Whirlpool and Kenmore brand dishwashers
CPSC Recall #96-133 — May 28, 1996
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 96-133 |
| Recall Date | May 28, 1996 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | 500,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| The dishwashers sold nationwide from June |
| 1991 through October |
| 1992 for $350 to $475. About half of the dishwashers were sold by Sears |
| Roebuck and Co. |
Product
Whirlpool and Kenmore brand dishwashers
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Mich. is announcing the voluntary recall of approximately 500,000 Whirlpool and Kenmore brand dishwashers. Wiring in the door latch may overheat and catch fire. Whirlpool has received 20 claims of property damage. To date, no injuries have been reported. The dishwashers sold nationwide from June, 1991 through October, 1992 for $350 to $475. About half of the dishwashers were sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. Affected Whirlpool brand dishwashers have model numbers beginning with DU8, DP8, DU9 and GDP, such as DU8700XY-1. Affected Kenmore dishwashers have model numbers beginning with 665, such as 665.1665591. In addition to model numbers, both Whirlpool and Kenmore have serial numbers ranging from FA2400000 through FA5299999 or from FB0100000 through FB1899999. These model numbers and serial numbers can be found on a plate on the right front edge of the tub, inside the dishwasher door. Owners of the affected models should immediately stop using them. Dishwasher doors should be unlatched until service is completed. Owners of Whirlpool brand dishwashers should have their model number and serial number available, then call (800) 874-9481. Whirlpool will arrange a service call or repair at no cost to consumers. Consumers who bought either Whirlpool brand or Kenmore brand affected dishwashers from Sears, Roebuck and Co. will be notified directly by Sears representatives. Arrangements for a service call/repair will also be made at no cost to consumers. Sears customers who require additional information prior to notification should have their model number and serial number available, then call (800) 927-1625.
Hazard
Wiring in the door latch may overheat and catch fire.
Incidents & Injuries
Whirlpool has received 20 claims of property damage. To date, no injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Owners of the affected models should immediately stop using them. Dishwasher doors should be unlatched until service is completed. Owners of Whirlpool brand dishwashers should have their model number and serial number available, then call (800) 874-9481. Whirlpool will arrange a service call or repair at no cost to consumers.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair 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 (Repair) 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.