The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·87014·Announced 1987-03-04

Sears Kenmore Canister Vacuum Cleaners Modified to Prevent Lacerations

Whirlpool is modifying Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners to prevent severe lacerations or amputations caused by exposed moving motor parts.

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 injury reports, specifically 19 serious injuries involving severe lacerations or amputations, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Whirlpool Corporation is conducting a modification program for certain Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners sold nationwide since 1976. The motor in these cleaners has an opening that exposes moving parts when the canister is opened, the motor filter is removed, and the motor is running. This design flaw has resulted in 19 serious injuries, including severe lacerations and amputations to fingers.

Approximately 1.3 million of these vacuum cleaners were sold through Sears, Roebuck & Co. stores and catalogs under the Kenmore name. The affected models were sold for between $50 and $280. Whirlpool is providing a free, easy-to-install stick-on motor safety screen kit to owners of the affected models to cover the opening on top of the motor.

Not all Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners sold since 1976 require the kit. Whirlpool is informing known purchasers by direct mail. Consumers who purchased these cleaners can determine if their specific model requires the safety screen by calling 800-654-1820 or visiting a Sears customer service counter. Until the safety screen is installed, consumers are advised to unplug the vacuum cleaner before opening the canister lid.

The recalled product

Product
Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool
Category
Consumer Product — Vacuum Cleaners
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · laceration

See all →