Maytag recalls 2.3 million Maytag and Jenn-Air dishwashers

Thursday, February 1st 2007, 1:08 pm

By: News On 6

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) _ Faulty wiring in 2.3 million Maytag and Jenn-Air brand dishwashers has led to a voluntary recall of the machines, said a statement released Thursday by the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled appliances are blamed for causing 135 fires and four injuries.

Affected dishwashers were sold at department and appliances stores between July 1997 and June 2001 and sold at prices between $370 and $800. The dishwashers were manufactured in the United States.

The machines should immediately be disconnected from electrical power by shutting off a circuit breaker or disconnecting a fuse, the CPSC said.

Maytag will provide free in-home repair or a $75 cash back reimbursement on the purchase of a new Maytag, Jenn-Air, Whirlpool or KitchenAid dishwasher.

The company said liquid rinse-aid can leak from the appliances' dispenser into internal wiring and short-circuit and ignite.

Maytag has received 135 reports of dishwasher fires, resulting in product and/or property damage. Four injuries have been reported, including three reports of smoke inhalation and one serious hand laceration as the consumer was operating a fire extinguisher to put out a dishwasher fire.

The recall involves under-counter or portable plastic tub dishwashers with black, white, almond, bisque or stainless steel front panels.

Consumers should contact Maytag at (800)675-0535 to determine if their dishwasher is included or visit the company's Web site at www.maytag.com.