Sears washing machines
12 reports to CPSC, the latest made Nov 24, 2023. 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.
- 12reports to CPSC
- Nov 24, 2023the latest report was made
- Jan 4, 2012the earliest
- 10with the company’s comments
- Brand
- Sears
- Maker
- Sears Holdings Management CorporationMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
- Product
- Washing machinesCPSC’s product type: Washing Machines, Other or Not Specified (code 140), in Home Maintenance and Structures: Laundry, Fabric Care & Sewing
Other ways the reports write the brand (4)
“Sears Kenmore”, “Sears Kenmore Elite”, “Sears Kenmore Elite Top Loading Washing Machine” and “lsears Kenmore”
By month
The numbers, as a table
| Month | Reports |
|---|---|
| November 2023 | 1 |
| November 2019 | 1 |
| August 2018 | 1 |
| May 2018 | 1 |
| November 2016 | 1 |
| October 2016 | 1 |
| June 2016 | 1 |
| May 2016 | 1 |
| September 2015 | 1 |
| January 2015 | 1 |
| May 2012 | 1 |
| January 2012 | 1 |
How badly anyone was hurt
- Seen by a doctor or nurse 1 CPSC: Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
- No one hurt 11 CPSC: 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.
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No one hurt Made Nov 24, 2023, sent to the company Nov 29, 2023, published by CPSC Dec 13, 2023
The product, in the report: Washer / Dryer Stack Unit
Fire companies were dispatched for a smoke condition in the home. The source was traced to a stackable washer/dryer unit. It appears there was a motor or another electrical malfunction in the washer/dryer unit. Contact [REDACTED] Fire Company for additional information. [REDACTED]
- Model
- 417.94812301
- Serial number
- XE64603355
- Where
- Pennington, New Jersey: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Sears, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Nov 14, 2019, sent to the company Dec 13, 2019, published by CPSC Dec 31, 2019
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Elite Model 31553 washing machine. Metallic color. The unit cost $900 and was supposed to be a higher end model.
We bought a Sears Kenmore Elite washer and dryer in August 2019. After just more than two months in service, the washer (Model 31553) blew apart during a wash cycle. We had a set of sheets and a mattress cover in there being washed. We heard a large noise and ran to the laundry room. The control panel was dislodged and the top of the washer was blown off. Water was all over the place. The wood cabinet door across from the washer had a large chip missing from a piece of plastic that came off the washer. The washer scratched the corner of our countertop and dented the side of the dryer. Luckily no one was in the laundry for this violent event. Apparently the machine malfunctioned and did not shut itself or sense something wrong.
- Model
- 796.31553.610
- UPC
- 3551380868470A765005
- Serial number
- 808KWRE68470
- Bought from
- Sears Home Appliance
- Bought
- Aug 13, 2019
- Where
- Chandler, Arizona: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 55, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Aug 15, 2018, sent to the company Aug 23, 2018, published by CPSC Sep 7, 2018
The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Washing Machine - Model 110.31632611, Type 706-01, Ser # C81270012
Recently purchased a Kenmore Elite Washing Machine (clothes) Model # 110.31632611, Type 706-01. Today (8/15/2018) the tempered glass lid spontaneously shattered, launching broken pieces of glass into the recess area and kitchen where the unit resides. After further review online, it appears that this is a common and recurrent problem with the 31633 and 31632 models: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPauQmNH64c (see the video comments for verification).
- Model
- Model 110.31632611, Type 706-01
- UPC
- W10740590 C
- Serial number
- C81270012
- Bought from
- Sears Outlet
- Bought
- Jul 1, 2018, about then
- Where
- Dumas, Unspecified: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Sears Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made May 24, 2018, sent to the company Aug 13, 2018, published by CPSC Aug 27, 2018
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Elite Washer Model #11031633611 Ser. No. C74170743
We purchased a Kenmore (Sears) Elite Large model Washing Machine in November 2017 with full extended warranty. On May 14, 2018 after a loud “thumping” sound was heard, loud “explosion” type sound occurred: the lid of this washer made of glass had shattered suddenly and violently for no apparent reason. The lid, made of a type of safety glass had blown slivers of glass all over our laundry room, and inside the bowl of the washer itself. The majority of the glass remained in the frame, cracked into hundreds of pieces. I called Sears service and initially they did not want to “cover” the incident under warranty, essentially claiming we had somehow dropped something on the lid or otherwise negligently caused the breakage, a completely incorrect assumption. After insistence that they do something to honor the warranty they agreed to send a serviceman to inspect the washer. He came out the next day. His assessment was that the washer was exhibiting a problem he characterized as a “Manufacture’s Design Defect” and remarked that he had encountered this problem two months previously on the same model washer. He added that the lid latching mechanism, both the mechanical elements and/or electronic control board and associated electronics were at fault and had caused the explosive shattering of the glass by stressing the metal frame of the lid at the time of breakage. He also reported that he had ordered a full set of components to replace the various latching elements and that DURING his installation of the new control board that same thing happened--the lid exploded right under his face, and but for his wearing of glasses would have possibly showered glass into his eyes. He ordered the same exact replacement part for our machine as he explained that Sears had no “fix” or recall for this machine at this time and he had no other options for the repair of the machine. He provide me with his business card which also had a phone number for a “Resolution Hotline” if, as the card stated: “Concerns about your service call today?” He also told me the parts were on back order with no delivery date predicted at this time. As my wife and I are both busy professional people we need our washer, and I called the “resolution hotline” where I received NO help. I called a second number the serviceman had written on the card which is the phone number listed on the “Master Protection Agreement” to request replacement of a unit due to the “lemon” clause of the MPA, but only after 3 separate incidents requiring service within 1 continuous year, upon the fourth incident requiring repair. I called this number and the representative refused to replace the machine due to dangerous design problems, and in fact denied that the warranty clearly states one “continuous’ year of three incidents...this was my SECOND INCIDENT from November 2017. She insisted the agreement only provided for 4 service calls within one CALENDAR year and as such she denied my request for a refund or replacement of the machine. I have tried twice more to get help from Sears and the latest person told me on May 20 or thereabouts that an Escalation Response Team for Safety would call me in two days. This was a total lie, as I found out today after calling and insisting on talking to a second supervisor who guardedly admitted that they have no Sears Safety Team, and that the phone number she would provide me was the phone for YOUR AGENCY of the US Government! In other words Sears has refused categorically any responsibility for this excessively dangerous product at this time.
- Model
- Sears Kenmore Elite Washer Model #11031633611
- Serial number
- C74170743
- Bought from
- Sears Home Appliance Showroom, Texas
- Bought
- Nov 14, 2017
- Where
- Katy, Texas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 33, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Client, Patient, Student, Etc. (professional relationship)
- As this report names them
- Brand Sears, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Nov 8, 2016, sent to the company Nov 18, 2016, published by CPSC Dec 5, 2016
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Electric Laundry Center, white ,240 volt, 27 inch
Purchased on March 7, 2010. No previous repairs. Reporting poor craftsmanship and poor manufacture design that can potentially lead to physical consumer harm. I purchases a new Sears Kenmore Electric Laundry Unit on 3/7/2010. No extended warranty purchased. Model# 417.97912704 Serial# XE94701 011. On the late night of 10/14/16 I setup a light hot water white load and went to bed. Laundry unit setup in isolated individual laundry room single story residential home. 240 volt electric service. The entire family was awoken to screeching smoke alarms coming from isolated home laundry room. No fire present, only deep white smoke and bad smell of burnt rubber (like car brakes) opened windows to dissipate smoke. The following days called repairman to determine cost. Decided to open panel to personally assess damage assuming broken washer drive belt. Discovered multiple black chard splinter fragments everywhere inside confirming belt problem. Most importantly discovered that posterior metal leg frame holding up washer drum was broken causing washer drum to lop side and washer drum belt to rub against other metal parts. Serious potential interior home fire or physical injury if consumer near product during event occurrence.
- Model
- 417.97912704
- Serial number
- XE94701011
- Bought from
- Kmart, California
- Bought
- Mar 7, 2010
- Where
- San Gabriel, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand lsears Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Oct 11, 2016, sent to the company Oct 19, 2016, published by CPSC Nov 2, 2016
The product, in the report: I purchased this Sears Kenmore top loader washing machine at Sears in Freehold, NJ on 7/6/12. I have had this machine for only 4 years so there shouldn’t have been any accidents with this particular model so I thought. When I looked up machines that were recalled, I thought that this model was included in the recalls as the model and serial numbers appear to be alike but when I called 855-400-4639 I was told it was not the washer included in the recall - but this machine still exploded on me, just like the machines that were recalled. A very dangerous situation especially if I was in the room or near the machine at the time this happened.
Back in late July, my top loader Sears Kenmore Elite Washing Machine exploded, the top blew open and it flew against my dryer. I am lucky I was not near this machine at the time it exploded. It is a top loader machine, model number 79629002000, serial number 205KWEL42996. I looked up recalls on Sears Kenmore and I thought it may be included in the washing machines that were recalled by Kenmore, but was told this machine model was not. It still exploded during the spin cycle and as I said, I was lucky I did not get hurt by this. I took photos of the machine which I enclose with this email. I also called the Sears Repair Department and they came out and looked at it and could not believe that this happened and the repairman took a video of it and said he never saw anything this bad. The washer tub came completely off its axel and rammed into the side of the machine. My husband and I thought that someone crashed into our house as this was such a loud bang and explosion, we both were afraid something bad happened. When the Sears Repairman came a few days later, I was charged a $99 visit fee (which I feel I shouldn’t have been charged) and was given an estimate of repair at the cost of $821.54 (copy enclosed) as this was not covered at all by the recall of these type model machines. I was told that Sears doesn’t make the outer casing of this machine any longer. I declined repair services of course as the cost of repair is way too high and I can purchase a new washing machine for that amount of money. I subsequently did purchase a new machine from another dealership and it was delivered a few days later as I could not stay without a washing machine for very long.
- Model
- 79629002000
- Serial number
- 205KWEL42996
- Bought from
- Sears, New Jersey
- Bought
- Jul 6, 2012
- Where
- Staten Island, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 66, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Sears Kenmore Elite Top Loading Washing Machine, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Jun 29, 2016, sent to the company Jul 8, 2016, published by CPSC Aug 2, 2016
The product, in the report: Kenmore Front Load Washing Machine. The exact same model that the family in this video had to replace. I can try to hunt down the model number if needed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ-xlScKOck
Kenmore Front Load Washing Machine is collecting black mold inside the rubber surrounding the opening. This is starting to affect my clothes, as I have noticed a smell to them, and realized what it is once I investigated the washer.
- Where
- United States: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 35, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made May 24, 2016, sent to the company Jun 1, 2016, published by CPSC Jun 15, 2016
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Front Load Washer Model #44052 purchased in 2006 3.5 cu. ft. super capacity front load electric washer
Sears Front Load Washer has had a mold problem for many years around gasket. Water does not drain out of gasket area and is impossible to completely dry out. Cannot remove the mold on the gasket with Clorox. We leave washer open after use and wipe out the gasket area also. Finally have decided to replace the washer. Model # 417 44052401(on washer) or 26 44052 on receipt) purchased in 2006 for $649.88
- Model
- 417 44052401
- Serial number
- XC60208817
- Bought from
- Sears, Pennsylvania
- Bought
- Feb 24, 2006
- Where
- Upper Holland, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Sears, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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Seen by a doctor or nurse Made Sep 8, 2015, sent to the company Sep 22, 2015, published by CPSC Oct 6, 2015
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore model 110.28002011. Same problem as the recall that occurred on 12/18/2012. Recall number: 13-073 Same violent shaking this is the exact same circumstances that occurred during the recall as report in recall # 13-073 washer purchased new in Jan 2013. I will never buy another appliance from Sears not to buy and will tell friends and family and social media. Sears do not stand behind the product that they are selling... I will never buy another Kenmore…not because of the problem…but because of the lack of support behind the product. With all the complaints they received, neither Sears nor Kenmore stepped up to resolve this issue.
Sears Kenmore model 110.28002011. Same problem as the recall that occurred on 12/18/2012. Recall number: 13-073 Same violent shaking this is the exact same circumstances that occurred during the recall as report in recall # 13-073 washer purchased new in Jan 2013.
I will never buy another appliance from Sears not to buy and will tell friends and family and social media. Sears do not stand behind the product that they are selling... I will never buy another Kenmore…not because of the problem…but because of the lack of support behind the product. With all the complaints they received, neither Sears nor Kenmore stepped up to resolve this issue.
look at all of the same problem
Report No. 20140730-EF75B-2147442429 Report Date 7/30/2014
Report No. 20140707-7354C-2147443085 Report Date 7/7/2014
Report No. 20131022-6A87C-2147450663 Report Date 10/22/2013
Report No. 20130827-FFDFA-2147452629 Report Date 8/27/2013
Report No. 20131022-6A87C-2147450663 Report Date 10/22/2013
Report No. 20130827-FFDFA-2147452629 Report Date 8/27/2013 Report No. 20150508-20232-2147433120 Report Date 5/8/2015
Report No. 20130815-65760-2147453065 Report Date 8/20/2013
Report No. 20130818-5EBAD-2147452961 Report Date 8/18/2013
Report No. 20130412-D7AAF-2147457022 Report Date 4/12/2013
Report No. 20130326-E4116-1316984 Report Date 3/26/2013
Report No. 20130320-25B0C-2147457689 Report Date 3/20/2013
Report No. 20130815-65760-2147453065 Report Date 8/20/2013
Report No. 20130227-B8D60-2147458414 Report Date 2/27/2013
Report No. 20130214-CC209-2147458794 Report Date 2/14/2013
Report No. 20130205-9C940-2147459056 Report Date 2/5/2013
Report No. 20130131-9A0E0-2147459266 Report Date 1/31/2013
Report No. 20120516-F0A5C-2147467544 Report Date 5/16/2012
Report No. 20110411-B253D-2147480319 Report Date 4/11/2011
Report No. 20150531-44AFE-2147432504 Report Date 5/31/2015
Report No. 20150513-94E6B-2147432986 Report Date 5/13/2015
Report No. 20150707-08108-2147430478 Report Date 7/7/2015
Recall date: December 18, 2012 Recall number: 13-073
- Model
- Sears Kemore defective washer violent shaking
- Bought from
- Sears, Texas
- Bought
- Feb 5, 2013
- Where
- Dallas, Texas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 6, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Other Relative
- As this report names them
- Brand Sears Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
-
No one hurt Made Jan 26, 2015, sent to the company Feb 3, 2015, published by CPSC Feb 19, 2015
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Elite model 79640512900 front loading washer.
My Sears Kenmore Elite front load washer, model # 796 40512900, bought new in 2010, imploded during a normal wash cycle. The inside of the front door is a shaped glass piece, which shattered into the interior of the machine with thousands of glass fragments and shards. The load of laundry that was being washed included cotton and synthetic items, and nothing hard or solid which could have possibly caused the glass to shatter. While all of the glass was contained within the machine, when the door was opened to determine what caused the explosion like sound, glass fell onto the floor creating a safety hazard. While the machine was covered by an extended warranty, Sears would only agree to replace the damaged door and specifically would not remove the shards of glass nor guarantee that after the repair that the machine would be safe to use for clothing or other items. I am considering this machine to be a total loss and will require a replacement.
- Model
- 79640512900
- UPC
- unk
- Serial number
- 004KWNM00471
- Bought from
- Sears
- Bought
- Jun 10, 2010
- Where
- Rockford, Illinois: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Sears Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 16, 2012, sent to the company May 24, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 8, 2012
The product, in the report: Sears Kenmore Elite Washer Model # 79640512900 S/N # 005kwhx02049 Purchased September 2010
Sears Kenmore Elite washer purchased September 2010 Redmond Washington. While washing clothes on mother’s day the interior glass shattered. A loud thumping noise brought our attention to the problem. The machine was on the wash tumble cycle when this occurred. The contents of the washer were 2 towels, 1 cotton blanket and many pairs of a child’s underwear and socks. The glass gouged the stainless steel drum and had splinter throughout the contents. We have not run the machine since as the glass front is gone and there are shards of glass everywhere.
- Model
- Sears Kenmore Elite 79640512900
- Serial number
- 005kwhx02049
- Bought from
- Sears, Washington
- Bought
- Sep 1, 2010, about then
- Where
- Redmond, Washington: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Sears Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 4, 2012, sent to the company Jun 5, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 19, 2012
The product, in the report: top loading washing machine
While the washing machine was not being operated the control panel caught fire and there were flames causing her to unplugged the machine from the wall outlet and the fire went out.
She contacted the firm and a technician came out to the home the week of 10/1/2011 and took a look at the machine and provided her with the cost of the repairs, and parts would be .
The technician came out on 12/31/2011 to make the repairs made the necessary repairs and the consumer was advised that the appliance required more parts than she was advised of.
She decided not to make any additional repair to the appliance because the cost would be more than she originally paid for it.
- Model
- 110270325704
- Bought from
- Sears, New York
- Bought
- Feb 1, 2007, about then
- Where
- Brookland, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 70, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- 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
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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.