Recall: Gas Dryers Repair by Maytag Appliances

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
January 21, 1997	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-060

CPSC and Maytag Appliances Announce Recall to Inspect and Repair Gas Dryers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Maytag Appliances, a business unit of Maytag Corporation of Newton, Iowa, is inspecting and repairing up to 73,000 older gas dryers produced under the Magic Chef, Admiral, Crosley, Norge, and Signature brands. (Maytag brand dryers are not involved). An electrical switch in the gas dryer can malfunction. This malfunction can result in the dryer overheating, posing a potential fire hazard.

Maytag has received over 30 reports of dryer fires possibly caused by the electrical switch malfunction. In several instances, significant property damages have resulted. While one related injury has been reported, it was not a burn injury.

Maytag Appliances is inspecting and repairing at no charge to consumers gas dryers sold under the brand names Magic Chef, Admiral, Crosley, and Norge that carry serial numbers beginning with DC, EC, FC, AD, BD, CD, DD, ED, GD, HD, JD, KD, LD, and MD and Signature brand dryers that carry serial numbers beginning with 98K, 98L, 98M, 09A, 09B, 09C, 09D, 09E, 09F, 09G, 09H, 09J, 09K, and 09L. Maytag will mail notices to consumers whose gas dryers are to be inspected.

Retailers nationwide sold these gas dryers from 1989 through 1991.

Consumers should check their dryer's serial number to determine if it may be part of the inspection and repair program. The serial number is located inside the dryer's door. Consumers who have one of these dryers can call Maytag Customer Service toll-free at 1 (800) 955-6566, or write to Maytag Customer Service, P.O. Box 8021, Cleveland, Tenn. 37320-8021.

Consumers who own a dryer that is to be inspected are advised not to use the dryer until it has been repaired. Maytag media inquiries should be directed to Tom Schwartz at (515) 791-6342.