Recall: Rheem Recalls to Repair Water Heaters Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Sold Exclusively at Home Depot

Description: This recall involves Rheem brand "Performance Platinum" electric water heaters in 40, 50 and 80 gallon capacities. The recalled water heaters are gray and have the "Performance Platinum" Rheem logo decal on the front above the thermostat control panel. The water heaters have a rating plate near the bottom of the unit with the model number, date of manufacture and serial number. Recalled water heaters have the following model number and have a serial number within the following ranges: Model Number Serial Number Ranges Date Code XE40M12EC55U0 A0114XXXXX to A5214XXXXX M0114XXXXX to M5214XXXXX Q0114XXXXX to Q5214XXXXX A0515XXXXX A1015XXXXX to A1615XXXXX 01Jan2014 - 21Dec2014 30Jan2015 03Mar2015 - 13Apr2015 XE50M12EC55U0 A0114XXXXX to A5214XXXXX M0114XXXXX to M5214XXXXX Q0114XXXXX to Q5214XXXXX A0515XXXXX A1015XXXXX to A1615XXXXX 01Jan2014 - 21Dec2014 30Jan2015 03Mar2015 - 13Apr2015 XE50T12EC55U0 A0114XXXXX to A5214XXXXX M0114XXXXX to M5214XXXXX Q0114XXXXX to Q5214XXXXX 1Jan2014 - 21Dec2014 XE80T12EC55U0 A0114XXXXX to A5214XXXXX M0114XXXXX to M5214XXXXX Q0114XXXXX to Q5214XXXXX 1Jan2014 - 21Dec2014

Name of product: Rheem electric water heaters

Units: About 54,000

Manufacturer: Rheem Sales Company Inc., of Montgomery, Ala.

Hazard: The control panel on the water heaters can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters. Consumers should contact Rheem to request a free repair by a Rheem field technician.

Recall date: May 26, 2016

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 296 reports of control panels overheating, including one report of a fire which resulted in $5,800 in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: The Home Depot stores nationwide and online from January 2014 through April 2016 for between $450 and $720.

Manufactured in: United States, Mexico

Consumer contact: Rheem toll-free at 866-369- 4786 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT on Sunday or online at www.rheem.com and click on Recall Information for more information.

Recall number: 16-177