Recall: LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2012
Release #12-251
LG Recall Hotline: (866) 223-5355
Sears Recall Hotline: (888) 375-9741

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately until a repair is completed on affected dryers. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers

Units: About 21,000

Manufacturer: LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea

Hazard: The gas valve in the recalled dryers can fail to shut off properly, continuing to heat the dryer and its contents after the drying cycle is complete. High temperatures inside and on the exterior surface of the dryers can scorch the drum, as well as burn or damage the dryer contents, posing a risk of burn, fire and smoke inhalation.

Incidents/Injuries: LG Electronics and Sears have received 141 consumer complaints about dryers continuing to heat after the drying cycle is complete. There were three reports of minor burns to hands or arms. Burnt or scorched clothing was reported in more than 50 incidents.

Description: LG Electronics and Sears' Kenmore Elite brand gas dryers come in the following colors: LG models in white; Kenmore Elite® in red, white and ginger (gold). Model and serial numbers can be found on a label fixed to the front of the dryer above the opened door, which can be viewed only when the dryer door is open. To confirm if your dryer is part of this recall, identify both model and serial numbers, since not all dryers with the listed models are recalled.

Brand Model Numbers Serial Numbers
LG Electronics DLG0452W


DLG1320W




DLG2051W
001KW**00001 through 001KW**00090
911KW**00271 through 911KW**00630

001KW**00001 through 001KW**01518
002KW**00001 through 002KW**00450
911KW**00184 through 911KW**00561
912KW**00001 through 912KW**00090

001KW**00001 through 001KW**03150
002KW**00001 through 002KW**01620
911KW**00061 through 911KW**01860
912KW**00001 through 912KW**02520
Kenmore Elite® 796.90512900



796.90518900




796.91022900




796.91028900




796.91029900



796.92192900



796.92198900



796.92199900
001KW**00001~001KW**00180
911KW**00091~911KW**00450
912KW**00001~912KW**00450

001KW**00001~001KW**00540
002KW**00001~002KW**00090
911KW**00001~911KW**00450
912KW**00001~912KW**00270

001KW**00001~001KW**00360
002KW**00001~002KW**00042
911KW**00001~911KW**00315
912KW**00001~912KW**00540

001KW**00001~001KW**00270
002KW**00001~002KW**00090
911KW**00001~911KW**00171
912KW**00001~912KW**00539

001KW**00001~001KW**00270
911KW**00271~911KW**00402
912KW**00001~912KW**00450

001KW**00001~001KW**00270
911KW**00181~911KW**00542
912KW**00001~912KW**00270

001KW**00001~001KW**00360
911KW**00001~911KW**00440
912KW**00001~912KW**00270

001KW**00001~001KW**00084
911KW**00091~911KW**00361
912KW**00001~912KW**00270

Sold by: LG Electronics brand gas dryers were sold by various appliance stores, including Sears, nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. Kenmore Elite® brand gas dryers were sold at Sears stores nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. The approximate retail cost for the recalled dryers was between $650 and $1500 for these various models.

Manufactured in: South Korea

Remedy: Consumers should turn off the gas supply and stop using the dryers until repaired. LG brand owners who purchased their dryer at retailers other than Sears should contact LG customer service to arrange for a free gas valve replacement. Customers who purchased Kenmore or LG brand dryers from Sears should contact Sears' customer service to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.

ATTENTION: Dryers that have a colored sticker on the back, top, or a colored sticker or a plus sign ("+") on the back, bottom, near the gas valve assembly, have already been repaired. If accessible, consumers can check for these stickers or sign. If not accessible, contact LG or Sears as detailed below.

LG Consumer Contact: For additional information about the recall and to schedule a repair, contact LG toll free at (866) 223-5355 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices.

Sears Consumer Contact: For additional information and to schedule a repair, contact Sears toll-free at (888) 375-9741 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.sears.com and click on Product Recalls under Customer Service.



LG Dryers
 
Picture of recalled DLG0452W LG dryer Picture of recalled DLG1320W LG dryer Picture of recalled DLG2051W LG dryer
DLG0452W DLG1320W DLG2051W


Sears Kenmore Elite Dryers
 
Picture of recalled 796.90512900 Kenmore Elite dryer Picture of recalled 796.90518900 Kenmore Elite dryer Picture of recalled 796.91022900 Kenmore Elite dryer
796.90512900 796.90518900 796.91022900
 
Picture of recalled 796.91028900 Kenmore Elite dryer Picture of recalled 796.91029900 Kenmore Elite dryer Picture of recalled 796.92192900 Kenmore Elite dryer
796.91028900 796.91029900 796.92192900


Picture of recalled 796.92198900 Kenmore Elite dryer   Picture of recalled 796.92192900 Kenmore Elite dryer
796.92198900   796.91029900



Both LG and Kenmore Elite Dryers' Model and Serial Numbers are in the location shown in the diagram below:

Diagram showing location of Model and Serial Numbers for recalled dryers