Maytag recalls over 2 million dishwashers due to fire hazard

Maytag, the company that has long prided itself on making reliable appliances (remember its very lonely repairman?) is recalling about 2.3 million Maytag and Jenn-Air brand dishwashers sold between July 1997 and June 2001 because they pose a fire hazard. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Maytag has received 135 reports of dishwasher fires, resulting in product and/or property damage. Four injuries have been reported. The hazard: Liquid rinse-aid can leak from the dishwasher dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher’s internal wiring which can short-circuit and ignite, posing a fire hazard. The recall involves both under counter and portable plastic tub dishwashers. To see if your dishwasher is affected, visit www.repair.maytag.com. 

The CPSC says consumers should stop using these dishwashers immediately and disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it. They should contact Maytag for either a free in-home repair or a $75 cash back reimbursement to purchase a new Maytag, Jenn-Air, Whirlpool, or KitchenAid dishwasher. Do not return the dishwasher to the retailer where it was purchased because retailers are not prepared to take the appliances back. 

This recall comes nearly a year after the CPSC recalled 162,000 Whirlpool and Kenmore dishwashers for also being a fire hazard. In that case, the products had an electrical defect within the wash motor wiring that posed a risk of the motor overheating and possibly catching fire. 

Over the past 15 months, Consumer Reports has received about eight dishwasher-fire reports from readers involving several different brands. CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese said that according to agency policy, she cannot comment on whether there are any other pending investigations into other dishwashers. These reports and today’s recall underscore the need for consumers to report problems, not just to us but, more importantly, to the CPSC. To do that, call the CPSC’s hotline at 1-800-638-2772 or visit CPSC’s Web site.