Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners
CPSC Recall #87-036 - June 22, 1987
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 87-036 |
| Recall Date | June 22, 1987 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | Approximately 33,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Between November 1 |
| 1986 and May 1 |
| 1987 approximately 33 |
| 000 of these canister vacuum cleaners were sold nationwide through Sears |
| Roebuck and Co. stores and catalogs. Various models sold for between $260 and $420 |
| and carry the Kenmore brand name. |
Product
Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Michigan today announced the recall of Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaner models 116.2643581, 116.2643583 and 116.2645082 sold between November 1, 1986 and May 1, 1987.The company is recalling the vacuum cleaners to check the canister wiring. If installed improperly, the wiring could create an electrical short, causing the vacuum cleaner hose to catch on fire. There is also a potential for electrical shock. Whirlpool Corporation is aware of seven reported incidents involving overheating, with one of these incidents involving a minor burn.Between November 1, 1986 and May 1, 1987 approximately 33,000 of these canister vacuum cleaners were sold nationwide through Sears, Roebuck and Co. stores and catalogs. Various models sold for between $260 and $420, and carry the Kenmore brand name.Customers who purchased a Kenmore canister vacuum cleaner between November 1, 1986 and May 1, 1987 can check the model number of the vacuum they purchased by looking at the serial plate on the bottom of the canister. IF IT IS MODEL 116.2643581, 116.2643583, OR 116.2645082, THEY SHOULD DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY. Under no circumstances should these vacuum cleaners be used until they have been checked by a Sears service technician.Sears will inspect the vacuum cleaners and make any repairs that may be required free of charge to customers. Customers with canister vacuum cleaners involved in the recall should take their cleaner to the nearest Sears Service Center or the Customer Service Counter of their nearest Sears store.Additional information on the recall of these Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners is available by calling 800-654-1820 toll-free. Customers are advised to have the model number from the bottom of the canister ready when they call. To report an unsafe consumer product or for safety information, contact the CPSC at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.
Hazard
If installed improperly, the wiring could create an electrical short, causing the vacuum cleaner hose to catch on fire. There is also a potential for electrical shock.
Incidents & Injuries
Whirlpool Corporation is aware of seven reported incidents involving overheating, with one of these incidents involving a minor burn.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers who own one of the recalled vacuums should DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY. Under no circumstances should these vacuum cleaners be used until they have been checked by a Sears service technician.Sears will inspect the vacuum cleaners and make any repairs that may be required free of charge to customers. Customers with canister vacuum cleaners involved in the recall should take their cleaner to the nearest Sears Service Center or the Customer Service Counter of their nearest Sears store.
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.