Kenmore Elite-brand TRIO model refrigerators
CPSC Recall #03-533 — April 6, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-533 |
| Recall Date | April 6, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Replace |
| Units Affected | About 6,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| The recalled refrigerator model numbers and serial numbers are listed below. Sears stores nationwide sold the recalled refrigerators from Dec. 8 |
| 2002 through Jan. 10 |
| 2003 for between $1 |
| 800 and $2 |
| 000. |
Product
Kenmore Elite-brand TRIO model refrigerators
Description
PRODUCT: Refrigerator - Maytag Corp. of Newton, Iowa, is recalling about 6,000 Kenmore Elite-brand TRIO model refrigerators for testing and replacement. The refrigerators have the side-by-side upper doors and a freezer drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator. The recalled refrigerator model numbers and serial numbers are listed below. Sears stores nationwide sold the recalled refrigerators from Dec. 8, 2002 through Jan. 10, 2003 for between $1,800 and $2,000.PROBLEM: A screw located inside the refrigeration compartment on the left side of the refrigerator frame could pierce through the electrical wire harness insulation and pose an electrical shock hazard. All of these refrigerators will be tested by Sears service representatives. Defective refrigerators will be replaced at no cost to consumers.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: No injuries have been reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.WHAT TO DO: Sears already has contacted, by telephone or mail, the consumers who may have received an affected model to set up a free in-home inspection. Consumers who have questions about this refrigerator test and replace program can contact Transform for Kenmore brand products at (800) 659-7026 during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Sears is offering a $100 gift card as an incentive to all customers who own one of the Kenmore Trio recalled refrigerators. If you purchased a Kenmore Trio refrigerator at another time, you are not affected by this test and replace program. The recalled Kenmore Elite Brand Trio models sold between December 8, 2002 through January 10, 2003 have the following model numbers and fall within the following serial numbers:Model NumbersSerial Numbers596.73502 Series10171025A* to 10171682A*10226329A* to 10226570A*10226573A* to 10227109A*10308648A* to 10308658A*10388659A* to 10388832A*596.73503 Series10077884A* to 10079605A*10115383A* to 10115591A*10115768A* to 10115947A*10116148A* to 10116382A*10268643A* to 10269808A*10395629A* to 10306108A*596.73504 Series10171688A* to 10171935A*596.73509 Series10115233A* to 10115382A*10077719A* to 10077748A*10308948A* to 10308995A** Could be V or X
Hazard
A screw located inside the refrigeration compartment on the left side of the refrigerator frame could pierce through the electrical wire harness insulation and pose an electrical shock hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Sears already has contacted, by telephone or mail, the consumers who may have received an affected model to set up a free in-home inspection. Defective refrigerators will be replaced at no cost to consumers.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, Replace 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, Replace) at no cost to you.
No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
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.