Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool
Home product recall 87-014. Announced by CPSC on Mar 4, 1987.
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The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Mar 4, 1987. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
Laceration
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
The notice gives no remedy in a field of its own.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Which ones are recalled?
Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 04, 1987 Release # 87-14 SOME SEARS CANISTER VACUUM CLEANERS NEED TO BE MODIFIED TO PREVENT INJURIES WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Michigan, today announced a modification program involving numerous Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners. The motor in some of these cleaners has an opening which exposes moving parts when the canister is opened, the motor filter removed, and when the motor is running. These moving parts may cause severe lacerations or amputations to fingers placed in the opening. There have been 19 serious injuries involving these motor openings. Since 1976, approximately 1.3 million of these canister vacuums were sold nationwide through Sears, Roebuck & Co. stores and catalogs under the Kenmore name and model number. Models with various features sold for between $50 and $280. An easy-to-install, stick-on motor safety screen kit which covers the opening on top of the motor is being provided free of charge to owners of affected models. However, not all Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners sold since 1976 need the kit. Whirlpool is informing known purchasers by direct mail. Consumers who bought canister vacuum cleaners at Sears since 1976 can find out if their vacuum motor requires a safety screen and receive additional information by calling 800-654- 1820 toll-free (have the model number from the bottom of the canister ready) or by visiting the customer service counter of the nearest Sears store. Consumers are warned to take extra care in handling their canister vacuum cleaners until the safety screen is installed. Whenever using the cleaner, unplug it before opening the canister lid.
Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Who made and sold it?
- The notice names no firm.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
The notice doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.