LG, Kenmore Elite gas dryers: gas valves fail to shut off properly, continue heating

notyard · #1 08-21-2012, 02:51 PM

CPSC recall--141 reports of the dryers continuing to heat after the drying cycle was complete

:

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of CommunicationsWashington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2012
Release #12-251 LG Recall Hotline: (866) 223-5355
Sears Recall Hotline: (888) 375-9741
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately until a repair is completed on affected dryers. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers
Units: About 21,000
Manufacturer: LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea
Hazard: The gas valve in the recalled dryers can fail to shut off properly, continuing to heat the dryer and its contents after the drying cycle is complete. High temperatures inside and on the exterior surface of the dryers can scorch the drum, as well as burn or damage the dryer contents, posing a risk of burn, fire and smoke inhalation.
Incidents/Injuries: LG Electronics and Sears have received 141 consumer complaints about dryers continuing to heat after the drying cycle is complete. There were three reports of minor burns to hands or arms. Burnt or scorched clothing was reported in more than 50 incidents.
Description: LG Electronics and Sears' Kenmore Elite brand gas dryers come in the following colors: LG models in white; Kenmore Elite® in red, white and ginger (gold). Model and serial numbers can be found on a label fixed to the front of the dryer above the opened door, which can be viewed only when the dryer door is open. To confirm if your dryer is part of this recall, identify both model and serial numbers, since not all dryers with the listed models are recalled.

Brand
Model Numbers /Serial Numbers

LG Electronics

DLG0452W /
001KW**00001 through 001KW**00090
911KW**00271 through 911KW**00630

DLG1320W /
001KW**00001 through 001KW**01518
002KW**00001 through 002KW**00450
911KW**00184 through 911KW**00561
912KW**00001 through 912KW**00090

DLG2051W /
001KW**00001 through 001KW**03150
002KW**00001 through 002KW**01620
911KW**00061 through 911KW**01860
912KW**00001 through 912KW**02520

Kenmore Elite®

796.90512900 /
001KW**00001~001KW**00180
911KW**00091~911KW**00450
912KW**00001~912KW**00450

796.90518900 /
001KW**00001~001KW**00540
002KW**00001~002KW**00090
911KW**00001~911KW**00450
912KW**00001~912KW**00270

796.91022900 /
001KW**00001~001KW**00360
002KW**00001~002KW**00042
911KW**00001~911KW**00315
912KW**00001~912KW**00540

796.91028900 /
001KW**00001~001KW**00270
002KW**00001~002KW**00090
911KW**00001~911KW**00171
912KW**00001~912KW**00539

796.91029900 /
001KW**00001~001KW**00270
911KW**00271~911KW**00402
912KW**00001~912KW**00450

796.92192900 /
001KW**00001~001KW**00270
911KW**00181~911KW**00542
912KW**00001~912KW**00270

796.92198900 /
001KW**00001~001KW**00360
911KW**00001~911KW**00440
912KW**00001~912KW**00270

796.92199900 /
001KW**00001~001KW**00084
911KW**00091~911KW**00361
912KW**00001~912KW**00270

Sold by: LG Electronics brand gas dryers were sold by various appliance stores, including Sears, nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. Kenmore Elite® brand gas dryers were sold at Sears stores nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. The approximate retail cost for the recalled dryers was between $650 and $1500 for these various models.
Manufactured in: South Korea
Remedy: Consumers should turn off the gas supply and stop using the dryers until repaired. LG brand owners who purchased their dryer at retailers other than Sears should contact LG customer service to arrange for a free gas valve replacement. Customers who purchased Kenmore or LG brand dryers from Sears should contact Sears' customer service to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.
ATTENTION: Dryers that have a colored sticker on the back, top, or a colored sticker or a plus sign ("+") on the back, bottom, near the gas valve assembly, have already been repaired. If accessible, consumers can check for these stickers or sign. If not accessible, contact LG or Sears as detailed below.
LG Consumer Contact: For additional information about the recall and to schedule a repair, contact LG toll free at (866) 223-5355 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices.
Sears Consumer Contact: For additional information and to schedule a repair, contact Sears toll-free at (888) 375-9741 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.sears.com and click on Product Recalls under Customer Service.
<DIV align=center>

LG Dryers

DLG0452W

DLG1320W

DLG2051W