The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced the massive recall of approximately 1.3 million General Electric (GE) Appliances dishwashers after reports of heating element failure and fires. Electrical failure in the heating element may create a fire hazard. There have been 15 reports of such failures, including seven that resulted in fires. Three of these fire incidents caused serious property damage, but no fire injuries have yet been reported.
The recall involves GE, GE Eterna, GE Profile, GE Adora, and Hotpoint brand dishwashers. They were sold in white, black, stainless steel, bisque, and CleanSteel™ finishes and colors. The serial and model numbers are on a metallic plate, which can be found on the left tub wall. Serial and model numbers start with one of the sequences below:
Model Numbers
- GLC4, GLC5, GLC6
- GSD61, GSD62, GSD63, GSD66, GSD67, GSD69
- GLDL
- PDW7
- PDWF7
- EDW4, EDW5, EDW6
- GHD4, GHD5, GHD6
- GHDA4, GHDA6
- Hotpoint only: HLD4
Serial Numbers
- FL, GL, HL, LL, ML, VL, ZL
- AM, DM, FM, GM, HM, LM, MM, RM, SM, TM, VM, ZM
- AR, DR, FR, GR
The defective dishwashers were sold for between $350 and $850 at authorized builder distributors, appliance dealers, and other stores across the country from March 2006 through August 2009.
Consumers should stop using the dishwashers and disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the circuit breaker or fuse controlling it. Contact GE for a no-cost in-home repair or to receive a GE rebate of $75 or $100 towards the purchase of a new dishwasher. Consumers should not return the defective dishwashers to the location where they purchased the unit. Retailers are not prepared to take them. For more information, call GE at (866) 918-8760.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury as the result of a defective household appliance, the experienced New Jersey appliance defect attorneys at Blume Forte can help you understand your legal rights and potential options. For a no-cost consultation, call us at 973-845-4421.