Kenmore vacuum cleaners
41 reports to CPSC, the latest made Mar 3, 2022. A report isn’t a recall.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own search is on saferproducts.gov.
At a glance
From SaferProducts.gov, released Oct 25, 2026.
- 41reports to CPSC
- Mar 3, 2022the latest report was made
- May 30, 2011the earliest
- 36with the company’s comments
- Brand
- Kenmore
- Makers
- Sears Holdings Management Corporation and Cleva North AmericaMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
- Product
- Vacuum cleanersCPSC’s product type: Vacuum Cleaners (code 115), in Home Maintenance and Structures: Home Cleaning Appliances & Equipment
Other ways the reports write the brand (3)
“KENMORE /PROGRESSIVE”, “Kenmore Stylus 18 Volt” and “kenmore intuition”
By month
The numbers, as a table
| Month | Reports |
|---|---|
| March 2022 | 1 |
| February 2021 | 1 |
| January 2021 | 1 |
| November 2020 | 1 |
| July 2020 | 1 |
| October 2017 | 2 |
| July 2017 | 1 |
| December 2016 | 1 |
| September 2016 | 2 |
| January 2016 | 1 |
| October 2015 | 1 |
| February 2015 | 1 |
| August 2014 | 1 |
| May 2014 | 1 |
| April 2014 | 1 |
| December 2013 | 1 |
| September 2013 | 2 |
| June 2013 | 1 |
| May 2013 | 1 |
| February 2013 | 2 |
| October 2012 | 3 |
| September 2012 | 1 |
| May 2012 | 1 |
| April 2012 | 2 |
| February 2012 | 3 |
| January 2012 | 2 |
| December 2011 | 1 |
| November 2011 | 1 |
| September 2011 | 1 |
| August 2011 | 1 |
| May 2011 | 1 |
How badly anyone was hurt
- Hurt, no treatment 4 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
- Hurt, care not known 1 CPSC: Injury, Level of care not known
- No one hurt 34 CPSC: Incident, No Injury
- No incident, no one hurt 1 CPSC: No Incident, No Injury
- Not said 1 CPSC: Unspecified
As each report says it, in short words; CPSC’s own words are under each.
The reports, as CPSC published them
Reports people made to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC publishes each one after sending it to the company named, and doesn’t guarantee they’re accurate. A report isn’t a recall.
Each report is the words of the person who made it, as CPSC published them. The company’s comments, where CPSC published any, are set apart as the company’s own.
CPSC, SaferProducts.gov public database export. Released Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily.
-
Hurt, no treatment Made Mar 3, 2022, sent to the company Mar 9, 2022, published by CPSC Mar 23, 2022
The product, in the report: Kenmore BU 1017 vacuum
My vacuum cleaner pulled over on me and nearly hurt me. The hose is so stiff that if you pull it out 2 feet, it can flip the machine over. They advertise a 10 ft hose. Very not true!!!
- Model
- BU 1017
- Serial number
- 031021
- Bought from
- Amazon
- Bought
- Jan 25, 2022
- Where
- Hastings, Michigan: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 64, Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Cleva North America
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made Feb 24, 2021, sent to the company Mar 11, 2021, published by CPSC Mar 25, 2021
The product, in the report: Kenmore Progressive canister vacuum in white Serial No. MA0761704 Model No. 116.21514010
I have a Kenmore canister progressive vacuum. I used it, turned it off and within a min it turned itself back on. I turned the power off, and it again turned itself back on. As I went to turn off the power from the handle, the canister where the hose connects started sparking and smoking. I unplugged the machine. My concern is had I not been home and left the vacuum plugged in the situation could have turned disastrous, possibly starting a fire in my home.
- Model
- Model No. 116.21514010
- Serial number
- Serial No. MA0761704
- Bought from
- Sears, New Jersey
- Bought
- Apr 15, 2004, about then
- Where
- Paramus, New Jersey: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 55, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hurt, care not known Made Jan 17, 2021, sent to the company Feb 5, 2021, published by CPSC Feb 22, 2021
The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite 31150 upright vacuum, Sears ST2522, Item 240055880801, SKU 020-31150-000, date code 1946. Model 125.31150610
My wife had started to use the wand extension on Kenmore model 31150 purchased through Amazon from Skybest Appliance & Tools Center on 10/14/20 for the first time. She received a shock through her right arm from the metal extension wand and turned it off. ID numbers are Sears ST2522, item 240055880801, SKU 020-31150-000. Prior to this time she had only used it on carpets with no problem.
- Model
- 125.31150610
- UPC
- ?
- Serial number
- 46201900738
- Bought from
- Amazon
- Bought
- Oct 14, 2020
- Where
- Towson, Maryland: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 83, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Level of care not known
-
No one hurt Made Nov 27, 2020, sent to the company Dec 17, 2020, published by CPSC Jan 5, 2021
The product, in the report: KENMORE 2-in-1 Cordless Bagless 18-Volt Stick Vacuum Cleaner. Brand name is Kenmore Stylus 18 Volt
This is tp report a KENMORE 2-in-1 Cordless Bagless 18-Volt Stick Stick Vacuum Cleaner problem. This vacuum was in its charger and the plastic handle started to melt most likely from a overheated battery.
- Model
- Kenmore Stylus 18 Volt
- UPC
- NA
- Serial number
- NA
- Bought from
- Home Depot, Arizona
- Bought
- Apr 19, 2019
- Where
- Mesa, Arizona: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 72, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore Stylus 18 Volt, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 24, 2020, sent to the company Aug 10, 2020, published by CPSC Aug 24, 2020
The product, in the report: Kenmore 12-amp upright vacuum cleaner, model 116-31069110, serial number ME1094022
After about 15 minutes of vacuuming my carpet, my Kenmore vacuum cleaner started making a grinding noise and I noticed a flickering light. I turned off the power switch, but the vacuum continued to operate. I next pulled the power plug, which stopped the vacuum, but the flickering continued. A few seconds later I smelled burning plastic and a flame burst out of the top of the vacuum cleaner. The flame was about 6-9 inches in height. I was able to put it out with water, but I was very upset that my vacuum cleaner could burst into flames.
Details: Kenmore 12-amp upright vacuum cleaner, model 116-31069110, serial number ME1094022
- Model
- 116-31069110
- Serial number
- ME1094022
- Bought from
- Sears, Georgia
- Where
- Sandy Springs, Georgia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 59, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 12, 2017, sent to the company Feb 22, 2018, published by CPSC Mar 8, 2018
The product, in the report: Vacuum Cleaner
Kenmore Model 116 Class CP-P5 vacuum cleaner with power mate catches on fire at the electrical
connection that transfers the electricity from the handle to the power head.
- Model
- 116 28615801
- Serial number
- M90424730
- Bought from
- Sears,Roebuck and Company, Massachusetts
- Bought
- Oct 1, 2013, about then
- Where
- Attleboro, Massachusetts: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 3, 2017, sent to the company Feb 15, 2018, published by CPSC Mar 2, 2018
The product, in the report: SEARS KENMORE VACUUM CLEANER MODEL # 116.29319 WITH POWERMATE
Plug from THE POWER MATE TO THE CANNISTER CONNECTION =MELTED- INDICATING THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND COULD BE DANGEROUS. THIS HAPPENED WHILE USING THE VACUUM. SEARS VACUUM.
- Model
- 116.29319
- Serial number
- MD3020689
- Bought from
- SEARS, Connecticut
- Bought
- Oct 18, 2014
- Where
- SHELTON, Connecticut: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand KENMORE, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 4, 2017, sent to the company Oct 6, 2017, published by CPSC Oct 23, 2017
The product, in the report: Kenmore bagless upright vacuum
This is about the Kenmore bagless upright vacuum. I have had it for less than six months but do not have the receipt anymore, just the book and the box it came in. Was vacuuming normally for five minutes and it started to smell and got so hot I could not touch it where the motor is so I turned it off. My daughter’s same vacuum caught fire Sears sells junk
- Model
- 115.31135310
- Serial number
- unknown
- Bought from
- sears
- Bought
- Sep 2, 2016
- Where
- Rocklin, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Dec 9, 2016, sent to the company Dec 19, 2016, published by CPSC Jan 4, 2017
The product, in the report: Kenmore upright vacuum Model 116 35923500 Serial No M63747125 Well maintained and no prior issues with power cord
I was vacuuming my area rug. After several minutes the vacuum went off. I thought I might have accidentally pressed the power button on the handle, so I pressed the power button. Sparks shot out of the cord about 1 inch from where the cord goes into the housing of the vacuum and there were black marks left on the cord. The vacuum did not turn back on. I immediately unplugged it.
- Model
- 116 35923500
- UPC
- Unknown
- Serial number
- M63747125
- Bought from
- Sear, Missouri
- Where
- Saint Charles, Missouri: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 42, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Sep 19, 2016, sent to the company Sep 27, 2016, published by CPSC Oct 12, 2016
The product, in the report: Kenmore 22614 Bagless Canister Vacuum Vacuum found at this location: http://www.sears.com/kenmore-bagless-canister-vacuum/p-02022614000P?sid=IDx20141028xBingPLA&kpid=02022614000&kispla=02022614000P&gclid=CMjh0tiinM8CFQRJgQod0ggKpQ&gclsrc=ds
I was vacuuming carpet in my house on 9/13/2016 when I saw smoke coming from the connection between power nozzle and the Connection Pipe Assembly. Connection Pipe Assrmby had melted causing smoke and had I continued vacuuming a potential electrical fire.
- Model
- 116.22614310
- Serial number
- MD0424015
- Bought from
- Sears, North Carolina
- Bought
- Nov 29, 2014
- Where
- Asheville, North Carolina: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 41, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Sep 16, 2016, sent to the company Sep 26, 2016, published by CPSC Oct 11, 2016
The product, in the report: Kenmore Progressive vacuum
The vacuum extension wand has a power feed (wire) that comes loose and shorts out against the metal tube, which is exposed to the consumer and causes an electrical shock !! My Kenmore Progressive model # 116.21714110.
- Model
- 116.21714110
- Serial number
- MA5026443
- Bought from
- Sears, North Dakota
- Bought
- Sep 30, 2014, about then
- Where
- Fargo, North Dakota: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 60, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 25, 2016, sent to the company Feb 2, 2016, published by CPSC Feb 18, 2016
The product, in the report: Canister Vacuum with power head.
There is a two-prong electrical connection between the hose hand and the wand. That connection put out enough heat the melt the plastic house surrounding one prong, blacken the prong and cause a short in the circuit completion. Local repair center told me this is a fire hazard and I should not attempt to use the vacuum. This is not an age or use issue, this is a built in defect.
- Model
- 116-25915503
- Serial number
- D54305880
- Bought from
- retail store
- Bought
- Nov 1, 2009, about then
- Where
- ANN ARBOR, Michigan: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 11, 2015, sent to the company Oct 20, 2015, published by CPSC Nov 3, 2015
The product, in the report: See below
Sears Kenmore vacuum cleaner 21614, purchased new in 10/2015, has internal short. Trips house 120vAC breaker as soon as it is turned on.
- Model
- 116.21614015
- Serial number
- ME2666464
- Bought from
- Sears, Illinois
- Bought
- Sep 24, 2015
- Where
- New Bern, North Carolina: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 66, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Feb 9, 2015, sent to the company Feb 19, 2015, published by CPSC Mar 6, 2015
The product, in the report: Vacuum cleaner.
This is re. Sears Kenmore Magic Blue 120 VAC 60 Hz 10.0 amp vacuum cleaner Model #721.24195500. My wife was using referenced appliance when motor sputtered and flames shot out several inches from the outlet to which it was connected. The heat was so intense that one of the electrical plug’s two prongs broke off, leaving a piece stuck in the outlet. I had to shut off the circuit breaker to that outlet in the interest of safety. My wife could have sustained serious bodily injury and the drywall surrounding the affected outlet could have caught fire. The outlet is black with burn marks and the wiring is now suspect, necessitating the hiring of an electrician.
- Model
- 721.24195500
- Serial number
- 703TAFZ02155
- Bought from
- Sears
- Bought
- Feb 9, 2010, about then
- Where
- Wiscasset, Maine: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 50, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hurt, no treatment Made Aug 21, 2014, sent to the company Aug 29, 2014, published by CPSC Sep 15, 2014
The product, in the report: vacuum cleaner
Our 2010 Kenmore Intuition vacuum cleaner, model#116, serial#M80602018 filled the upper floor of my house with smoke and appeared to be on the verge of bursting into flames On 8/17/14.
The problem seems to be with the wiring of the hose and power nozzle (floor unit) connection. Wiring appears to be faulty.
I feel this is a serious safety issue and this product should be immediately recalled.
[REDACTED] [REDACTED]
- Model
- model 116 28014700
- UPC
- ?
- Serial number
- M80602019
- Bought from
- Sears, New Hampshire
- Bought
- May 1, 2010, about then
- Where
- woodstock, Vermont: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 63, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand kenmore intuition, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made May 15, 2014, sent to the company May 23, 2014, published by CPSC Jun 9, 2014
The product, in the report: canister vacuum
I was using the Kenmore Progressive Vacuum as usual when, without any warning, flames shot out of the handle where it connects to the wand. I immediately unplugged the vacuum but the damage was done. The connectors (plugs) in the handle and wand were burned and the plastic housings melted.
- Model
- Kenmore 116. 23812300
- Serial number
- D43213303
- Bought from
- Sears
- Bought
- May 8, 2008, about then
- Where
- Halifax, Virginia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 66, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Not said Made Apr 2, 2014, sent to the company Apr 10, 2014, published by CPSC Apr 24, 2014
The product, in the report: Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Model 116.21614014
We purchased a new Kenmore model 116.21614014 vacuum cleaner in December, 2013 from the Sears store at Casa Grande, AZ. It was not used until the first part of January, 2014 and we found that the unit would not operate on a household 15 ampere GFIC circuit which is required in all bedroom outlets in Arizona. The unit is labeled as a 12 ampere unit.
The unit would operate on a standard 20 ampere circuit, but the power head light would dim and the plug-in cord would get hot to the touch. I returned the unit to the Sears store and they sent it in for repair. After three weeks the repair department returned it to the store with a note that the unit was operational and nothing was wrong with it. We took the unit home and tried it again and the results were the same as prior to sending in for repair. We contacted the Sears store again and they said they would replace the unit. We returned the unit, picked up the new unit and it did the same thing.
I feel there is an electrical design problem with this model which could lead to a home fire and loss of life. I felt it was necessary to file a report on this unit. Please find attached below a note that I sent to the repair facility that checked the unit out.
> I am e-mailing this message to clarify the problem with the Kenmore vacuum cleaner (Model 116.21614014, S/N MC4616416) sent to you for warranty repair. This unit was ordered from the Sears store (#3823) at Casa Grande, AZ on 11/29/2013 and picked up from the store on 12/11/2013. I purchased this unit for my sister and brother-in-law who had just purchased a home across the street from ours. We have a Sears unit like this and had been very happy with it. The first usage of this vacuum was about the middle of January because that is when they arrived in AZ for the winter months. > > My sister called me after she started to use the unit and said it had quit working after about 10 minutes. I went over and discovered that the circuit breaker had tripped. I reset the breaker and the vacuum worked again. Later she called me again and said it had quit working again in the second bedroom. The first time it quit was in the master bedroom. Both of these bedrooms have 15 amp GFIC breakers on all wall outlets. I reset the other breaker and turned the vacuum on. The hose and powered head were attached. It seemed to work ok, but I did notice that the light on the power head would dim every now and then. I told my sister I would call an electrician to have him check the circuit breakers as they may have been weak. The electrician came and replaced both GFIC breakers. The repair cost was $147.66 with the service call and parts. > > The following week, my sister called and said the unit had quit working again. Again, the circuit breaker had tripped. I reset breaker and it worked again. She continued to use the unit, but kept telling me it would trip the breaker from time to time, but only when it was plugged into the bedroom outlets. When in the kitchen or bath area, it was ok. The bath and kitchen have 20 amp GFIC circuits. She also said it only happed when the power head was installed on hose. When she used the hose nozzles, it never happened. > > I brought my wife’s vacuum cleaner over to them and I took hers to our house. The next day, my wife was using the new unit from my sister and it tripped the breaker. She had been using the unit for about 15 minutes and the hose and power head were installed when this occurred. I finally returned the unit to the store at Casa Grande for warranty repair. > > I called 888-391-8867 yesterday to inquire about the repair process and was informed that the service department had checked the unit out and there was no problem with the vacuum cleaner. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS UNIT! I don’t know if it is the hose, the power head or what, but I will not be satisfied until the problem is corrected. The label on the unit states that the maximum draw is 12 amps and therefore, it should operate on a 15 amp circuit. > > Please get back to me with some answers. Thank you. > > > [REDACTED] > Thank you for your time and consideration.
- Model
- Sears Kenmore model 116.21614014
- Serial number
- MC4616416
- Bought from
- Sears, Arizona
- Bought
- Dec 11, 2013
- Where
- Maricopa, Arizona: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Unspecified
-
Hurt, no treatment Made Dec 12, 2013, sent to the company Dec 20, 2013, published by CPSC Jan 7, 2014
The product, in the report: Kenmore Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Model # 116.35923500, Serial # M82321360.
Kenmore Vacumn Cleaner Model # 116.35923500. I turned on cleaner and received a electrical shock in my hand. Unplugged machine and tried to restart. Nothing happened. Machine is dead. No motor running or suction.
- Model
- 116.35923500
- Serial number
- M82321360
- Bought from
- Sears, California
- Bought
- Dec 12, 2008, about then
- Where
- San Diego, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 60, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made Sep 15, 2013, sent to the company Sep 23, 2013, published by CPSC Oct 23, 2013
The product, in the report: Kenmore Cannister Vacuum Cleaner
Where handle and vacuum meet sparks fired and the vacuum stopped working. Smoke lingered and there was black smudge at the handle to vacuum connection.
- Model
- 116 22612201
- Serial number
- D30607122
- Where
- Ohio: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Sep 10, 2013, sent to the company Sep 17, 2013, published by CPSC Oct 1, 2013
The product, in the report: Canister Vacuum
Kenmore Vacuum model 116.27814. It started working intermittantly where the floor brush would start and stop upon closer examination I saw that the area where the floor brush connect to the wand has started to melt. This is the second Kenmore vacuum this has happened to for me. The melting at the area is a fire hazard and sears does not acknowledge that fact. I want to report it because the series should be recalled.
- Model
- 116.27814701
- Serial number
- M90912029
- Bought from
- Sears, Oregon
- Bought
- Mar 1, 2011, about then
- Where
- Portland, Oregon: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jun 26, 2013, sent to the company Jul 5, 2013, published by CPSC Jul 19, 2013
The product, in the report: Canister vacuum with power head.
Electrical connection between master switch/handle module and wand connection to Powermate head shorts out, blackened contacts, melted plastic. Unit sparks when used and handle connection is very hot and plastic has melted/burned.
- Model
- 116.25614506
- Serial number
- M72011531
- Where
- Lenexa, Kansas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 55, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 13, 2013, sent to the company May 20, 2013, published by CPSC Jun 4, 2013
The product, in the report: canister vacuum cleaner
On several occasions the vacuum cleaner started by itself - once during the day , and twice in the middle of the night. The cord was plugged into the wall plug. In all instances there were people home to unplug the vacuum cleaner.
- Model
- 116.21614010
- Serial number
- MA2075806
- Bought from
- Sears
- Bought
- Feb 28, 2012
- Where
- monmouth, Oregon: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Feb 11, 2013, sent to the company Feb 19, 2013, published by CPSC Mar 5, 2013
The product, in the report: vacuum cleaner
About December 8, 2012, my wife was using her Kenmore vacuum cleaner when it caught fire around the wand/cord area. It is a kenmore Model: 116.25512506, Part CO1ZCYKOOUOO-KCO1ZCYKZO.NO. I purchased it on 06/10/2006 from Sears in King OF Prussia, PA. I brought the unit outside and put out the fire with a wet towel. No injury or damage occurred except for the vacuum. I sent an email via their site in December but never received a reply. Recently, I contacted them again and they advised no recall was issued and because the warranty expired, no replacement was offered. I expressed my concern about safety and the incident was reported to the company safety officer. Note; I will be in Florida until mid April and return to PA at [REDACTED] in mid Arpil. Thank you.
- Model
- 11625512506
- Serial number
- M62130949
- Bought from
- Sears, Pennsylvania
- Bought
- Jun 10, 2006
- Where
- Conshohocken, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 80, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hurt, no treatment Made Feb 1, 2013, sent to the company Feb 11, 2013, published by CPSC Feb 26, 2013
The product, in the report: Kenmore upright vacuum cleaner model 116.35922500 or 116.35923500 cant read number on vacuum but have manual
My Kenmore upright vacuum would periodically turn off for no known reason. At last use, it shut off. As I bent down to check the outlet, I put my hand on the machine and was shocked. Upon closer inspection, the power cord (where it enters the vacuum housing) had come apart and was sparking.
Upon checking the internet to see how to replace the power cord, I discovered several people who have had the same problem.
- Model
- 116.35922500
- Bought from
- sears
- Bought
- Dec 14, 2008, about then
- Where
- naperville, Illinois: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 46, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made Oct 27, 2012, sent to the company Nov 16, 2012, published by CPSC Dec 3, 2012
The product, in the report: Kenmore Canister Vacuum
Vacuum cleaner experienced intermittent power to the carpet cleaning head.
Upon removing the attachment connector, I observed that there was no insulation on portions of both high voltage power lines from the connector to the carpet cleaning head.
This allows the two power lines to short.
- Model
- 116.27814701
- Serial number
- M84207684
- Bought from
- Sears
- Where
- Palatine, Illinois: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 11, 2012, sent to the company Oct 19, 2012, published by CPSC Nov 2, 2012
The product, in the report: Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner
Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Model #116.25614
When vacuuming using the PowerMate (beater brush) I noticed the connection at the handle at the top of the hose had smoke coming from it and smelled a burnt rubber/plastic smell while the PowerMate intermittently went on and off. Eventually the PowerMate stopped working and I later discovered there was a hole melted on the underside of the handle.
After disassembling the handle, I saw one of the electrical connections at the wiring harness had come loose and was burnt.
- Model
- 116.25614
- Where
- St. Louis, Missouri: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 62, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 9, 2012, sent to the company Dec 31, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 15, 2013
The product, in the report: Vacuum Cleaner
Caller purchased vacuum in 2004 and had no problems with it until Thursday, October 4th, 2012 when she was vacuuming and a spark then fire came from the bottom portion of the unit.
When she saw fire she immediately unplugged the unit and then threw the breaker.
She has commented that she was just beside her curtains when this occurance happened and it could have resulted in a damaging fire.
She is asking that this model be investigated and recalled.
- Model
- 116.23513300
- Serial number
- D43407967
- Bought from
- Sears
- Bought
- Jun 15, 2004, about then
- Where
- Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Sep 18, 2012, sent to the company Sep 26, 2012, published by CPSC Oct 11, 2012
The product, in the report: Kenmore Pregressive Canister Vacuum Cleaner Model No. 116.27814701
I own a Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner 118.27814 701 which I purchased in Nov. 2009 which I rarely use as I own an [REDACTED] and the filters used in the Kenmore are difficult to purchase and expensive. I am still on the original filter bag. Around April 2012 I was using the vacuum in my master bathroom when I turned the vacuum off to answer the front door and deal with the cable repairman. The vacuum turned itself on and my husband thought I had returned and was using it. A short time later he went to use the bathroom and saw that I was not using the vacuum. Since then the only way to turn the vacuum on or off is to plug and unplug the vacuum directly into the electtrical outlet. When you unplug the vacuum to turn it off the vacuum there is, naturally, an electical spark. Sears solution is to drop the vacuum off at their store so that they will ship it out for repair but I was not provided an estimate of what it will cost me by an employee who does not understand American English very well. I believe there is a flaw in the design of the on/off switch in the vacuum handle.
- Model
- 116.27814701
- Serial number
- M90811567
- Bought from
- Sears, Florida
- Bought
- Nov 23, 2009, about then
- Where
- Boca Raton, Florida: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 56, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 24, 2012, sent to the company Jun 4, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 18, 2012
The product, in the report: Kenmore canister vacuum with attachments
I received a Kenmore canister vacuum cleaner about 5 years ago.I very seldom used it because of the weight of the wands. It came with power beaters etc which I didn’t need because of hard wood floors only. If I used this machine more then 20-25 times that is a lot. Mainly I used my old 30+year old vacuum or electric brooms. On May 17th I got out said vacuum...placed it on the floor in the room to be cleaned. I extracted the electric wire from the machine, plugged it into the outlet. I then proceeded to turn the machine (on switch is in the handle). I felt a tremble in my hand and immediately saw several sparks coming from the hose connector to the machine.I dropped the wand handle and quickly ran to unplug the electrical wire from the outlet I could smell something burnt. After awhile I moved the canister to a safe spot,afraid it might start a fire. When my son came to visit he checked it out to discover that the connector hose had dislodged from its covering exposing electrical wires which in turn shorted out the start up wiring. The covering was still in the machine but the connector hose (with the electrical wires) was touching something which caused it to shoot sparks as it had. I have pictures of the defective parts. We purchased a new handle, hose, connector unit in an attempt to replace the defective unit and that is when we found out the start up unit burnt out also.
I called Sears repair number and was told there was nothing they could do for me... since the hose connector was not a recall. Upon further investigation I found that in 1987 there was a recall for a Kenmore vacuum cleaner hose problem very, very similar to mine. That is why I am writing to you. I know it has been several years since the recall and even though different companies are manufacturing these machines for Sears perhaps their design plans are still flawed. I think it should be looked into before there is a house fire or some injury occurs. I think I was lucky enough to escape both. I wonder how many other people have had this problem and just passed it off as a lemon of a machine. As I previously stated ... the machine was not abused or over used for this to happen. I will be glad to share any other information that you require.
Respectfully yours, [REDACTED]
- Model
- 11625615506
- Serial number
- M71604115
- Bought from
- Sears
- Where
- Ozone Park, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 76, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Apr 12, 2012, sent to the company May 31, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 14, 2012
The product, in the report: Canister vacuum cleaner
The consumer stated that she was using the “carpet attachable feature” of her canister vacuum and it was working properly while she was pushing it forward. The vacuum is made up of three components, the canister, the hand held and the wand where you can attach other features.
When she tried to pull the vacuum backwards, it completely stopped working. The consumer had the vacuum on for approximately a minute, before it stopped working. The consumer saw sparks, smoke and an electrical burning odor being emitted from where the two (hand held and the wand) components meet. The flames came up almost to her hand.
The consumer unplugged the vacuum immediately and the flames when out. The consumer stated that the components were melted and chard. The consumer stated that nothing was stuck inside the vacuum, to force it to overheat. She stated that the vacuum is no longer usable.
She is not injured and there were no damages to her home. The consumer is concern because this is a fire hazard.
- Model
- 116.25614504
- Serial number
- D55229872
- Bought from
- Sears, Washington
- Bought
- Mar 15, 2006, about then
- Where
- Marion, Iowa: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Apr 5, 2012, sent to the company Apr 13, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 27, 2012
The product, in the report: kenmore intuition canister vacuum cleaner
I have a 1 1/2 year old kenmore canister vacuum cleaner model # 116. 28014700. The wires in the handle are melting the handle and turning it black. This looks like the same vacuums that you have already recalled but has a slightly different model number. The melting is occurring in the female plug in the handle at the hose end. The wand plugs into this connection to run the light and beater brush.
- Model
- Kenmore Intuition Canister Vacuum Cleaner /
M# 116. 28014700 - Serial number
- m92434936
- Bought from
- sears
- Bought
- Jan 1, 2011, about then
- Where
- Sumner, Washington: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 65, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No incident, no one hurt Made Feb 29, 2012, sent to the company Mar 29, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 12, 2012
The product, in the report: Vacuum Cleaner
The consumer stated that in the last 4 years, he has noticed that the vacuum cleaner electrical cord is deteriorating. He feels that the plastic it was made from is not durable and this can cause electrocution. He has had to use tape all over the cord to keep it together and to prevent an incident.
2/29/12 The retailer was contacted and he was advised that there was nothing that could be done.
The consumer feels that this vacuum cleaner is a safety hazard and should be reported.
- Model
- 116.30712000
- UPC
- n/
a - Serial number
- d033113901
- Bought from
- unknown
- Where
- Traverse City, Michigan: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- No Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Feb 20, 2012, sent to the company Feb 28, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 13, 2012
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Progressive Cannister Vacuum, telescoping wand, power-mate,
While using my Sears Kenmore Progressive Canister Vacuum I noticed that the handle seemed to feel warmer than usual and the beater brush kept stopping when I was doing the carpet. I had recently changed the belt so I knew it couldn’t be that. In about 5 minutes I started to smell an electrical burning smell and then smoke started coming out of the handle at the connection. I turned it off right away, unplugged it, and dragged it to the kitchen in case it caught fire. (I’d have the sink sprayer and my fire extinguisher) After it cooled off I got to looking at it and the entire connection between the handle and the extentsion wand had melted. I bought this in April of ‘07 for $299.99. Model number 116.25615. To me that is a lot of money and I am upset that something like this could happen. I just think people should be aware of this problem. If one of my kids had been using it and not stopped right away it may have turned into a fire.
- Model
- 116.25615
- UPC
- 075638093076
- Serial number
- M71297189
- Bought from
- Sears
- Bought
- Apr 9, 2007
- Where
- Gallatin, Tennessee: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 59, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Feb 2, 2012, sent to the company Feb 10, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 27, 2012
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Canister Vacuum Cleaner, model #116.27615700, serial #M74517496
The light and motor on the sweeper head for our canister vacuum cleaner kept going on and off. I shut off the vacuum, and disconnected the hose from the upright metal tube to check the connection, and I discovered that the power connection pins appeared scorched, with the plastic around them melted.
- Model
- #116.27615700
- Serial number
- #M74517496
- Bought from
- Sears, California
- Bought
- Jun 1, 2011, about then
- Where
- Van Nuys, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 42, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 19, 2012, sent to the company Mar 1, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 15, 2012
The product, in the report: Vacuum -- power head
The consumer wants to file a report on his vacuum due to the fire incident that he had with the product.
On 01/01/2012, the consumer said that he was using his vacuum to clean his living room when he smelled a plastic odor and saw smoke coming from the vacuum’s nozzle.
The consumer states that he fixed the vacuum by changing the parts that had burned. The consumer said that he changed the wire harness in the nozzle and the electrical connector inside the wand.
The consumer called and explained the incident to a manufacturer rep., (name unknown), who told the consumer to call CPSC and report the incident.
- Model
- Progressive 116-25614500
- Serial number
- D45203151
- Bought from
- Sears, Connecticut
- Bought
- Aug 1, 2008, about then
- Where
- Weston, Connecticut: Unspecified
- Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 8, 2012, sent to the company Jan 17, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 31, 2012
The product, in the report: canister vacuum
(.Kenmore progressive canister vacuum. ..Model.No.116.25614506./ SERIAL NO. M70686858. Electrical connections from the swivel hose handle connection to the adjustable wand connections smolding and melting the female connection. This is very disappointing,only because its an exact duplicate of there 1987 recall. This Model was bought in March of 2007 Maybe the reason is they seem to change the name from canister to (bag) on the under belly of the unit. While going on line its a common issue among people trying to sell them on graigs list.. I encourage all with a simialar problem is to post it. thank you
- Model
- MFG FOR SEARS AND ROEBUCK AND CO MODEL NO. 116. 25614506
- Serial number
- M70686858
- Bought from
- SEARS COASTAL GRAND MALL
- Bought
- Mar 3, 2007
- Where
- NARRAGANSETT, Rhode Island: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand KENMORE /
PROGRESSIVE, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation - How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Dec 14, 2011, sent to the company Dec 22, 2011, published by CPSC Jan 9, 2012
The product, in the report: Sears upright vacuum
Kenmore upright vacuum, model 116.35922500, S/N M81750878 is 3.5 yrs old & has failing fan (vacuum) motor with sparking fire hazard and ozone/fume production.
- Model
- 116.35922500
- Serial number
- M81750878
- Bought from
- Sears retail, Washington
- Bought
- Dec 8, 2011
- Where
- Tracyton, Washington: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 69, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Nov 7, 2011, sent to the company Nov 22, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 7, 2011
The product, in the report: Vacuum Cleaner
Monday, October 24th, 2011, caller’s 5’6” wife was vacuuming when a large fireball approximately 7” in diameter came out of the area where the hose attaches to the vacuum.
The fire came fairly close to the caller’s wife’s face, however she was not injured.
She dropped the wand, went to kitchen grabbed baking soda and water then put the fire out, however while she was getting the baking soda and water the heat burned an approximately 8” by 8” circle in their carpeting.
Caller contacted the manufacturer through the retailer on October 24, 2011, does not remember who he spoke with at either source of contact but was told by the manufacturer to send pictures which he did and sent UPS payment slip to return vacuum to them.
Manufacturer has stated to caller that they will replace vacuum cleaner, repair his carpeting and assured him that they had no recalls since the 1980’s. (This fact was verified by this representative.
Caller is filing this report to alert the public, in attempt to generate a recall and to assure himself that the manufacturer will follow up on their promises.
This rep has explained to caller that CPSC does not become involved in the legality of personal issues. Provided Consumer Protection contact numbers to caller.
- Model
- 116.23812300
- Serial number
- D44419903
- Bought from
- Sears
- Bought
- Oct 15, 2006
- Where
- Jonestown, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Sep 18, 2011, sent to the company Sep 26, 2011, published by CPSC Oct 12, 2011
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Canister Vacuum
Sears Kenmore Canister Vacuum Cleaner Model 28614801
This vacuum cleaner is less than two years old. I turned off the vacuum and left the room. When I returned to the room the vacuum was running and smelling hot. Took the vacuum to repair shop and they said the PC board is bad. This is a fire hazard.
- Model
- 116.28614801
- Bought from
- Sears, Minnesota
- Bought
- Sep 16, 2009, about then
- Where
- Saint Paul, Minnesota: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Aug 31, 2011, sent to the company Sep 29, 2011, published by CPSC Oct 14, 2011
The product, in the report: Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner
The consumer stated that her vacuum cleaner may be a potential shock hazard. The consumer stated that the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner has a shredded wire that is exposed that can pose a shock to the consumer. The coated wire where the nozzle is seems to be exposed. The consumer’s neighbor has bought the exact same vacuum and has the same issue. The consumer stated that the vacuum does not start up, which the consumer feels is because of the wire being exposed.
The product has not caused any damage to her home and has not been injured by the product. The product has not been her carpet or had any sparking. The consumer visited the retailer on August 11th. The retailer offered to fix it at the consumer’ expense. The consumer stated the vacuum weighs 25 pounds and has a horizontal canister.
The consumer did call the Sears “National Customer Relations” number given to her by the store.
- Model
- 11625513506
- UPC
- M61617991
- Serial number
- Y60641232
- Bought from
- Sears, New Jersey
- Bought
- Aug 15, 2005, about then
- Where
- Branchville, New Jersey: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 58, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 30, 2011, published by CPSC Jun 21, 2011
The product, in the report: Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive Intelliclean
Vacuum does not turn off unless unplugged.
Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive Intelliclean
- Bought from
- Sears, Oregon
- Where
- Wilsonville, Oregon: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
CPSC’s disclaimer
Disclaimer: CPSC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database on SaferProducts.gov, particularly with respect to information submitted by people outside of CPSC.
Word for word, from the disclaimer in CPSC’s export.
Sources
Sources
-
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, SaferProducts.gov public database export.
Released Oct 25, 2026 and checked Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Reports of harm are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on SaferProducts.gov. CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record.