GE Appliances is recalling 1.3 million dishwashers in the U.S. The products belong to the lines GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile and Hotpoint. The voluntary recall is being made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The reason for the recall is that an electrical failure in the dishwasher's heating element can pose a fire hazard, according to a statement from the CPSC. GE has received 15 reports of dishwasher heating element failures, including seven fires, three of which caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, the CPSC said. They should disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it, and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire.
For all dishwashers in the recall, consumers should contact GE for a free in-home repair, or to receive a GE rebate of $75 or $100 towards the purchase of a new GE dishwasher.
Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to the retailer where they purchased them, because retailers are not prepared to take the units back.
The recall involves dishwashers which were sold between March 2006 and August 2009 in black, white, bisque, stainless steel and CleanSteel exterior colors and finishes, according to the CPSC.
The model numbers of products being recalled begin with: GLC4, GLD4, GLD5, GLD6, GSD61, GSD62, GSD63, GSD66, GSD67, GSD69, GLDL, PDW7, PDWF7, EDW4, EDW5, EDW6, GHD4, GHD5, GHD6, GHDA4 and GHDA6, and for Hotpoint, HLD4. Serial numbers beging with: FL, GL, HL, LL, ML, VL, ZL,AM, DM, FM, GM, HM, LM, MM, RM, SM, TM, VM, ZM, AR, DR, FR and GR.
The model and serial numbers can be found on a metallic plate located on the left tub wall visible when the door is opened.
The dishwashers were manufactured in the U.S., and sold for between $350 and $850.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (866) 918-8760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company's website at www.geappliances.com/recall.
