CPSC recall 13-238, announced July 17, 2013, covers Kenmore dehumidifiers (about 795,000 units). The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. The notice cites 7 incident reports. Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact the Recall Fulfillment Center to receive a Sears gift card for either $75, $80, $90 or $100, which may be used at any Sears or Kmart store or at Sears.com or Kmart.com. Recall contact: call (855) 400-4641, or go to www.Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com.
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 model number can be found on the right side of the interior of the unit once the bucket has been removed.
Which products are included?
This recall involves Kenmore brand 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers made by LG and manufactured between 2003 and 2005. The dehumidifiers are made of white plastic and are between 21 and 24 inches tall, about 15 inches wide and about 13.5 inches deep. They have a fan, humidity controls and a Kenmore logo on their top front panels. They come with front-loading water buckets. Some models include remote controls. The model number can be found on the right side of the interior of the unit once the bucket has been removed. Recalled units have the following model numbers: 35-pint (2004) - 580.54351400 50-pint (2003) - 580.53509300 70-pint (2003) - 580.53701300 70-pint (2004) - 580.54701400 70-pint (2005) - 580.54701500
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Incidents and injuries
Sears has received seven additional incident reports of shorting and fire associated with the dehumidifiers, including one incident with a severe burn to a consumer's foot and three fires resulting in more than $300,000 of property damage.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact the Recall Fulfillment Center to receive a Sears gift card for either $75, $80, $90 or $100, which may be used at any Sears or Kmart store or at Sears.com or Kmart.com. The gift card amount will depend on the capacity and year of the dehumidifier. In lieu of a gift card, consumers may request a check for the refund amount. All consumers with recalled units will also receive a $25 coupon that may be used at Sears Department Stores or Sears.com toward the purchase of a new Kenmore dehumidifier.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Kenmore
- Manufacturer
- LG Electronics (Tianjin) Appliance Co., Ltd., of Tianjin, China
- Product type
- Dehumidifiers
- Recall number
- 13-238
- Units
- About 795,000 (previously recalled in August 2012)
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Sears and Kmart stores nationwide and Sears.com and Kmart.com from 2003 to 2009 for between $140 and $220.
- Importer
- LG Electronics USA Inc. and Sears
Kenmore dehumidifiers
CPSC product type: Dehumidifiers
Recall contact information
LG Recall Fulfillment Center, toll-free at (855) 400-4641 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT Saturday. Consumers also can determine whether their product has been recalled and register for the remedy at www.Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com.
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.
