Recall #12-251 · Published August 21, 2012

LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers

LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard

CPSC published a recall notice for LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers from LG Electronics, Inc. on August 21, 2012. CPSC identifies this 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. The official remedy states: 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 Transform for Kenmore branded products to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.

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Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

Compare every letter, number, space, and suffix. A similar-looking product may not be included in this recall.

The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.

Additional identifying details

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.

Why it was recalled

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 and 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.

Official 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 Transform for Kenmore branded products to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.

Remedy type: Repair

Product and sales details

Manufacturer
LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea
Recall number
12-251
Units
About 21,000
Manufactured in
South Korea
Sold at / sales period
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.

LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers

CPSC product type: Gas Clothes Dryers

Recall contact information

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 (800) 659-7026 during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 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.

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

Publication and verification

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