Recall: Whirlpool Corporation Recall of Dishwashers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued February 25, 2005, Revised April 8, 2005 Release # 05-123

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 769-7260 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Whirlpool Corporation Announce Recall of Dishwashers

Note: Description and Remedy Change.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Whirlpool® and Kenmore® brand dishwashers

Units: About 162,000

Manufacturer: Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich.

Hazard: An electrical defect within the dishwashers' wash motor wiring poses a risk of the motor overheating and possibly catching fire.

Incidents/Injuries: Whirlpool Corporation has received three reports of overheated wash motors. There are no reports of personal injury or property damage.

Description: The recalled products are Whirlpool® brand and Kenmore® brand (made by Whirlpool Corporation) under-the-counter, plastic tall tub dishwashers. The dishwashers come with black, white, biscuit, or stainless front panels. They have the following model and serial numbers located inside the tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening:

*Not all dishwashers within the serial number range are included in the recall. Consumers should call Whirlpool to determine if their dishwasher is included in this recall.

Sold at: Department and appliance stores and through homebuilders nationwide from June 2004 through January 2005 for between $350 and $600.

Manufactured in: The dishwashers were manufactured in Findlay, Ohio, and the motors were manufactured in China.

Remedy: Consumers with one of these dishwashers should immediately stop using it, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it, and inform all users of the dishwasher not to use it due to the risk of fire. Consumers should call Whirlpool to determine if their dishwasher is included in this recall. If it is included, Whirlpool Corporation will schedule a free in-home repair. Please do not return the dishwasher to the retailer where it was purchased, as retailers are not prepared to take them back. If you own a Whirlpool® brand and Kenmore® brand under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwasher and have had service on your wash motor between August 2004 and January 2005, please call Whirlpool Corporation to determine if your unit is included in this recall and to schedule a free, in-home inspection.

Consumer Contact: Call Whirlpool Corporation toll free at (866) 769-7260 anytime, or go to the firm's Web site at repair.whirlpool.com