Maytag Corporation is cooperating with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in a voluntary recall of dishwashers made by Maytag. Consumers who own the dishwashers are urged to stop using them immediately.
About 1.7 million units were sold in the U.S. between February 2006 and April 2010. The units were manufactured in the U.S. and were sold at various appliance and department stores for prices ranging between $250 and $900.
According to the recall notice from the USCPSC, there is “an electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element can pose a serious fire hazard.” There have been 12 reports of heating element failures with one resulting in extensive fire damage to a kitchen. No injuries relating to the heating element failure have been reported.
The recall affects dishwashers with plastic tubs and certain serial number manufactured with the brand names Maytag, Performa by Maytag, Crosley, Jenn-Air, Magic Chef, Amana and Admiral. The affected dishwashers were produced with black, silver, stainless steel, white and bisque front panels. Consumers can find the brand name of the dishwasher on the front of the unit and the model and serial numbers can be found on a printed label inside the plastic tub near the left side of the door opening.
Affected serial numbers will begin with the following sequences: NW39, NW40, NW41, NW42, NW43, NW44, NW45, NW46, NW47, NW48, NW49, NW50, NW51, NW52, NY01, NY02, NY03, NY04, NY05, NY06, NY07, NY08, NY09, NY10, NY11, NY12, NY13, NY14, NY15, NY16, NY17, NY18, NY19. Affected serial numbers may also end with the following sequences: JC, JE, JG, JJ, JL, JN, JP, JR, JT, JV, JX, LA, LC, LE, LG, LJ, LL, LN, LP, LR, LT, LV, LX, NA, NC, NE, NG, NJ, NL, NN, NP, NR.
In light of the recall, consumers who own the affected dishwashers should stop using them immediately. They should disconnect the units from the power supply and inform all users of the potential fire risk. Consumers should contact Maytag to verify that they own one of the units affected by the recall. If the owned unit is included in the recall, consumers can schedule a free in-home repair or they may choose to accept a rebate after purchasing a new Maytag stainless steel tub dishwasher. The rebate is worth $150 or $250 depending upon the new model purchased.
Recalled units should not be returned to the store where they were purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the dishwashers back.
To receive additional information about the recall or about repair or rebate of affected dishwashers contact Maytag at (800) 544-5513 or visit the Maytag website at www.repair.maytag.com.
If you or a loved one owns a Maytag dishwasher and have experienced injuries due to shock, electrocution or sudden fire, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with household appliance recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.