MMG "Miller" gas furnaces
CPSC Recall #81-017 - June 8, 1981
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 81-017 |
| Recall Date | June 8, 1981 |
| Remedy Type | Replace, Repair |
| Units Affected | Approximately 53,000 |
| Manufacturer | HOME Division of Lear Siegler, Inc., of Holland, Michigan |
Product
MMG "Miller" gas furnaces
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9) -- A program to repair as many as 55,000 liquid propane and natural gas furnaces used in mobile homes is being conducted by the manufacturer because the furnaces may pose a risk of death or poisoning by leaking carbon monoxide gas if portions of the vent system corrode. The repair program pertains to all model MMG "Miller"-brand gas furnaces manufactured by the HOME Division of Lear Siegler, Inc., of Holland, Michigan. The firm, in voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has agreed to replace the flue-pipe extension within the furnaces. Corrosion in the flue-pipe extension and vent system may permit carbon monoxide gas to be emitted into the living areas. CPSC has been informed of 19 deaths since 1969 which have been associated with carbon monoxide leakage from the MMG model furnaces. Approximately 46,000 furnaces were manufactured from 1964 through 1971, and an additional 9,000 furnaces were converted to liquid propane or natural gas, although it is unlikely that all of the furnaces still are functional because of their age. The furnaces were sold exclusively for use in mobile homes either as original equipment or as replacement appliances. Mobile home owners should check their gas furnaces for the presence of the "Miller" brand name on the top of the louvered door. Consumers then should identify whether they possess an MMG model by opening the door and determining whether the large vertical pipe inside is approximately five inches across (see attached drawing). If so, consumers should call the manufacturer's toll-free number at 1-800-253-3874 (in Michigan, call collect at 1-616-394-4326). The firm will arrange for free installation of a new flue-pipe extension. Consumers who are uncertain whether they own an MMG model gas furnace after inspecting the interior pipe are encouraged to contact the manufacturer's toll-free number for assistance in identifying their furnace. CPSC also is reminding consumers that all gas furnaces require periodic inspections and maintenance by qualified personnel in order to detect such hazards as vent pipe corrosion. Consumers should contact their local heating contractor for suggestions on arranging such inspections.
Hazard
A program to repair as many as 55,000 liquid propane and natural gas furnaces used in mobile homes is being conducted by the manufacturer because the furnaces may pose a risk of death or poisoning by leaking carbon monoxide gas if portions of the vent system corrode.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC has been informed of 19 deaths since 1969 which have been associated with carbon monoxide leakage from the MMG model furnaces.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers then should identify whether they possess an MMG model by opening the door and determining whether the large vertical pipe inside is approximately five inches across (see attached drawing). If so, consumers should call the manufacturer's toll-free number at 1-800-253-3874 (in Michigan, call collect at 1-616-394-4326). The firm will arrange for free installation of a new flue-pipe extension.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace, 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 (Replace, Repair) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
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.