Recall: Maytag Corp. Recall of Jenn-Air Gas Cooktops

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 2004 Release # 05-050

Firm's Hotline: (888) 330-3810 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Maytag Corp. Announce Recall of Jenn-Air Gas Cooktops

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Jenn-Air Downdraft Gas Cooktops

Units: About 1,170

Manufacturer: Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa

Hazard: The recalled cooktops have switches located too close to the gas tubing leading to the grill burner. Electrical arcing can cause the tubing to leak gas and ignite, resulting in a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received four reports of cooktops catching fire during use as a result of a gas leak. There have been no reports of injuries.

Description: The recall includes built-in Jenn-Air model JGD8348CDP downdraft gas cooktops. They have serial numbers xxxxxxxEA through xxxxxxxER. The cooktops were manufactured by Maytag between January 1, 2004 and September 17, 2004. The model name and serial number are printed on a label on the vent fan housing, which is visible in the cabinet under the cooktop.

Sold at: Appliance stores nationwide from January 2004 through September 2004 for about $2,000.

Manufactured in: U.S.

Remedy: Customers who have purchased one of these recalled cooktops should contact Maytag to schedule a free, in-home repair. Consumers should stop using the grill or burners activated by the two left hand controls until the repair is completed. The center and right hand burners can be used.

Consumer Contact: Contact Maytag Corp. at (888) 330-3810 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.maytag.com