WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (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.