Maytag Recalls 1.7 Million Dishwashers Due to Fire Risk
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced the recall of 1.7million dishwashers made by Whirlpool's Maytag unit, according to a KMBC article. The dishwashers are being recalled because electrical failures may occur in the dishwasher's heating element. The CPSC has received twelve complaints that such electrical failures caused household fires, with one of the fires causing extensive damage. So far, no injuries have been reported.
The CPSC recommends that owners of the recalled dishwashers disconnect the electrical supply to the dishwasher by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker connected to the machine. The agency also recommends that owners immediately stop using the dishwasher and do not resume use it until it is repaired or replaced. Dishwasher owners can schedule a free in-home repair or opt to receive a rebate worth $150 to $250 toward the price of a new dishwasher.
The recall includes the brands Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley. The dishwashers have plastic tubs and black, bisque, white, silver, or stainless steel front panels. They were sold between February 2006 and April 2010 at various department stores and appliance stores, for about $250 to $900 apiece.
Whirlpool has allocated $75 million to cover the costs of this recall. The company was involved in a similar recall in March 2009, when it recalled 1.6 million Maytag refrigerators for fire risk. Whirlpool purchased Maytag in March 2006 for $1.8 billion.
Manufacturers of household appliances have a duty to design and manufacture appliances that are reasonably safe and do not pose risks of injury or death to household members. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product in St. Louis, the manufacturer may be held liable. You may be able to recover the cost of the defective item, medical expenses, missed time from work, and other associated damages. The dedicated St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Page Law are ready to help. Call 314-322-8515 today to schedule a free consultation.
