Maytag Gemini Gas Ranges

CPSC Recall #03-099 — March 26, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-099
Recall DateMarch 26, 2003
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 23,000
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Retail appliance stores nationwide sold the ranges from July 2002 through February 2003 for between $1
300 and $1
500.

Product

Maytag Gemini Gas Ranges

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling to repair about 23,000 Gemini gas ranges. The range can experience a delayed ignition flashback fire in the upper oven, which poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.Maytag has received nine reports of flashback fires, including three minor burn injuries and incidents where consumers suffered singed hair or clothing.The recall involves all Maytag Gemini Gas Ranges. The Gemini ranges are free standing, have separate upper and lower ovens, and come in white, black, bisque and a stainless finish. The "Maytag" and "Gemini" names and logos appear on the control panel. The recalled ranges have a model number of MGR6772 and a serial number with the alpha characters AJ through AX or CA through CC, both of which are located on a flip-up serial tag behind the upper left corner of the control panel. The ranges were manufactured in the United States.Retail appliance stores nationwide sold the ranges from July 2002 through February 2003 for between $1,300 and $1,500.Consumers should immediately stop using the upper oven self-clean and broil features and consumers should not use the upper oven simultaneously with the lower oven. Consumers should contact Maytag at (866) 580-9177 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to arrange for a free, in-home repair by an authorized Maytag Customer Service contractor. For more information, consumers can visit Maytag's website at www.maytag.com.Use of the lower oven is not affected by this repair and may be used in normal operation.

Hazard

The range can experience a delayed ignition flashback fire in the upper oven, which poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

Maytag has received nine reports of flashback fires, including three minor burn injuries and incidents where consumers suffered singed hair or clothing.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the upper oven self-clean and broil features and consumers should not use the upper oven simultaneously with the lower oven. Consumers should contact Maytag at (866) 580-9177 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to arrange for a free, in-home repair by an authorized Maytag Customer Service contractor.

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.