A.O. Smith Recalls 30 and 40 Gallon Gas Water Heaters for Carbon Monoxide Risk

Plain-English summary

A.O. Smith Water Products Company is voluntarily recalling and replacing approximately 29,000 flue baffles installed in specific 30 and 40 gallon natural and liquefied petroleum gas water heaters. The affected units were manufactured and distributed by the company's McBee, SC facility between April 16, 1991, and July 9, 1991. Only FSG and PGX models with serial numbers beginning with MD91, ME91, MF91, or MG91 are subject to this recall. A.O. Smith electric water heaters are not affected.

The recall is being conducted because the affected models contain oversized flue baffles that may produce unacceptably high levels of carbon monoxide, high levels of heat at the bottom of the unit, and result in less efficient operation. A.O. Smith discovered the issue during random testing and has already replaced the flue baffles in approximately 13,000 affected water heaters. The company has received no reports or claims of injury resulting from the flue baffle.

Consumers who own one of the affected water heaters and have not already received recall information should contact A.O. Smith Water Products Company toll-free at 1-800-527-1953 to arrange for the free replacement of the flue baffle. The affected water heaters were distributed east of the Mississippi River by plumbing wholesalers and distributors.

The recalled product

Product

A.O. Smith natural and liquefied petroleum gas water heaters

Manufacturer

A.O. Smith

Category

Consumer Product — Water Heaters

Hazard

• carbon-monoxide

Distribution

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