The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·73003·Announced 1973-06-08

Tappan Built-In Gas Ovens Recalled Due to Gas Leakage Risk

CPSC warns that certain Tappan and Montgomery Ward Signature built-in gas ovens may have loose connections causing gas leaks. Consumers should contact their gas company or dealer.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (gas leakage) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria for potential significant injury without confirmed incidents.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning regarding specific Tappan and Montgomery Ward Signature built-in gas ovens manufactured by F.H. Lawson Company. The defect involves a possible loose fitting connection that could result in a hazard to consumers from gas leakage. The affected ovens were manufactured between January 23, 1973, and May 31, 1973, and were primarily installed in mobile homes and newly constructed homes.

The recall covers approximately 15,185 ovens, of which 11,974 had been shipped from the place of manufacture. Affected model numbers include AZ12-1239, AZ12-1249, AZ12-1441, AKTM-3850, and AKTM-3893. The Montgomery Ward ovens carry the "Signature" brand name and the "AKTM" model number prefix. Consumers can locate the model number by opening the top oven door and looking at the metal strip at the top of the oven.

CPSC Chairman Richard O. Simpson asked wholesalers, distributors, and retailers to contact the Tappan Company immediately if they have affected ovens in stock or installed. Consumers who may have purchased one of these ovens are advised to contact their local gas company or the nearest Tappan dealer regarding possible gas leakage between the shut-off valve and the pressure regulator. CPSC investigators were sent to Tappan headquarters and F.H. Lawson Company to determine the appropriateness of the proposed remedial action and the degree of potential hazard.

The recalled product

Product
Tappan Built-In Ovens Warning
Manufacturer
F.H. Lawson

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.