Whirlpool® and Kenmore® brand dishwashersUnits: Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich.

CPSC Recall #05-123 — February 24, 2005

Recall Summary

Recall Number05-123
Recall DateFebruary 24, 2005
Remedy TypeInspect
ManufacturerThe dishwashers were manufactured in Findlay, Ohio, and the motors were manufactured in China

Where It Was Sold

Department and appliance stores and through homebuilders nationwide from June 2004 through January 2005 for between $350 and $600.

Product

Whirlpool® and Kenmore® brand dishwashersUnits: Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich.

Description

 The recalled products are Whirlpool® brand and Kenmore® brand (made by Whirlpool Corporation) under-the-counter, plastic tall tub dishwashers. The dishwashers come with black, white, biscuit, or stainless front panels. They have the following model and serial numbers located inside the tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening:BrandProductModel Number Begins WithSerial Number RangeWhirlpool®Under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwashersDU1DULGU1GU2GU6FR2200000 to FR2499999Kenmore®Under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwashers665.143665.160665.163665.170665.173FR2200000 to FR4599999*Not all dishwashers within the serial number range are included in the recall. Consumers should call Whirlpool to determine if their dishwasher is included in this recall.

Hazard

An electrical defect within the dishwashers' wash motor wiring poses a risk of the motor overheating and possibly catching fire.

Incidents & Injuries

Whirlpool Corporation has received three reports of overheated wash motors. There are no reports of personal injury or property damage. 

Remedy Instructions

Consumers with one of these dishwashers should immediately stop using it, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it, and inform all users of the dishwasher not to use it due to the risk of fire. Consumers should call Whirlpool to determine if their dishwasher is included in this recall. If it is included, Whirlpool Corporation will schedule a free in-home repair. Please do not return the dishwasher to the retailer where it was purchased, as retailers are not prepared to take them back. If you own a Whirlpool® brand and Kenmore® brand under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwasher and have had service on your wash motor between August 2004 and January 2005, please call Whirlpool Corporation to determine if your unit is included in this recall and to schedule a free, in-home inspection.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Inspect) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.