks.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in an electrical appliance that poses fire and shock hazards, with seven reported incidents of flames escaping the units, meeting the criteria for significant injury/property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

GE Appliances & Lighting is recalling approximately 181,000 front-load washing machines manufactured between December 2006 and February 2010. The recall involves specific models beginning with WBVH5 and serial numbers beginning with AM, AR, AS, AT, DM, DR, DS, FM, FR, FS, GM, GS, HM, HR, HS, LM, LR, LS, MM, MR, MS, RM, RR, RS, SM, SR, SS, TM, TR, TS, VM, VR, VS, ZL, ZM, ZR, or ZS. These units were sold at The Home Depot and various retail stores nationwide from December 2006 through May 2010 for about $700.

The hazard exists because a wire can break inside the machine and make contact with a metal part on the washtub while the machine is operating. This condition poses fire and shock hazards to consumers. GE is aware of seven incidents in which flames escaped the units and caused minor smoke damage, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled washer and unplug it from the electrical outlet. They should not operate the washer until it has been repaired. Consumers can contact GE toll-free at (888) 345-4124 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.geappliances.com for a free repair.

The recalled product

Product
GE Front-Load Washing Machines
Manufacturer
GE Appliances & Lighting, of Louisville, Ky.
Category
Consumer Product — Washing Machines
Hazard
Affected units
181,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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