Sears is implementing another recall of its Kenmore dehumidifiers over risk of fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The recalled Kenmore dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt, and catch on fire, which poses fire and burn hazards to consumers.
About 795,000 of the units were recalled in April.
The recall involves Kenmore brand 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers that are manufactured by LG and were manufactured between 2003 and 2005. The dehumidifiers are constructed of white plastic and are between 21 and 24 inches tall, about 15 inches wide, and about 13.5 inches deep.
The LG-made, recalled Kenmore dehumidifiers are constructed with a fan, humidity controls, and a Kenmore logo on the units’ top front panels; the units are also constructed with front-loading water buckets. Some recalled models include remote controls. The model number is located on the right side of the interior of the unit once the bucket has been removed. Recalled units bear the following model numbers:
- 35-pint (2004): 580.54351400
- 50-pint (2003): 580.53509300
- 70-pint (2003): 580.53701300
- 70-pint (2004): 580.54701400
- 70-pint (2005): 580.54701500
To date, Sears has received seven additional incident reports of shorting and fire associated with the dehumidifiers. These reports include one incident with a severe burn to a consumer’s foot and three fires resulting in more than $300,000 of property damage.
Consumers are advised to immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact the Recall Fulfillment Center to receive a Sears gift card for either $75, $80, $90 or $100, which may be used at any Sears or Kmart store or at Sears.com or Kmart.com. The gift card amount is dependent on the dehumidifier’s capacity and year of manufacture. Consumers may request a check for the refund amount in lieu of a gift card. Every consumer in possession of a recalled dehumidifier unit will also receive a $25 coupon that may be used at Sears Department Stores or Sears.com toward the purchase of a new Kenmore dehumidifier.
The recalled Kenmore dehumidifiers were manufactured by LG Electronics (Tianjin) Appliance Co., Ltd., of Tianjin, China; imported by LG Electronics USA Inc. and Sears; and manufactured in China. The retailers are Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois and the units were sold at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide and Sears.com and Kmart.com from 2003 to 2009 for between $140 and $220.
The LG Recall Fulfillment Center may be reached, toll-free, at 1.855.400.4641, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Central Time (CT), Monday through Friday and between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., CT, Saturday. Consumers can determine if their product has been recalled and may register for the remedy at www.Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com.
