CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-based company behind at least two popular appliance brands is re-announcing the recall of more than 200,000 electric ranges due to a possible fire hazard.
The Electrolux Group and Electrolux Home Products Inc. announced in an update on Thursday that about 203,000 Frigidaire and Kenmore Smooth-top Freestanding Electric ranges have been recalled due to fire and burn hazards. Multiple fires and injuries have already been reported.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the surfaces of specific models can turn on spontaneously without being switched on, fail to turn off after being switched off, or heat to a temperature other than the one selected.
As a result, the CPSC reports at least 212 reports of ranges acting erratically and 14 reports of fires. Eight reports of injuries to hands or arms and smoke inhalation have also been reported.
The recall re-announcement involves Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite smooth-top electric ranges. The products were sold at Sears and independent appliance stores across the U.S. between June 2001 and August 2009, and their prices ranged between $1,000 and $2,500.
Frigidaire models include:
- FEFBZ90GC*
- FEFLMC55GC*
- FEFLZ87GC*
- GLEF396AB*
- GLEF396AQ*
- GLEF396AS*
- GLEF396CQ*
- GLEF396CS*
- GLEFM397DB*
- GLEFM397DQ*
- GLEFM397DS*
- GLEFM97FPB*
- GLEFM97FPW*
- GLEFM97GPB*
- GLEFM97GPW*
- LEEFM389FE*
- PLEF398AC*
- PLEF398CC*
- PLEF398DC*
- PLEFM399DC*
- PLEFMZ99EC*
- PLEFMZ99GC*
- PLEFZ398EC*
- PLEFZ398GC*
Serial numbers range from VF122xxxxx to VF936xxxxx
Kenmore Elite Models include:
- 790.990121*
- 790.990131*
- 790.990141*
- 790.990191*
Serious numbers range from VF122xxxxx to VF334xxxxx
Anyone with an impacted range can contact Electrolux or register online to participate in the recall. The company will determine if the range can be repaired based on the serial number.
Anyone with an impacted range should avoid leaving anything on it when it's not in use. If the range is repairable, it will be scheduled for repair. If it's not repairable, consumers will receive a $50 electronic gift card and a reimbursement of up to $60 to have the range hauled away once the owner has submitted proof of purchase of a new range and the haul-away fee that was paid. Electrolux may also reimburse haul-away fees over $60 when consumers provide receipts.
Electrolux Group can be reached from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday at 888-845-8226 or by email at potentiometerrecall@electrolux.com. They are also reachable online at ema-recall.com/potentiometer, www.potentiometerrecall.com, or www.frigidaire.com under the Recall Information tab.
