The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·12240·Announced 2012-08-02

Sears Recalls Kenmore Dehumidifiers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Sears is recalling Kenmore dehumidifiers because they can overheat, smoke, melt, and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.

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 significant property damage (over $7 million) and reported injuries (three cases of smoke inhalation), which meets the criteria for a Severe rating under the rubric for significant injury or property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

Sears is recalling approximately 795,000 Kenmore dehumidifiers due to fire and burn hazards. The recalled units are 35-, 50-, and 70-pint models manufactured between 2003 and 2005. These dehumidifiers are made of white plastic, stand between 21 and 24 inches tall, and feature fan and humidity controls on the top front panel. Some models include remote controls and front-loading water buckets. The specific model numbers involved are 580.54351400 (35-pint, 2004), 580.53509300 (50-pint, 2003), 580.53701300 (70-pint, 2003), 580.54701400 (70-pint, 2004), and 580.54701500 (70-pint, 2005). The model number is located on the right side of the interior of the unit once the water bucket is removed.

The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt, and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. The firm has received 107 reports of incidents, resulting in more than $7 million in property damage and three reports of smoke inhalation injuries.

The recalled dehumidifiers were sold at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide and online at Sears.com and Kmart.com from 2003 to 2009 for between $140 and $220. Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact the firm to receive a Sears gift card for $75, $80, $90, or $100, depending on the capacity and year of the unit. The gift card can be used at any Sears or Kmart store or online. Alternatively, consumers may request a check for the refund amount. All consumers with recalled units will also receive a $25 coupon for the purchase of a new Kenmore dehumidifier.

The recalled product

Product
Kenmore Dehumidifiers
Affected units
795,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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