CPSC recall 12-251, announced August 21, 2012, covers LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers (about 21,000 units). 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. The notice cites 141 incident reports. Consumers should turn off the gas supply and stop using the dryers until repaired. Recall contact: call (866) 223-5355 or (800) 659-7026, or go to www.lg.com/us.
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.
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.
Which products are included?
Read the full CPSC product description and restrictions
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
Why it was recalled
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 and 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.
Official 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 Transform for Kenmore branded products to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- LG Electronics
- Manufacturer
- LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea
- Product type
- Clothes dryers
- Recall number
- 12-251
- Units
- About 21,000
- Manufactured in
- South Korea
- Sold at / sales period
- 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.
LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers
CPSC product type: Gas Clothes Dryers
Recall contact information
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 (800) 659-7026 during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 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.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
