Safety regulator, Whirlpool Announce Recall of Dehumidifiers
Recall 02096 · Jan 31, 2002 · Whirlpool Corp.
1,400,000
units affected
1,400,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 02096
- Date
- Jan 31, 2002
- Company
- Whirlpool Corp.
- Units affected
- 1,400,000
- Product
- Dehumidifiers
- Product type
- Dehumidifiers
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
The recalled dehumidifiers were sold under the Whirlpool, Kenmore and ComfortAire brand names. The dehumidifiers are white plastic, about 2 feet high and have a front-mounted water bucket. They have serial numbers that begin with QG, QH, QJ, QK or QL. The serial number can be found on a label located on the wall behind the water bucket. Dehumidifiers with water buckets located in back are not involved in the recall.
What can happen
The dehumidifiers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
The fix
Consumers should stop using these dehumidifiers and unplug them immediately. Contact Whirlpool to arrange for a free repair.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Whirlpool has received 13 reports of the dehumidifiers overheating and causing fires, three of which resulted in extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- Department and appliance stores nationwide sold the dehumidifiers, from February 1997 through December 2001, for between $130 and $260.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled dehumidifiers?
Consumers should stop using these dehumidifiers and unplug them immediately. Contact Whirlpool to arrange for a free repair.
What is the hazard?
The dehumidifiers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.