Whirlpool® and Kenmore® brand dishwashers recall 05-123

CPSC recall 05-123, announced February 25, 2005, covers Whirlpool® and Kenmore® brand dishwashers (about 162,000 units). An electrical defect within the dishwashers' wash motor wiring poses a risk of the motor overheating and possibly catching fire. The notice cites 3 incident reports. 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. Recall contact: call (866) 769-7260.

What to check on the product label

Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.

The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.

Additional identifying details

They have the following model and serial numbers located inside the tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening: Brand Product Model Number Begins With Serial Number Range Whirlpool® Under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwashers DU1, DUL, GU1, GU2, GU6 FR2200000 to FR2499999 Kenmore® Under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwashers 665.143, 665.160, 665.163, 665.170, 665.173 FR2200000 to FR4599999 Not all dishwashers within the serial number range are included in the recall.

Which products are included?

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: Brand Product Model Number Begins With Serial Number Range Whirlpool® Under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwashers DU1, DUL, GU1, GU2, GU6 FR2200000 to FR2499999 Kenmore® Under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwashers 665.143, 665.160, 665.163, 665.170, 665.173 FR2200000 to FR4599999 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.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

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

Incidents and injuries

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

Official 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.

Product and sales details

Brand: Whirlpool and Kenmore
Manufacturer: Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich.
Product type: Dishwashers
Recall number: 05-123
Units: About 162,000
Manufactured in: United States, China
Sold at / sales period: Department and appliance stores and through home builders nationwide, from June 2004 through January 2005, for between $350 and $600.