The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·12251·Announced 2012-08-21

LG and Kenmore Elite Gas Dryers Recalled for Fire Hazard

LG Electronics and Sears are recalling about 21,000 gas dryers because a faulty gas valve can cause the unit to overheat, posing a risk of fire and burns.

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 minor burns and property damage (scorched clothing), meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (significant injury/property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

LG Electronics and Sears are recalling approximately 21,000 LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite brand gas clothes dryers. The recall involves specific models sold nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. LG brand dryers were sold by various appliance stores, including Sears, while Kenmore Elite dryers were sold exclusively at Sears stores. The approximate retail cost for these units was between $650 and $1,500.

The recall is due to a defect in the gas valve, which can fail to shut off properly after the drying cycle is complete. This failure causes the dryer to continue heating, leading to high temperatures inside and on the exterior of the unit. These conditions can scorch the drum and burn or damage clothing, posing risks of burns, fire, and smoke inhalation. LG Electronics and Sears have received 141 consumer complaints regarding dryers continuing to heat after the cycle. These reports include three instances of minor burns to hands or arms and more than 50 incidents of burnt or scorched clothing.

Consumers should immediately turn off the gas supply and stop using the affected dryers until they are repaired. Owners of LG brand dryers purchased from retailers other than Sears should contact LG customer service to arrange a free gas valve replacement. Customers who purchased Kenmore or LG brand dryers from Sears should contact Transform for Kenmore branded products to schedule a free repair. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.

The recalled product

Product
LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers
Manufacturer
LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea
Category
Consumer Product — Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
21,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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