Whirlpool Undercounter Dishwashers
CPSC Recall #88-068 - August 16, 1988
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 88-068 |
| Recall Date | August 16, 1988 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | Approximately 75,000 |
Product
Whirlpool Undercounter Dishwashers
Description
NOTE: Two model numbers for Whirlpool Dishwashers in a CPSC news release dated August 2, 1988 announcing a modification program to prevent fires were incorrectly reported. The incorrect model numbers cited were DU900XR-0 and DU900XR-1. The correct model numbers are DU9000XR-0 and DU9000XR-1, in addition to model numbers DU7400XS-0, DU7600XS-0, and DU7800XS-0. Owners who have not yet been contacted should call Whirlpool's toll-free number, 1-800-541-5746 for free service. The full text of the CPSC News release with the corrected model numbers follows: SOME WHIRLPOOL UNDERCOUNTER DISHWASHER MODELS NEED TO BE MODIFIED TO PREVENT FIRES WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Michigan, has announced a modification program involving five Whirlpool undercounter dishwasher models; DU400XS-O, DU7600XS-O, DU800XS-O, DU9000XR-O and DU9000XR-1. The pushbutton selector switch on these models could, under a specific set of conditions, catch fire. There have been twelve fire incidents including three, which spread outside the dishwasher. No injuries have been reported. The Whirlpool modification program involves replacing the selector switch, at no charge, on approximately 75,000 dishwashers, of the above model numbers, sold nationwide since March 1986. Although Whirlpool is attempting to locate all affected dishwashers, owners who have not been contacted should have their model and serial numbers ready and immediately call 1-800-541-5746 toll-free to arrange for free service. The model and serial number can be found on a plate located along the right front edge of the tub after the door is opened. Until service is performed, owners must not use their dishwasher, and should turn the power off or leave the door unlatched.
Hazard
The pushbutton selector switch on these models could, under a specific set of conditions, catch fire.
Incidents & Injuries
There have been twelve fire incidents including three, which spread outside the dishwasher. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
The Whirlpool modification program involves replacing the selector switch at no charge. Although Whirlpool is attempting to locate all affected dishwashers, owners who have not been contacted should call 1-800-541-5746 toll-free to arrange for free service. Until service is performed, owners must not use their dishwasher, and should turn the power off or leave the door unlatched.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a 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 (Replace) 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.