A.O. Smith gas water heaters
35 reports to CPSC, the latest made Mar 5, 2026. 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.
- 35reports to CPSC
- Mar 5, 2026the latest report was made
- Apr 29, 2011the earliest
- 1with the company’s comments
- Brand
- A.O. Smith
- Maker
- A. O. Smith Water Products CompanyMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
- Product
- Gas water heatersCPSC’s product type: Gas Water Heaters (code 118), in Home Maintenance and Structures: Plumbing & Bath
Other ways the reports write the brand (16)
“AO Smith”, “A. O. Smith”, “AO smith”, “ao smith”, “A O Smith”, “A. O. Smith Corporation”, “A. O. Smith and other water heater manufacturers”, “A.O. Smith GNR 50 200 Water Heater”, “A.O. Smith PROMAX”, “A.O. Smith Water Heater 50 Gal Gas Fired”, “A.O.Smith”, “AO Smith Prolin”, “AO Smith Vertex”, “Ao smith”, “Aosmith” and “a.o. smith water products co.”
By month
The numbers, as a table
| Month | Reports |
|---|---|
| March 2026 | 1 |
| January 2026 | 1 |
| May 2025 | 2 |
| March 2025 | 1 |
| February 2025 | 1 |
| July 2024 | 1 |
| February 2024 | 2 |
| September 2022 | 1 |
| July 2022 | 1 |
| June 2022 | 1 |
| February 2022 | 1 |
| March 2021 | 1 |
| January 2021 | 1 |
| December 2020 | 1 |
| May 2020 | 2 |
| March 2020 | 1 |
| February 2020 | 1 |
| December 2019 | 1 |
| October 2019 | 1 |
| June 2019 | 1 |
| May 2019 | 1 |
| January 2019 | 1 |
| November 2018 | 1 |
| February 2017 | 1 |
| January 2017 | 1 |
| October 2015 | 1 |
| April 2013 | 1 |
| July 2012 | 1 |
| March 2012 | 1 |
| December 2011 | 1 |
| September 2011 | 1 |
| April 2011 | 1 |
How badly anyone was hurt
- Emergency room 2 CPSC: Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received
- Hurt, no treatment 1 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
- No one hurt 31 CPSC: Incident, No Injury
- No incident, no one hurt 1 CPSC: No Incident, No Injury
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.
-
No one hurt Made Mar 5, 2026, sent to the company Mar 9, 2026, published by CPSC Apr 2, 2026
The product, in the report: Gas Water Heater
AO Smith water heater leaking natural gas from failed part’s diaphragm. I disassembled the failed actuator, and it is concerning. It failed with a hole in the rubber like bladder caused by a manufacturing defect - a burr that pierced the diagram allowing gas to escape freely during operation. That is a huge safety concern. Attached are images of the failed actuator.
- Model
- G12-CADT5040NV
- Serial number
- 2240131249455
- Where
- Savage, Minnesota: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 15, 2026, sent to the company Jan 21, 2026, published by CPSC Feb 10, 2026
The product, in the report: A.O. Smith gas water heater
A.O. Smith water heater gas control valve leaking gas internally. Water heater purchased in 2021. Found gas leak with electronic leak detector on top right side of gas valve. Contacted A.O. Smith warranty department and received information on replacement gas valve. Installed new gas valve on 1/12/26 performed leak test and found gas leak on top right side of new gas valve. Returned to supply house on 1/14/26 to exchange gas valve. Received another new gas valve and installed on 1/14/26. Leak tested and found another gas leak on the top right side of the gas valve. Contacted A.O. Smith technical support on 1/15/26. Explained the situation to the technical support agent. She explained that it is “normal for these gas valves to leak a little bit and as long as it’s not overpowering its normal”. I explained that I’m very concerned with any amount of gas leaking inside my home. I asked for written documentation stating that this is normal for a little gas to leak. She stated that she doesn’t have anything that she could send me stating that. I am concerned for my family’s safety with gas leaking into my home. I don’t know what else I can do.
- Model
- G9-T5040NVR 400
- Serial number
- 2051122409688
- Bought from
- Lowes
- Bought
- Feb 8, 2021
- Where
- Louisville, Kentucky: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hurt, no treatment Made May 24, 2025, sent to the company May 28, 2025, published by CPSC Jun 11, 2025
The product, in the report: AO smith signature 100 water heater
Scald injury from water being too hot. The AO SMITH water heater is set to the low setting and is still heating to more than 140 The thermostat was replaced by the manufacturer a week ago but it’s still heating much higher than the current setting which is dangerous. I contacted the manufacturer and they informed me that the low setting is 115 so it should not be 140+ my hand is still hurting from being scalded
- Model
- G6-T3032NVR 400
- Serial number
- 2508142560437
- Bought from
- Lowes
- Where
- Arlington, Texas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 40, Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand AO smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made May 9, 2025, sent to the company May 13, 2025, published by CPSC May 28, 2025
The product, in the report: Ao smith water heater, propane, 40 gallon, purchased at Lowes.
I went to light my Ao smith propane water heater and it blew up in my house. By the grace of God I have no serious injuries but some trauma response and a major fear of lighting a water tank again. I am terrified of having it in my house.
- Model
- G6-S4040PVR 401,962546
- Serial number
- 1937116290353
- Bought from
- Lowe’s
- Bought
- Jan 31, 2023, about then
- Where
- Fordland, Missouri: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 35, Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Ao smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 25, 2025, sent to the company Mar 28, 2025, published by CPSC Apr 11, 2025
The product, in the report: A.O. Smith Signature 300 Natural Gas Water Heater
My 1-year old A. O. Smith Gas Hot Water Heater has developed a gas leak. The company arranged for an authorized service representative to investigate and determined there was a gas leak originating in or near the burner mechanism. He also said this is not uncommon and led to discontinuation of this model.
- Model
- G12-CADT5040NV
- Serial number
- 2351137087566
- Bought from
- Lowes Frisco TX
- Bought
- Apr 19, 2024
- Where
- Frisco, Texas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 68, Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A. O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Feb 12, 2025, sent to the company Feb 18, 2025, published by CPSC Mar 4, 2025
The product, in the report: Natural gas,capacity40.0, pressure psi 150 Build date 8/28/2015manifold 5.00 altitude0-7700 Max inlet10.50
Monday gas company shut off my water heater it was leaving gas and has a recall
- Model
- Guc 40 400
- UPC
- 1535joo3579
- Serial number
- 1535Joo3579
- Where
- Ontario, California: Unspecified
- Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Aosmith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 17, 2024, sent to the company Jul 30, 2024, published by CPSC Aug 13, 2024
The product, in the report: Propane gas valve controllers manufactured by Resideo mountedl on A. O. Smith 40 gallon water heater.
A. O. Smith and other water heater manufacturers use gas valve controllers sourced from [REDACTED] a company spun off from [REDACTED]. Those controllers use the flame of the pilot light to generate a voltage which energizes electric circuitry controlling the opening and closing of gas valves. The intensity of the pilot flame alone is such that it heats the water in the tank well beyond scalding temperatures ignoring the set point when water usage is low. Clearly a safety issue given at these temperatures severe burns can occur in a matter of seconds. A better balance between thermopile output and pilot light orifice size is called for. Thank you.
- Model
- G6-T4036PVR411
- Serial number
- 2350136972645
- Bought from
- Lowes Building Supply, Morrisville, NC
- Bought
- Dec 13, 2023, about then
- Where
- CARY, North Carolina: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 92, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A. O. Smith and other water heater manufacturers, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Emergency room Made Feb 18, 2024, sent to the company Feb 23, 2024, published by CPSC Mar 8, 2024
The product, in the report: Commercial 40 gallon gas water heater
There have been numerous issues with the hot water heater. The nut leaked has on 6/22/2023. Gas leak on 6/11/2023. 2 different times of carbon monoxide poisoning in 6/11/2023 and 6/22/2023. Water leaking from hot water heater 11/2021.
- Model
- GCB-40 400
- Serial number
- 2118124228759
- Bought
- Jun 9, 2021, about then
- Where
- Davenport, Iowa: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith Prolin, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received
-
No one hurt Made Feb 11, 2024, sent to the company Feb 14, 2024, published by CPSC Feb 29, 2024
The product, in the report: Automatic storage water heater, grey, 40 gallon
I have an AO Smith 40 gallon residential water heater that I use in my home that I believe has a tear in the screen which is causing a loud booming noise and fire outside of the water heater near the gas line after every shower when the heater is trying to heat up again. I researched this problem and found they have recalled many water heaters for this exact problem but my serial number isnt in that group.
- Model
- GUC-40 400
- Serial number
- 1713105595629
- Where
- Walnut Creek, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Sep 23, 2022, sent to the company Oct 12, 2022, published by CPSC Dec 13, 2022
The product, in the report: A.O. Smith hot water tank...30 gallons...Model G6-S3030NV 400 S/N 1851113109563
The heater got so hot that it shut down and now the pilot light will not remain lighted. The water was almost steam.
- Model
- G6-S3030NV 400
- Serial number
- 1851113109563
- Where
- Athens, Ohio: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 40, Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Friend /
Neighbor / Co-worker - As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 12, 2022, sent to the company Jul 15, 2022, published by CPSC Jul 29, 2022
The product, in the report: Please see uploaded pictures, it’s an AO smith water heater. Model GPD 50 102, serial number1230A012421
The hot water tank in our house almost caused a whole house fire. It is in our basement, when we had it checked by a plumber when it stopped working he recommended a replacement. As it was removed we could see burning that had been caused by the heater up the wall of the closet.
- Model
- As above model/
GPD 50 102 - Serial number
- As above: 1230A012421
- Where
- Boulder, Colorado: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 4, Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Child
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jun 1, 2022, sent to the company Aug 16, 2022, published by CPSC Aug 30, 2022
The product, in the report: gas water heater
2019: The water heater began to leak and the light on the plate (status light code), began blinking. She looked up the flashing code. She also experienced a loss of hot water.
She called her local gas company (PG&E), who sent a technician out. The technician (name unknown), indicated that this was a fire hazard and he turned the gas off. The burner assembly also quit working.
The consumer called the manufacturer and they sent the replacement part directly to one of their authorized service centers in her area. That service company arranged for technician to come out and install the replacement part.
(approx..) 5/28/2022. The hot water stopped working. The same flashing (code) appeared on the water heater’s screen again. She also smelled a gas-like odor and called PG&E. They sent a technician out and he (name unknown) turned the water heater gas off. The consumer asked the technician if he smelled gas. The technician said he did not know if it was gas, but he noticed some type of chemical odor.
The consumer called the manufacturer again and they agreed to provide a new replacement burner assembly, free of charge, but told her that they would not cover the cost of installation.
The consumer said the firm sent her a recall notice a few years back ([REDACTED]), but the CPSC Hotline staff checked her serial number through the firm’s site (https://www.waterheaterrecall.com/), and their system indicated that her unit was not included in the recall
The consumer is concerned that that this repeated issue presents a safety hazard and that [REDACTED], may need to be expanded.
- Model
- NU40T61-403
- Serial number
- 1239T472453
- Bought from
- Lowes
- Bought
- Jun 1, 2018
- Where
- Oakley, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Feb 19, 2022, sent to the company Mar 10, 2022, published by CPSC Mar 24, 2022
The product, in the report: GUC 40 400 Serial Number1525j0002878
ao smith screen corrosion cause pulsating flame popping and backfire
- Model
- GUC 40 400
- Serial number
- 1525j002878
- Where
- BALDWIN PARK, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand a.o. smith water products co., made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 15, 2021, sent to the company Apr 9, 2021, published by CPSC Apr 23, 2021
The product, in the report: AO Smith 30 gallon propane water heater.
Hazard: The water heater’s gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater’s burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or another combustible floor.
Description: This recall includes 30, 40 and 50 gallons natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission gas water heaters. They are designed to comply with regulations in certain air quality districts in California, and were sold primarily in California. They were sold under the American, A. O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Crafts master and Whirlpool brand names and manufactured from April 8, 2011 through August 1, 2016. Only water heaters with the first four-digit serial numbers between 1115 and 1631, where the first four digits represent the year and week of production, are included in the recall. The brand name, model number and serial number can be found on the data plate on the product located next to the gas control valve/thermostat.
I observed heavy black soot on the water heater vent cap on the roof of the hanger. The mechanic was in the shower at approximately 7:15 AM and shortly thereafter the smoke alarm for the water heater room activated.
I began my investigation with a clockwise walk around the perimeter of the hanger and inside the water heater room looking for evidence of fire cause. I observed heavy soot on top of the water heater, draft hood and vent pipe.
- Model
- GCR-30 401
- Serial number
- 1906113617971
- Where
- United States: Other Public Property/
Office - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 4, 2021, sent to the company Feb 8, 2021, published by CPSC Feb 23, 2021
The product, in the report: 40 gallon, natural gas water heater (sealed unit)
Within the first 1 or 2 years of owning the water heater, the pilot lot would not light consistently. Sometimes, he could get it started, but then he was not able to get it started again. The consumer called the manufacturer and they sent out a technician to service the unit.
Within the last year or 2, the exact same problem returned. Sometimes the pilot could be lit and other times he could not light it. Due to the safety concerns, the consumer does not want to risk attempting to light it or expose his family to gas.
(12/2020): He noticed a gas odor emitting from the unit, so he turned the gas off.
(12/2020): The consumer called the manufacturer and reported the problem to their rep. (name unavailable). The rep. told him that the water heater was out of warranty. The consumer was told that he could hire a plumber to examine it.
- Model
- G6-T4035NVR400
- Serial number
- 2049122188260
- Bought from
- Barnett
- Bought
- Jun 1, 2015, about then
- Where
- Scottsdale, Arizona: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No incident, no one hurt Made Dec 13, 2020, sent to the company Jan 7, 2021, published by CPSC Jan 25, 2021
The product, in the report: water heater AO Smith
had my electric company in to check furnace water heater all gas appliances. he told me my water heater was under recall for a fire hazard. I have contacted AO Smith water products twice to no avail. I was given the registration number twice and still nothing Number is # [REDACTED]. Please help me with this recall I can’t really stop using my water heater but it was suggested that I stop using it! How do I do that??
- Model
- G C N H 40 200
- UPC
- 100114391
- Serial number
- 1508101011422
- Bought from
- general contractor
- Bought
- May 14, 2015, about then
- Where
- Discovery Bay, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 66, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand ao smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- No Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 28, 2020, sent to the company Jul 16, 2020, published by CPSC Jul 30, 2020
The product, in the report: 50 gallon water heater
5/2020: The consumer tried to take a bath, but there was no hot water. He asked a family member if the power had gone out and they said no. He checked the water heater and saw the pilot was out. He followed the mfr’s instructions (on the water heater) and re-lit the pilot. It appeared to be work fine, but a minute or so later, he heard a loud popping sound. He quickly turned the water heater off. The consumer noticed a small gas odor in the home. He immediately called PG&E (local gas company). They advised him to ensure everything was off and they sent out a technician. The tech. said something was wrong inside the water heater and advised the consumer to contact the mfr., which he did.
The consumer called the mfr., but was told his unit was out of warranty. They told him he could purchase the parts from them, but the consumer said that they were expensive. The consumer was advised to check with local service centers/retailers for further assistance. He went to [REDACTED], but they were not sure what needed to be done.
The consumer called a local service company,[REDACTED], because he had done business with them for years. The rep. checked the consumer’s serial number and said that his water heater was recalled and they could not work on it. She referred the consumer to A.O. Smith (recall number): Tel: 866-880-4661. The consumer called them and they arranged for a technician to come out and repair his water heater.
5/26/2020: An A.O. Smith authorized Tech. (name unavailable) came out to the consumer’s home and repaired the water heater. Before the technician left, he told the consumer that he needed $80.00 for the service call. The consumer asked if the tech. would take a credit card and he said no. The consumer paid the tech. $80.00 in cash and asked for a receipt. The tech. said that the company would send him a receipt, but did not provide the consumer with a receipt, business card or any paperwork, before leaving.
5/26/2020: The consumer provided his granddaughter’s email address to the firm, but has not received any correspondence from the them so far.
NOTE: Water heater sits on wooden blocks
I have not received a call or email from A.O. Smith like you told in the email you sent my granddaughter.
- Model
- GNR 50 200
- Serial number
- 1248T484920
- Bought
- May 1, 2015, about then
- Where
- Tracey, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 19, 2020, sent to the company Jun 23, 2020, published by CPSC Jul 8, 2020
The product, in the report: A. O. Smith, 40 Gallon, Tall, Natural Gas Residential Water Heater
I purchased an EO Smith Gas Water Heater from Lowe’s ([REDACTED]) on March 14, 2020 and self installed the unit the following day. On May 16, 2020, after waking up to no hot water, I went to check the unit. The unit is in the garage, and sometimes when the garage doors are open, a strong enough draft is created that it blows out the pilot light. Prior to re-lighting the pilot light, I inspected the unit and noticed that the mesh screen (air intake dust screen) around the bottom ring of the unit was heavily melted and completely detached from the ring (picture included). The bottom of the unit was very hot to the touch. I immediately shut off the unit, closed the gas valve, and contacted the manufacturer. I informed the customer service representative that inside the access panel area of the bottom of the tank, the insulation between the tank and the outer steel jacket was hanging down at least an inch (see picture). As I relayed to the customer service rep, the insulation appeared to be restricting airflow for proper ventilation, which had in turn made the bottom ring so hot that it melted the mesh screen. The customer service rep. stated that the issue posed a safety risk and advised me to shut off the unit and replace it with a new one. The agent provided a replacement ID # to take to Lowe’s so that I could swap it out. I went to exchange the unit at Lowe’s the following day, May 17, 2020. When I returned home, I found the replacement unit’s insulation was hanging down even lower, was at a significant angle, and a section of the insulation was hanging over the little window used to view the pilot light (see picture). I called the manufacturer and they said since I didn’t install it, then I could just return it to Lowe’s for an exchange. This time, when picking up the 3rd unit, I requested a Lowe’s employee open up the box and check the insulation before I get all the way home just to have to return the product again. They ended up opening at least 6 different EO Smith Gas Water Heaters of varying sizes (30, 40, and 50 gallon tanks), year rating (6, 9, and 12 year models), and styles (short units, tall units).... every single one had insulation hanging down so low that they posed a major safety/fire hazard. Lowe’s only carry EO Smith brand water heaters in store. I told them I would not put an EO Smith product in my house and requested that they ship me a comparable unit by a different manufacturer. They agreed and stated that no other brands are carried in house and that they have to ship it to me. As of writing this, I’m still without a hot water heater and still have no idea when the new one will be delivered. My fear is that there are countless others with these defective products in their houses not only in my community, but possibly all over the US. It is only a matter of time before these units start a fire. I have pictures of the first 2 defective units. I was unable to take photos of the units in the store that were also defective.
- Model
- G6-T4035NVR 400
- Serial number
- 2006118145000
- Bought from
- Lowe’s, Indiana
- Bought
- Mar 14, 2020
- Where
- Indianapolis, Indiana: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A. O. Smith Corporation, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 4, 2020, sent to the company Mar 18, 2020, published by CPSC Apr 1, 2020
The product, in the report: A. O. Smith Recalls Ultra-Low NOx 50 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater
A.O. Smith Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters making booming noise like car engine backfires and roaring sound of a large torch blower when burner is heating the water tank. Pilot light constantly blown out by the backfires and have to be relighted very frequently.
- Model
- GNR 50 200
- UPC
- 9211967001
- Serial number
- 1330T456093
- Where
- Antioch, California: Unspecified
- Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith GNR 50 200 Water Heater, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Feb 14, 2020, sent to the company Mar 20, 2020, published by CPSC Apr 3, 2020
The product, in the report: Gas water heater
Caller stated that the water heater had overheated causing significant damages to the unit, she stated that she was informed by a technician that the fire might have started inside the pilot. There was visible fire damages on the wall on the baseboard of the unit. Due the fire incident the unit has stopped working. Caller stated that she was not present at the time the incident occurred .
The manufacturer was contacted and she was advised to have a plumber return it to the place of purchase for a replacement. Caller is concerned that this water heater could have caused a house fire and feels that this unit should be reported for an investigation.
- Model
- GCG50-400
- Serial number
- 1820110458425
- Bought from
- Ferguson #70, Georgia
- Bought
- Aug 11, 2018, about then
- Where
- Hamilton, Georgia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O.Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Dec 16, 2019, sent to the company Jan 30, 2020, published by CPSC Feb 13, 2020
The product, in the report: A O Smith signature premier 40 gal tall 12 yr limited 40000-BTU Natural Gas Water Heater. Highly rating from Lowes Item # 962551
Product: A O Smith Signature Premier 40 Gal, Natural Gas Water Heater, Model # G12-UT4040NVR, SERIAL # 1945116995293. Purchased this water heater at Lowes in Stockton, CA, had it installed today, 12/16/2019. The heater makes a loud humming noise at it heats the water. Sounds like a jet engine starting up. Have not been able to reach the manufacturer or Lowes for any specific action to help correct or replace the heater. This heater model is defective and should not be on the market. I think if it is not heating properly, it can cause a fire.
- Model
- G12-UT4040NVR
- Serial number
- 1945116995293
- Bought from
- LOWES
- Bought
- Nov 29, 2019
- Where
- STOCKTON, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. SMITH, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 30, 2019, sent to the company Nov 22, 2019, published by CPSC Dec 9, 2019
The product, in the report: AO Smith vertex gas hot water heater ANSI 221.10.3-CSA 4.3–2014 Model number: GGHE50 140 Serial number: 1707105008395 “Item ID“: 100210474 Input BTU/HR: 100,000 Recovery GAL/HR: 116 “Build date“: 02/15/2017 Capacity: rated: 50, measured, 49.8 Thermal efficiency: 0.96 Installed October 23, 2017.
Our Vertex domestic hot water heater by AO Smith Corporation of McBee, South Carolina, was installed two years ago. It is a high-efficiency natural gas unit used for domestic hot water and heating our house. It was installed new Oct 2017, and began having explosive starts in late July 2019. Once the explosive starts begin, they continue every time it starts. When it calls for heating water, it starts the heating phase with a loud bang from an explosion of the gas. Servicemen have come to repair it and consulted extensively with the mfgr’s Tech Service, yet it repeatedly reverts to explosive starts, which have gotten more powerful. I have more than average homeowner experience with hot water heaters and their installation and maintenance. My diagnosis is that the ignition is delayed while gas builds up in the combustion chamber. Then, when the ignition kicks in, there is excess gas in the chamber which ignites and causes the explosion. When it was serviced in August for this problem, the plumber, working with the AO Smith technical service line replaced the ignition components. In a subsequent call, the manufacturer’s technical service said there was likely a problem with the air intake or exhaust, but after tearing them apart, no obstruction was found. Note that a prior version of the Vertex hot water heater had served in the exact same location WITH THE SAME AIR SUPPLY AND EXHAUST for over seven years with NO problem. We also had the house’s gas supply line and regulator tested twice and each time it has been perfect. When this first started in July, the noise of the explosion was distinct and loud. But it has gotten worse. Yesterday, the explosion was so powerful that I thought a car hit our house. When this happened in September, I turned it off to stop the explosive starts. Our plumber could not come immediately and we needed hot water so I temporarily turned it back on after it had been off for a day. It started without incident, and so I let it run, and it operated for several weeks without a problem until yesterday. After the very loud explosions that happened every time it started yesterday, I turned it off again and let it sit. Based on the experience from September, I turned it back on this evening, and it started properly, and has been running through a cycle without incident. Based on past experience, it could run for weeks without problem, but then start back up with explosive starts without warning, which will continue until it is shut down to rest. I have begun to turn it off if I’m going to be away for a day or more. But as cold weather approaches, I can’t risk that any longer. But I also can’t risk having these unpredictable, stunning explosions which are getting worse. I called the manufacturer’s Technical Service several times, starting last July and again today. They have no suggestions other than things that have already been tried at least twice already. They blame everyone and everything but themselves for this defective product.
- Model
- Vertex GGHE50 140
- UPC
- N/
A - Serial number
- 1707105008395
- Bought from
- plumbing supply house
- Bought
- Oct 23, 2017
- Where
- duxbury, Massachusetts: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith Vertex, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jun 4, 2019, sent to the company Jul 16, 2019, published by CPSC Jul 30, 2019
The product, in the report: AO smith Water heater
Caller noticed a gas smell when he moved into the house today. Technician informed caller there is a leak in the control which is internal and he could not fix the product.
- Model
- GCR-40400
- Serial number
- 1739107723551
- Bought
- Nov 8, 2017
- Where
- Morro Bay, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand AO smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 6, 2019, sent to the company May 14, 2019, published by CPSC May 29, 2019
The product, in the report: AO Smith hot water heater
In late January 2019, my AO Smith hot water heater model GNR40, serial number 1424T473554, product number 9211966001 started having “10 blink” errors and would turn itself off. I was able to re-light the unit. I contacted the AO Smith warranty hotline at 800-527-1953. They said that it was probably an installation error on my end. They did not mention the recall 19-029. They stated that I could pay to have a technician look at the unit, and if it was a burner unit issue they would charge me shipping and distributor fee to send a new burner unit which I would then have to pay service fees to install. As the unit would re-light, I did not pursue this route.
The unit continued to periodically get a “10 blink” error, but would always re-light.
On May 1, 2019, the unit started making loud fluttering noises. When I visually inspected it, the burner unit was burning exceedingly hot, had a fluttering flame, and was making the surrounding area hot. The unit is installed on a 2 foot raised wooden platform. I turned off the unit. The unit would not re-light. On May 2, 2019, I again contacted the AO Smith hotline at 800-527-1953. Again they did not tell me about recall 19-029. Again they described the warranty procedure. I declined and decided to buy a new non-AO Smith unit.
- Model
- GNR G41 ULN 200 AOS
- Serial number
- 1424T473554
- Bought from
- Welborn Plumbing
- Bought
- Jul 31, 2014
- Where
- Modesto, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 40, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 22, 2019, sent to the company Feb 6, 2019, published by CPSC Feb 22, 2019
The product, in the report: AO Smith Gas Water Heater, 50 gallon, 50k BTU
This morning our AO Smith gas water heater caught fire. There were flames coming from the burner area out into the pet salon where it is installed.
- Model
- Gt-UT5050NV 400
- Serial number
- 1720106175136
- Bought from
- Lowe’s
- Bought
- Jun 28, 2017, about then
- Where
- Issaquah, Washington: Other Public Property/
Office - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Nov 20, 2018, sent to the company Jan 29, 2019, published by CPSC Feb 12, 2019
The product, in the report: AOSmith natural gas storage water heater model GNR 50 200
My 6 yr old AO Smith natural gas water heater lost its pilot light overnight. I turned off my garage lights to view the combustion chamber while I relighted the pilot in the normal fashion. It had no problem at this step, but upon turning the valve to main burner, the ignition of the burner came in loud explosions of machine-gun quick bursts of flame, escaping the combustion chamber and extending out the perimeter of the heater and upward about 12”. This continued until I turned off the gas at the main valve. Please note that my water heater had been inspected and approved by a Livermore Building Inspector at installation. I removed the burner to discover the cause to be a hole that had burned through the wire mesh burner diffuser, which allowed unburned gas to accumulate rather than to be immediately exposed to the pilot light. It is unknown how long the condition had taken to eventually blow out the pilot light.
AO Smith was quick to send a replacement burner under warranty, but was unresponsive to my request for a review of safety issues, and specifically, a replacement with a traditional cast iron type burner. Phone calls and emails were stonewalled. My request of you is to assist me in registering a public safety complaint against this type of burner, as of course, no matter how old a water heater is, it should never experience catastrophic failure. Please see the enclosed pictures. Thank you, [REDACTED]
- Model
- GNR 50 200
- Serial number
- 9211967001
- Bought from
- Lowes, California
- Bought
- Nov 1, 2012, about then
- Where
- livermore, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 77, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A O Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Feb 8, 2017, sent to the company May 11, 2017, published by CPSC May 25, 2017
The product, in the report: AO Smith FVIR Gas Water Heater Model # GCV 50 300 Serial # 1223A009605
RE: Report of Unsafe Product
Dear Sir or Madam:
A plastic part covering the thermostat in the gas valve on my 4 1/2 year old AO Smith Gas Water Heater split without warning allowing gas and water to mix making water leak with the potential for a water heater and/or gas explosion.
I believe the potential harm from the use of this product is so catastrophic that all AO Smith gas water heaters with plastic thermostat covers in the valve should be recalled and replaced by the manufacturer without charge to the owner.
This incident involved the AO Smith FVIR Gas Water Heater installed by Webb Plumbing July 2012. The Model is GCV 50 300. The serial number is: 1223A009605
The water heater is in the basement near the gas furnace. We have no pets or small children that may have bumped into the water heater valve. The valve was not damaged in any way.
At 2 a.m. on December 15, 2016 my husband heard a hissing sound from the basement. He found water leaking from the water heater through the gas valve assembly. He turned off the water and gas supplies to the water heater and drained the water heater with a hose, but water continued to leak.
Our plumber, [REDACTED], found the plastic thermostat cover in the gas valve had split. He said that gas was going into the water heater. Water was going into the gas line. It took him an hour to dry out the line enough to allow the burner using the replacement valve to light.
The replacement gas valve (provided under warranty) had a metal part instead of the plastic part that split. This indicates to me that AO Smith knows this part can split and has made a manufacturing change.
We were very lucky to have taken action to stop the damage when we did. We were a day away from being away from home for 4 days. I shudder to think what would have happened if the gas and water continued to leak from this valve. If the water pressure had been low, or the water turned off for a repair, would the gas have leaked into the water heater causing it to blow up? Or would gas have leaked into the room, 3 feet from our gas furnace, causing an explosion? Needless to say a water leak that went on for 4 days would have damaged a lot of items in our basement.
I tried to talk to AO Smith about my request for a recall. The Technical Support Division said that Honeywell made the valves for AO Smith (using AO Smith specifications). The Technical Support Division said that I needed to talk to Honeywell. I tried to do so. Honeywell said I needed to talk to AO Smith.
In my opinion, AO Smith gas water heaters with plastic part containing valves are a risk of injury or death to others. AO Smith should recall these valves.
I give permission to share this report with others and publish it in the Consumer Product Safety Commission database.
This is a true and accurate account to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Sincerely,
[REDACTED]
- Model
- GCV 50 300
- Serial number
- 1223A009605
- Bought
- Jul 1, 2012, about then
- Where
- Charleston, West Virginia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 9, 2017, sent to the company Feb 1, 2017, published by CPSC Feb 15, 2017
The product, in the report: AO Smith Natural Gas Hot Water Heater 75 GALLON
Two of the three plastic supports on which the gas hot water heater rests split and broke away from the hot water heater causing it to shift/drop. In turn, the venting required to move the gas exhaust outside the house was pulled apart and from its harnesses, causing carbon monoxide fumes to vent inside the house. The third plastic support is split but has not yet broken away from the hot water heater. There is another documented case of this situation posted on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLXu8GqHiaI&sns=em.
- Model
- GPS 75 200
- Serial number
- 1042A013624
- Bought from
- Mann-In, Inc.
- Bought
- Oct 25, 2010
- Where
- Oakton, Virginia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 59, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 7, 2015, sent to the company Dec 15, 2015, published by CPSC Dec 30, 2015
The product, in the report: Propane gas water heater
Letter to AO Smith:
I purchased an AO Smith 50 gallon propane water heater in April, 2014. Since that time I have had a recurring problem with the water heater overheating. Initially the problem was diagnosed as a faulty gas control valve, but after 3 valve replacements it became obvious that was not the case. Fast forward to today and I find myself at an impasse with your technical support department.
I live in [REDACTED] and have a second home about 1.5 hours away that I visit 3-4 days a week. During the time I am away it has become apparent that turning down the temperature setting on the heater does not prevent temperatures of 150-160 degrees (a potential risk of scalding) being exhibited when I return. [REDACTED], the head of your technical support, has told me that the pilot light alone is causing the excessive heating and the only solution is for me to shutdown the heater when I leave and relight it when I return. In my opinion this is a ridiculous solution to the problem. The inability to keep the heater in a nominal temperature range with the proposed solution would result in tremendous inconvenience on a weekly basis, and potential impairment of the heater’s functionality (igniter wearing out and excessive repeated temperature changes). This condition indicates to me that the heater does not have proper temperature control.
- Model
- GVR 50 301
- Serial number
- 1408J014577
- Where
- Julian, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand AO Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Emergency room Made Apr 16, 2013, sent to the company May 31, 2013, published by CPSC Jun 14, 2013
The product, in the report: natural gas water heater
The consumer stated that the vent of her natural gas water heater became detached and every time it would try to ventilate it would do so inside the house. The consumer stated that every time the water heater kicked on it would releaser carbon monoxide in the home.
The consumer stated that the CO alarm in her home went off and her husband checked it. She stated that he removed her, her son and the dog from inside the house. She stated that he was a fire fighter and he contacted the fire department for assistance in checking the water heater.
The consumer stated that she and her son were taken to the emergency room to be checked. The consumer stated that they were not admitted to the hospital, they were just advice to get lots of fresh air. The consumer stated that they had to fix the vent fixed the next day.
The consumer stated that there were other things that scared her about this water heater. She stated that the water heater would not heat up the water properly due to the fact that the heater’s heat has melted a mesh screen guard located at the bottom of the water heater. The consumer stated that the ashes fall on the sensors and it continues to turn the heater off and on.
The consumer stated that she believes that it poses a fire hazard.
The consumer stated that she believes that this product should be investigated.
- Model
- GPSH40100
- UPC
- Unknown
- Serial number
- JO4A061641
- Bought from
- Coulee Cap, Wisconsin
- Bought
- Nov 16, 2004
- Where
- Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 9, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Child
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received
-
No one hurt Made Jul 7, 2012, sent to the company Jul 16, 2012, published by CPSC Jul 30, 2012
The product, in the report: Water Heater: A.O.Smith PROMAX model # GPVH 50 100 Build Date 8/4/09
On Monday July 2nd at 4 AM our carbon monoxide alarms alerted us to evacuate the house due to CO .We called the Fire Department who responded and found over 100 ppm CO in the house. They determined the cause was the Water Heater power vent was inoperative and the water heater gas burner was still operating. They turned off the gas electric power to the heater and gas.
The Water heater was installed in 2010 when our Condo was built. The water heater was an A.O. Smith Promax model GPVH 50 100 and it was date coded 8/4/09 with serial # 0931AO12365. When the plumber came to investigate and turned the power and gas on the vent motor appeared to be working OK - he did not test the vacuum safety switch or CO levels. The plumber has replaced the power vent assembly.
- Model
- GPVH 50 100
- UPC
- -
- Serial number
- 0931AO12365
- Bought from
- Heritage Builders
- Bought
- Feb 10, 2010, about then
- Where
- North Kingstown, Rhode Island: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 68, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith PROMAX, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 5, 2012, sent to the company Apr 12, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 26, 2012
The product, in the report: A.O. Smith Water Heater 30 Gallon Gas Water Heater
The consumer stated that she has experienced problems with all 13 of the 30 gallon gas water heaters in her building. The consumer is a property manager for a building complex. The consumer stated that the models were purchased at different times. The consumer first bought 5 models then later purchased 8 heaters. (Dates unknown) The consumer sated that these product present potential safety hazards, as the flame inside of the water heater is unstable. As a result, the burner plate will warp and crack and the consumer has to replace the control valve. The pilot light continually goes out on these units, which is very unsafe.
The consumer stated that no one has been harmed or injured by the product. The consumer also pointed out that there has not been any property damage to the building. The consumer stated that she has not called the property insurance company. The consumer has had the issue with the product initially since may of last year. The consumer called the firm shortly after. The consumer was informed by the firm that the product can be modified by placing a tin plate over the air intake.
The consumer called the retailer last year and they were willing to send out a repairman to fix the burner assembly. The consumer was informed by the retailer’s repairman to call the gas company as the gas in her area is propane mixed with air to make synthetic natural gas. The dates of repairs are September 9, 2011, and December 22, 2011 : after this date the retailer told the consumer that her products were out of warranty and they will not repair her products any more. The retailer told her she needed to have her product repaired by the firm.
The consumer contacted the firm with the her local gas company on a 3-way conversation. The firm explained that these water heaters cannot support the gas that is operating the water heater. The consumer emailed the firm December 13th 2011 and was asked to submit a list of all the models that she was having problems. The consumer was told by the firm the next day that the company would draft a up an attorney letter, that never came to fruition.
The consumer sent an email to the firm in February, regarding that her issue had no resolution. The representative who received her email escalated her case to his superior. The firm’s superior spoke with the consumer and gas company on a 3-way conversation in the last week of February. The firm’s superior informed the consumer that she will send the question to the firm’s engineering dept.
The gas company stated that the cause of the issues are in fact caused by the water heaters. The consumer is not sure what the engineering dept. is going to do. The consumers models are 153.336472, 153.331620, 153.331846, 153.33241, [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]. The products are made by the same firm.
- Model
- 153.331846
- Bought from
- Sears, California
- Bought
- Mar 21, 2011
- Where
- Yreka, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Dec 16, 2011, sent to the company Dec 27, 2011, published by CPSC Jan 11, 2012
The product, in the report: A.O Smith Water Products Gas Water heater Model: GVR 50 300 Serial #: 1114J014035 Mfg Date: 4/08/2011
A.O Smith Water Products Gas Water heater Model: GVR 50 300 Serial #: 1114J014035 Mfg Date: 4/08/2011
The water heater pressure tank ruptured. I can’t see where on the tank because of the insulation and outer jacket. The water was running out the bottom of the unit. The rupture was large enough that the water was running out almost as fast as it was flowing in. This is NOT a pinhole leak it is a rapid onset catastrophic failure of the pressure tank structure. The catch pan was able to direct the water outside and flooded my side yard.
The gas control has positions for OFF, Pilot, VAC, Low, Hot, A, B, C, Very hot. We keep the control set on A. The water heater is installed in the garage 19 inches off the floor in a three sided niche. The garage walls are drywall on the inside, “finished”. This is a new house built in June of 2011.
There was no problem when I left for work at 7:30 am. As I said the unit is located in the garage and I had to pass near it to leave for the day. My wife did hear a loud bang around 11:30 am. She assumed it was workers working on the house down the street. At 5:22 PM I received a call from her. She had gone out to take the trash to the curb and discovered the side yard was flooded. Water was running out of the drain pan outlet pipe on the side of the house. When she investigated further she saw the indicator on the gas control was blinking, and that the catch pan under the water heater had water flowing through it to the outside. The blink cycle was a 4 blink pattern indicating “TEMPERATURE EXCEEDED”. She immediately turned the control to off and also turned off the gas at the shutoff valve. About that time I arrived home. I reached up to the top of the unit to see if the pressure relief valve was open. It appeared to be closed however when I looked outside there was water coming out of both the catch pan drain and a little out of the relief valve drain. I then turned off the water supply to the tank. Water continued to flow into and out of the drain pan until the unit appears to be empty.
We called our builder and they had the original plumber come out to see what was wrong. He believed that it is a crack in the tank. They are ordering a new unit and will install it tomorrow. I assume they are taking the failed unit with them.
- Model
- GVR 50 300
- Serial number
- 1114J014035
- Bought from
- Builder supplied
- Bought
- Jun 23, 2011
- Where
- GILBERT, Arizona: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand A. O. Smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Sep 19, 2011, sent to the company Sep 27, 2011, published by CPSC Oct 12, 2011
The product, in the report: ansi z21.10.3 -csa 4.3- 2001 ao smith pcg 75 270 serial # ac040008136
ao smith model # pcg 75 270. i have two of these water heaters. the first one caused a carbon monoxide leak. the police and fire department came shut off water heater. plumber said the water heater needed to be replaced due to the inability to properly exhaust the harmful gas and also evidence of debris/soot accumulation on the burners which posed a fire hazard. then the second water heater tank cracked and all the water spilled on basement floor.
- Model
- pcg 75 270
- Serial number
- ac040008136
- Bought
- Jan 10, 2006, about then
- Where
- tenafly, New Jersey: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 79, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Parent
- As this report names them
- Brand ao smith, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Apr 29, 2011, sent to the company May 15, 2012, published by CPSC May 30, 2012
The product, in the report: A.O. Smith Water Heater Model’s GVR 50 100
This is the 2nd water heater from A.O. Smith that has failed via rusting in less than the warranty period. Both water heaters were model # GVR 50 -100 with a stated 6 year warranty. The first water heater was installed by the developer in Oct 2004 and put into service on November 2004. The original one had a serial # J04J007021 and failed by rusting through on Sept 2007 it was replaced by another A.O. Smith heater GVR 50 100 model # H07J010171 on Sept 2007 and this one failed for the same reason on April 2011. This water heater is installed in a residence with only two seniors in the household using [REDACTED] soft water and temperature set for the normal hot water setting. The water is only used for domestic purposes. Not only did the tanks rust out but both ignighter units had to be replaced due to failures. Seems to me that there is a serious quality control issue during manufacture. Fortunately I was home both times when the garage was flooded and was able to shut off the water to minimize and serious damage. If this happened when we were away for any extended period of time could have caused not only physical damage to the home but an awfull waste of water. Both tanks were flushed within the recommended time period.
- Model
- GVR 50 100
- Serial number
- J04J007021
- Bought from
- DEVELOPER
- Where
- Valencia, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 77, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand A.O. Smith Water Heater 50 Gal Gas Fired, made or sold by A. O. Smith Water Products Company
- 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.