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Kenmore dishwashers

447 reports to CPSC, the latest made Oct 11, 2025. A report isn’t a recall.

Watch it to hear when CPSC publishes new reports about it. CPSC’s own search, on saferproducts.gov

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 Nov 5, 2026.

  • 447reports to CPSC
  • Oct 11, 2025the latest report was made
  • Apr 5, 2011the earliest
  • 407with the company’s comments
Brand
Kenmore
Makers
Sears Holdings Management Corporation, WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION and ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATEDMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
Product
DishwashersCPSC’s product type: Dishwashers (code 214), in Kitchen: Appliances
Other ways the reports write the brand (30)

“Kenmore Elite”, “Kenmore elite”, “Kemore”, “Kenmore Ultra Wash Dishwasher”, “Kenmore/Sears”, “kenmore elite”, “Ken more Elite”, “Kenmoore”, “Kenmore - Sears”, “Kenmore - whirlpool”, “Kenmore Dishwasher”, “Kenmore Elite - Dishwasher”, “Kenmore Elite - Whirlpool”, “Kenmore Elite / [REDACTED]”, “Kenmore Elite Built-in Dishwasher”, “Kenmore Elite Dishwasher”, “Kenmore Elite High-Efficiency dishwasher”, “Kenmore Elite Quiet Guard 4”, “Kenmore Elite Ultra Wash Dishwasher”, “Kenmore Elite Ultrawash Dishwasher”, “Kenmore Elite Ultrawash Quiet Guard Dishwasher Black”, “Kenmore Model # 665.17382300 Serial # FR0704396”, “Kenmore Pro Ultraclean Dishwasher”, “Kenmore Smartwash”, “Kenmore Ultar Wash Dishwasher”, “Kenmore Ultra Wash”, “Kenmore elite energy star dishwasher”, “Kenmore quiet guard standard”, “Kennmore” and “kenmore Elite”

By month

1 report from November 2024 to October 2025; the most in October 2025, 1. 446 earlier reports, since April 2011, are in the table.
The numbers, as a table
Reports to CPSC by the month each was made, newest first
MonthReports
October 20251
July 20241
February 20241
September 20231
August 20232
February 20232
December 20221
November 20221
October 20221
September 20222
August 20221
June 20221
May 20221
April 20221
December 20212
October 20211
February 20212
November 20201
September 20201
April 20202
March 20202
November 20192
September 20191
August 20191
June 20191
May 20192
April 20191
March 20191
February 20191
January 20191
November 20182
October 20181
September 20182
May 20183
April 20181
March 20182
February 20181
December 20172
November 20171
October 20172
August 20172
July 20173
June 20171
May 20172
April 20173
March 20171
February 20174
January 20171
December 20162
October 20162
September 20161
August 20161
July 20161
June 20161
May 20162
April 20163
March 20163
February 20163
January 20165
December 20156
November 20152
October 20154
September 20154
August 20153
July 20153
May 20153
April 20152
March 20156
February 20153
January 20158
December 20144
November 20145
October 20141
September 20143
August 20141
July 20141
June 20143
May 20144
April 20142
March 20142
February 20142
January 20144
December 20137
November 20131
October 20133
September 20137
August 20134
July 20138
June 20136
May 20135
April 20136
March 20134
February 20134
January 201315
December 201210
November 201213
October 201210
September 20125
August 20129
July 20124
June 201213
May 20128
April 20127
March 201215
February 201230
January 201217
December 20119
November 201111
October 201110
September 201110
August 20116
July 20118
June 20116
May 20112
April 20111

How badly anyone was hurt

  • Emergency room 1 CPSC: Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received
  • Seen by a doctor or nurse 2 CPSC: Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
  • First aid 6 CPSC: Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
  • Hurt, no treatment 12 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
  • Hurt, care not known 1 CPSC: Injury, Level of care not known
  • No one hurt 401 CPSC: Incident, No Injury
  • No incident, no one hurt 2 CPSC: No Incident, No Injury
  • Not said 22 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.

Source:

CPSC, SaferProducts.gov public database export. Released Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.

  1. No one hurt

    Made Jun 11, 2012, sent to the company Jul 16, 2012, published by CPSC Jul 30, 2012

    The product, in the report: Under the counter dishwasher

    On June 11th, 2012 the consumer stated that he had the dishwasher running for approximately 20 minutes. He smelled smoke from another room.

    After inspecting the home and checking the kitchen they saw that the plastic had melted outside the washer onto the front control panel.

    The consumer immediately unplugged the unit.

    The consumer contacted the manufacturer June 12th, 2012 and they advised him that his model number was part of release#05-123, but the serial number did not match. They advised him that he would have to pay for someone to come out and inspect the unit.

    The consumer believes that the product is a safety hazard because it may have potentially started a fire.

    Model
    665.463
    Serial number
    FP36021038
    Bought from
    Sears, Tennessee
    Bought
    Jun 15, 2004, about then
    Where
    Memphis, Tennessee: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    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
  2. No one hurt

    Made Jun 10, 2012, sent to the company Jun 18, 2012, published by CPSC Jul 2, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    We have a Kenmore, under the counter dishwasher that has been working fine. Last night after dinner my wife started to run a load of dishes and within 5 minutes the kitchen filled with smoke and there were flames coming from the front of the unit. She quickly extinguished the fire, threw the breaker and called the fire department.

    Model
    665.16463300
    Serial number
    XP4501781
    Where
    Chesterfield, Virginia: 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
  3. No one hurt

    Made Jun 9, 2012, sent to the company Jun 18, 2012, published by CPSC Jul 2, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher

    Noticed smell of electrical burning,dishwasher not working, no lights on control panel, disconnected electricity and removed the front cover and found the control board scorched and burnt ribbon cable to control panel.

    Model
    665 13899 K801
    Serial number
    F008807570
    Bought from
    Sears Outlet Store
    Bought
    Apr 10, 2010
    Where
    San Diego, 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
  4. No one hurt

    Made Jun 7, 2012, sent to the company Jul 20, 2012, published by CPSC Aug 3, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    Kenmore Dishwasher obtained as replacement one that failed in 2002 (he can’t remember month)

    This replacement dishwasher caught fire.

    Caller’s wife started dishwasher in evening Sunday, June 3rd, 2012, walked out of the kitchen for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to watch television.

    Caller’s wife’s sense of smell has diminished so she didn’t smell any odor, however, when she returned to the kitchen there was smoke billowing out of the vent on top of the dishwasher.

    She opened the door and immediately a flame shot out of door by the seam of the control panel on right.

    At that time caller came in and cut the power to the dishwasher by tripping the breaker.

    Manufacturer was contacted immediately after this incident, service tech was schedule for June 7th, 2012 and has been to the house.

    The service tech advised caller that manufacturer would replace the part responsible for fire.

    Dishwasher is under extended warranty.

    Caller does not feel safe with repair of this part and is requesting CPSC assistance with obtaining a replacement dishwasher of a different brand or at the very least a different model at manufacturer expense.

    Model
    665.16582200
    Serial number
    FM3104456
    Bought from
    Sears, New York
    Bought
    Jun 15, 2007, about then
    Where
    Mahopac, New York: 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
  5. No one hurt

    Made Jun 5, 2012, sent to the company Jun 12, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 26, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher

    I was standing in my kitchen when I heard a kind of popping noise and began to smell smoke like an electrical fire. I called my husband and we began to unplug and check outlets and appliances in the kitchen. We finally noticed smoke coming from the dishwasher. I had washed a load of dishes about an hour earlier, but it was not on at the time. Each time we closed the door, the smoke smell got stronger and more smoke continued to come out of the vent. My husband turned off the breaker for the dishwasher and then took the control panel off. One of the wires had caught fire and was burning the plastic around it. I did a search and found that there is a recall on some Kenmore dishwashers for this problem; however, my model number is not included. I called Sears and they are sending out a technician to look at it tomorrow afternoon.

    Model
    5487.16072201
    Serial number
    TH32695240
    Bought from
    Craigslist
    Bought
    Nov 10, 2010, about then
    Where
    Tallahassee, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Male
    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
  6. No one hurt

    Made Jun 4, 2012, sent to the company Jun 11, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 25, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher, Stainless Steel 665 16293400

    After starting the dishwasher, the smell of an electrical fire and apropriately colored smoke coming from the vents in the door. The dishwasher was unable to “cancel” the cylce and power at the breaker box to interupt.

    Model
    665 16293400
    Serial number
    FS140829
    Bought from
    Sears, California
    Where
    Modesto, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 49, 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
  7. Hurt, no treatment

    Made Jun 1, 2012, sent to the company Jun 28, 2012, published by CPSC Jul 13, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher The correct model number from the dishwasher is 665.16053400. (8563446, 8563515, 8558362)

    Dishwasher caught fire while running. The door could be opened, but the dishwasher could not be shut off. The only way to stop the burning was to turn off the circuit breaker.

    Model
    665.16053400
    Bought from
    sears
    Bought
    Jun 15, 2005, about then
    Where
    Pierre, South Dakota: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 49, 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, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
  8. No one hurt

    Made May 25, 2012, sent to the company Jun 12, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 26, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher

    When I went to unload my dishwasher which had just finished a normal wash cycle I noticed rinse water still in the pan and that power was completely off. After checking the breakers (which had not tripped) I unplugged the unit and notice the Ching Cheng power cord was burnt on the end. This was not due to the receptacle and is some type of failure with the unit. I am concerned this could have started a fire due to defective materials and/or workmanship.

    Model
    665.13923k014
    Serial number
    F1410225
    Bought from
    Sears, New Mexico
    Bought
    Oct 10, 2011, about then
    Where
    Albuquerque, New Mexico: 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
  9. No one hurt

    Made May 21, 2012, sent to the company May 29, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 12, 2012

    The product, in the report: Undercounter dishwasher

    Undercounter dishwasher manufactured by Kenmore. Purchase about 8 years ago. Model Number 587.15072201. Serial number is TH33342044.

    Incident Date - 05/20/20112. After finished cleaning the kitchen counter and the dishwasher front panel. Control panel lights were flashing. Burning smell and smoke coming out from the exhaust. Shut off breaker in power panel. Proceed to open the cover, discovered one of the power terminals (the red one) connected to the control board was burnt with black smoke emitted from the area.

    Took photos of the burnt control board and cover.

    Model
    587.15072201
    Serial number
    TH33342044
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jan 1, 2003, about then
    Where
    New York, New York: 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
  10. No one hurt

    Made May 18, 2012, sent to the company May 29, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 12, 2012

    The product, in the report: White Kenmore Elite UltraWash dishwasher, model number 66516282400, serial number FR4301293.

    In November 2004 I purchased a Kenmore Elite UltraWash Dishwasher from a Sears store in Mountain View, CA, model number 66516282400, serial number FR4301293. On March 21, 2012, our housecleaners called to report smelling something burning. After some minutes, they were able to determine that the foul-smelling fumes were coming from the Dishwasher. They turned off the Dishwasher. Upon returning home that evening, I turned on the Dishwasher to assess what was wrong. The Dishwasher made an abnormal sound. Dark grey, foul-smelling smoke then began to emanate from behind the right upper corner of the Dishwasher, just below the control panel. I tried to turn off the Dishwasher by pressing the “Cancel” button, but the Dishwasher continued to operate, and smoke continued to pour out of the Dishwasher, spilling into the kitchen. I saw flames coming from inside the Dishwasher below the control panel in the area where the smoke was coming out. I pressed other buttons on the Dishwasher in an unsuccessful attempt to turn it off. I tried shutting and opening the door of the Dishwasher. Rather than shut down, water started spraying out of the Dishwasher. I closed the Dishwasher and prepared to extinguish the fire which I thought would spread outside of the Dishwasher. Smoke was quickly pouring into the kitchen by this point. My wife and I thought we and our children might be hurt. I ran into the garage and flipped the circuit breaker. Doing so cut power to the Dishwasher, and the Dishwasher shut down. Eventually visible smoke stopped coming out of the Dishwasher, and the fire appeared to die down. The acrid, burning smell in the house was intense and remained so for over a week. The previously white exterior of the upper right corner of the Dishwasher had been turned dark grey from smoke in an area closest to the fire. The next day, I discovered a website called “kitchenaidfire.com” which detailed accounts of hundreds of incidents involving similar types of Whirlpool and Sears dishwashers combusting very similar to my incident. Despite these incidents, no recall notice appears to have been issued. I have contacted Sears and Whirlpool, and I worry that many hundreds of thousands of others will experience similar problems with more drastic consequences.

    Model
    66516282400
    Serial number
    FR4301293
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Nov 4, 2004
    Where
    Palo Alto, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 37, 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
  11. No one hurt

    Made May 15, 2012, sent to the company May 22, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 6, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore White Under Sink Dishwasher

    During operation my Kenmore under sink dishwasher began billowing black smoke out of the door. Opening the door on the dishwasher did not shut off the unit, the dishwasher continued to run and smoke. I had to go to the breaker box and shut off the dishwasher breaker in order to turn off the dishwasher.

    Model
    665.16352301
    Serial number
    FR3415014
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jul 15, 2004, about then
    Where
    Fort Worth, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 40, 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
  12. No one hurt

    Made May 8, 2012, sent to the company May 15, 2012, published by CPSC May 30, 2012

    The product, in the report: White Kenmore Ultra Wash under the counter dishwasher

    About 15 or 20 minutes into cycle, the dishwasher made a loud sound and then black smoke started pouring out from the top of the door. My husband tried to turn it off but it wouldn’t so he had to cot the power.

    Model
    665.17032401
    Serial number
    FS1210131
    Bought from
    Sears Lakeline Mall
    Bought
    Apr 13, 2005
    Where
    Cedar Park, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Male
    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
  13. No one hurt

    Made May 6, 2012, sent to the company May 14, 2012, published by CPSC May 29, 2012

    The product, in the report: dishwasher

    We started our Kenmore Elite Dishwasher in the Smart Wash Mode, approximately five (5) minutes after entering the active wash cycle I smelled burning electrical and smoke and walked back into the kitchen to find smoke pouring out of the right front section of the control panel. I shut the machine off and secured power at the breaker. After the unit had cooled I removed the front panel section and found the source of the smoke was a small electrical fire on the control board. Upon further inspection I found burn damage at the following board components: Relay K2, Resuistor R9, Pin P8 on Connector #2. There is also evidence of heat damage at pin P6 on Connector #1, Capacitor C22 and a relay pack that I am assuming is K3 but there is too much soot damage to read the board. Un attended this fire, being in an under counter appliance could have easilt resulted in a house fire.

    Model
    665.17059400
    Serial number
    FR4703168
    Bought from
    Sears, Florida
    Bought
    May 19, 2006, about then
    Where
    Bradenton, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Male
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite Quiet Guard 4, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  14. Hurt, care not known

    Made May 3, 2012, sent to the company Jul 5, 2012, published by CPSC Jul 19, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher Model 665.17283400 Seri FR 41011219 KENMORE ELITE DISHWASHER bought at SEARS EI Paso, Texas Stock # 1728 Type no. 577-0

    The consumer says her husband turned on the dishwasher. Not long after, the smoke alarm started going off. She says smoke was all through the house. They called the fire department who determined the dishwasher was the cause. They contacted the manufacturer who sent out a technician who picked it up for inspection. The consumer says that her and her husband now have serious respiratory problems due to this incident.

    [Additional information from the submitter:] My age [REDACTED] ........ have chronic respiratory disease

    Saw Drs. [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] after the smoke fire due to the burntout dishwasher Several times

    Husband [REDACTED] ad quadruple heart bypass operation This past year saw his internist... he had pneumonia due to the smoke fire

    The product was taken away after a couple months a person referred by the Sedgwick of Lexington, Kentucky Insurance people to be examined by the Whirlpool manufacturer

    Model
    665.17283400
    Serial number
    FR 41011219
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    May 11, 2006, about then
    Where
    Unspecified: Unspecified
    Who was involved
    Age 77, 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, Level of care not known
  15. No one hurt

    Made May 1, 2012, sent to the company May 8, 2012, published by CPSC May 22, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher model # 665.16389300

    My Kenmore dishwasher was in operation, when it began making a clicking and buzzing sound. Soon after black smoke started pouring out of the control pannel. I quickly flipped the main switch to the dishwasher off. The smoke smelled terrible like electric fire.

    Model
    665.16389300
    Serial number
    FR0704401
    Bought from
    Sears
    Where
    Crittenden, Kentucky: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 43, 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
  16. No one hurt

    Made Apr 30, 2012, sent to the company Jun 8, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 22, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The consumer says that the dishwasher was in the wash cycle. He says during that time the control board caught on fire. There was a lot of smoke and damage to the unit. He says that the control panel and the panel cover were burned.

    The wire harness was also blackened and burned. The consumer says the unit was on for about 30 minutes prior to the incident occurring. The consumer contacted the manufacturer who told him that the unit is not part of the recall. The model and serial number are both a match to being part of Release # 05-123.

    Model
    665.16363301
    Serial number
    FR3004052
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jul 22, 2005, about then
    Where
    Chicago, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    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
  17. No one hurt

    Made Apr 29, 2012, sent to the company May 8, 2012, published by CPSC May 22, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher

    Near the beginning of the wash cycle, our Kenmore dishwasher made a “pop” sound and smoke starting coming from the door. None of the buttons worked and opening the door did not stop the cycle. Flames appeared before cutting power at the circuit breaker stop the dishwasher.

    Model
    665.16509200
    Serial number
    FP0611853
    Bought from
    Sears
    Where
    Salem, Missouri: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 56, 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
  18. No one hurt

    Made Apr 23, 2012, sent to the company Apr 30, 2012, published by CPSC May 14, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Undercounter Dishwasher Stock number: 18022, Type: 575-0

    We had a Sears Dishwasher Model number 665.16022401, Serial number: FS0807931. This unit caught fire in the Control Panel area with a few flames but a lot of black smoke. We had just turned it on about 10 minutes prior to smelling the smoke then we noticed small flames coming from the area of the panel where the start button. The unit didn’t shut off nor could opening the door stop the unit from running, I had to shut the unit off by way of the fuse panel in the garage. After I removed all the contents, pulled the unit from under neath the cabinet, and drained the water I removed the control panel and the circuit board was chard.

    Model
    665.16022401
    UPC
    UNK
    Serial number
    FS0807931
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Mar 2, 2006
    Where
    Cape Coral, Florida: 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
  19. No one hurt

    Made Apr 16, 2012, sent to the company May 4, 2012, published by CPSC May 18, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Under the Counter Dishwasher

    The consumer wanted to express her concerns about her under the counter dishwasher as the product began to smoke and nearly caused a fire in the consumer’s home. The consumer stated that the product was on a normal cycle for nearly 45 minutes before smoke filled her kitchen. The consumer stated that the damage did not spread to her home but the unit’s control board is burned and the internal wires have melted.

    The consumer stopped the unit from smoking further as she turned off the unit at the circuit breaker and the smoking subsided. The consumer did not call her local fire department or her home insurance company. The consumer has not called the firm or the retailer.

    Model
    665.16052400
    Serial number
    FR4504422
    Bought from
    Sears, New Jersey
    Bought
    Jul 15, 2007, about then
    Where
    Forked River, New Jersey: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Female
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  20. No one hurt

    Made Apr 6, 2012, sent to the company Apr 13, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 27, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite under-counter built-in dishwasher, white.

    Dishwasher was operating when the control panel began a buzzing/clicking noise and black smoke poured from the opening for the catch. Opened the dishwasher to stop the cycle, then opened the circuit breaker. Disassembly of the control panel revealed burned components inside.

    Model
    665.17482300
    Serial number
    FR2502690
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jun 9, 2004, about then
    Where
    South Deerfield, Massachusetts: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 45, Female
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  21. No one hurt

    Made Apr 3, 2012, sent to the company Apr 11, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 25, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore tall tub smartwash dishwasher, black, sensor ATC quietguard, undercounter, plastic tub

    Kenmore dishwasher leaked water damaging kitchen flooring and subfloor. We found a small burn hole in the bottom of the plastic tub under the heating element. We have thousands of dollars worth of damage and repair needed and are awaiting insurance co. determination if mold has occurred or how much of kitchen needs replacing. Just found out there was a recall on this model but not for this problem.

    Model
    665.16379301
    Serial number
    FR3511836
    Where
    Grand Ledge, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Unknown
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Smartwash, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  22. No one hurt

    Made Apr 2, 2012, sent to the company May 10, 2012, published by CPSC May 24, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The consumer says that the unit was turned on “normal” wash mode and within a few minutes, smoke started coming out of the top of the door near the control panel. Soon, there were sparks, which turned into flames. The fire department arrived within 6 minutes of the call and stopped the spread of the fire. There is resulting electrical damage as well as damage to the countertop and cabinets. The machine was purchased in 2003, but a new control panel was installed by Sears, in November, 2010, while under extended warranty coverage. Originally, the retailer said there is nothing they can do about it because it is no longer under warranty. After making many more calls, Whirlpool Corporation claims they will assume responsibility for the damage resulting from this incident.

    Model
    665.16462300
    Serial number
    FP4703196
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jun 15, 2003, about then
    Where
    Highland Park, Illinois: 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
  23. No one hurt

    Made Mar 24, 2012, sent to the company Apr 2, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 16, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore under counter dishwasher

    Kenmore dishwasher was in wash cycle and black smoke started comming out of the control panel, my wife also said she heard it making some kind of grinding sound which caused her togo into the kitchen and notice the black smoke. She called me in from outside and it was smoking very bad. I opened the door to shut it off and the smoke stopped after several minutes, now it will not work.

    Model
    665.15874000
    Serial number
    fmo313741
    Bought from
    Sears, Mississippi
    Where
    shannon, Mississippi: 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
  24. No one hurt

    Made Mar 23, 2012, sent to the company Apr 19, 2012, published by CPSC May 3, 2012

    The product, in the report: Under counter dishwasher

    The consumer has a under the counter dishwasher that was working correctly until the control panel malfunction.

    Jan 25, 2012 He had a technician changed the fuse on the control panel which corrected the problem. He used the dishwasher for the next four days without any interruptions. On 1/29/2012 the consumer had the dishwasher on the cleaning cycle for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. His son informed him that the dishwasher was emitting smoke out of the control panel.

    The consumer stated that the dishwasher stopped working by itself; he did not have to turn it off. He stated that it took approximately 20 minutes for the smoke to disappear from his kitchen, but the burning smell linger in his home for almost a week.

    He did not see any fire and did not have to contact the fire department. The circuit board on the dishwasher had burnt itself out. There was no damage to his home and no one was injured. He contacted the manufacture who did not offer any assistance.

    The consumer believes that it is a silent fire hazard because there was no indication that this could have happened.

    Model
    665.16269400
    Serial number
    FR4301858
    Bought from
    Sears, Illinois
    Bought
    Nov 17, 2004
    Where
    Orland Park, Illinois: Unspecified
    Who was involved
    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
  25. No one hurt

    Made Mar 22, 2012, sent to the company May 1, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 23, 2014

    The product, in the report: Under the counter dishwasher

    The consumer stated that on March 20, 2012 his dishwasher caught on fire while it was running the cleaning cycle for approximately 10 minutes. The upper part of the door (control panel) was emitting flames. He tried to turn the dishwasher off through the control panel and it did not work. He turned it off from the circuit breaker and by the time (unknown) he got back to the kitchen the flames had stopped.

    The consumer stated that the control board and the circuit were chard, melted and burnt. The dishwasher is no longer usable and the consumer does not plan to try to use it. He stated that this was the first time that he experienced any problems with the dishwasher.

    There was no damage to the consumer’s home. He did not have to contact the fire department. There were no injuries.

    The consumer feels that this is a fire hazard because it could of cause a house fire and possible deaths. He feel that this should be investigated.

    Model
    66517059400
    Bought from
    Sears, Illinois
    Bought
    Jan 15, 2007, about then
    Where
    west chicago, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Male
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore - whirlpool, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  26. No one hurt

    Made Mar 21, 2012, sent to the company Mar 29, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 12, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore “Ultra Wash” Dishwasher. COLOR: Bisque STOCK#: 16374 TYPE#: 575-0

    Within 5 or 10 minutes of starting a cycle, I smelled burning electrical and plastic. Black smoke was pouring from the front of the dishwasher and had filled the kitchen. I reached under the sink and pulled the power cord out from the receptacle stopping power to the dishwasher. After the smoke cleared, I opened the dishwasher and saw nothing wrong. Once my husband came home, he removed the front panel and saw the circuit board had started on fire.

    Brand: Kenmore Model: Ultra Wash Year Purchased: 2004 Circuit Board P/N: Whirlpool 8534963 REV.A

    Model
    Ultra Wash
    Serial number
    FR3047064
    Bought from
    Sears, Wisconsin
    Bought
    Aug 9, 2004
    Where
    PLYMOUTH, Wisconsin: 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
  27. No one hurt

    Made Mar 20, 2012, sent to the company Apr 17, 2012, published by CPSC May 1, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    Caller’s wife loaded dishwasher, turned on then went upstairs for approximately five minutes but when she returned the dishwasher was not running and a very bad odor of electrical burning was present. She opened the dishwasher door, she didn’t observe any smoke or fire. She went to breaker box and disconnected power to unit. The odor of electrical burning was in the kitchen and in the den. Both rooms had to be “aired out” but odor did not dissipate until Monday, March 19th and is still present inside dishwasher.

    Caller contacted repair who came out to house then shared with caller that control panel, wiring harness as well as all other electrical was burned and destroyed. Repair Tech estimated repair cost at $658.75.

    Caller states that dishwasher was approximately ten years old and some problems are expected but not fire or danger of home burning if caller and wife had gone out.

    Caller would like explanation from manufacturer, “Why wasn’t the danger of burning made public”? He would like to know what type of relief is being offered to the consumer. He is asking, “Even if this were to be repaired, would this just happen again?”

    Model
    665.16609300
    Serial number
    FP1706821
    Bought from
    Sears, Virginia
    Bought
    Mar 20, 2002, about then
    Where
    Mechanicsville, Virginia: 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
  28. No one hurt

    Made Mar 20, 2012, sent to the company Mar 27, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 10, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore UltraWash Dishwasher Model No. 665.17022401, Serial No. FSO401475

    Noticed one day that the green power light on panel of dishwasher was off. Did troubleshooting listed in users manual but could not get any power. Checked household circuit breaker for the dishwasher, and it was not tripped. Called appliance repairman who discovered that the entire circuit board in the control panel of the dishwasher was burnt out. Heat has been sufficient to penetrate the holder for the circuit board and blister the covering of the front control panel. Amazingly, no fire was started.

    Model
    UltraWash Model No. 665.17022401
    Serial number
    FSO401475
    Bought from
    Sears
    Where
    El Paso, Texas: 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
  29. No one hurt

    Made Mar 16, 2012, sent to the company Apr 18, 2012, published by CPSC May 2, 2012

    The product, in the report: Under counter dishwasher

    The consumer reported that his spouse turned the dishwasher on cleaning cycle and within 10 minutes smoke and flames where coming from the top where the control panel was located. The door was opened and the flame stopped, but restarted as soon as it was closed. He immediately unplugged the dishwasher to prevent a house fire.

    There was no damages around the dishwasher or his home. The consumer was not injured.

    3/16/12 The manufacturer was contacted and he was advised that a technician would be sent out at the charge of $75 but the consumer declined.

    The consumer feels that the dishwasher is a fire hazard and should be reported.

    Model
    66516882000
    UPC
    unknown
    Serial number
    FL2805889
    Bought from
    Sears, Michigan
    Bought
    Jan 1, 2001, about then
    Where
    Clinton Township, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 67, 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
  30. No one hurt

    Made Mar 15, 2012, sent to the company Mar 23, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 6, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher, standard size, under-the-counter installation, electronic control panel, stainless steel finish

    Our dishwasher is about four years old and has had no previous issues. One evening it began to produce a strange smell during a normal wash cycle. The fumes grew stronger and more noxious the next time we ran it, so we turned off and opened the dishwasher before it finished the wash cycle. We could see no heavy scale buildup on the heating element nor obstructions in the drain. We then disconnected the power supply and removed the front base plate. On the underside of the dishwasher, we saw that one of the wires attached to the heating element was completely exposed. About an inch of insulation and the connector had melted away - the melting plastic was emitting the fumes every time the heating element turned on. There also appeared to be some corrosion on the brass connector to which the wire is soldered. We have not used the dishwasher since then because of concerns of a risk of overheating and fire.

    Model
    587.15193402
    Serial number
    TH64455054
    Bought from
    Sears Hardware, Illinois
    Where
    Schaumburg, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 3, Male
    The reporter’s relation to them
    My Child
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  31. No one hurt

    Made Mar 15, 2012, sent to the company Mar 23, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 6, 2012

    The product, in the report: This is a Kenmore Elite Dishwasher purchased in March 2004. The machine has never required service and has always provided good service. Model: 665.17483300 S/N: FP4402110. This model was the high end Kenmore product with stainless steel inside tub and outside covering with black plastic upper control panel. We have been very satisfied with this machine up until this incident occurred.

    I wish to report a safety concern regarding a Kenmore Dishwasher that I purchased from Sears at the Arnot Mall, Horseheads, New York. On March 14 2012 my wife loaded the dishwasher and started a normal wash cycle. Within six or seven minutes heavy dark smoke began to pour out of the upper control panel of the machine. I immediately opened the dishwasher door in order to stop the wash cycle but the machine continued to run throwing hot water out into the kitchen and the smoke also continued to come from the upper control panel. In order to stop the machine I went to the main house electrical box and turned off the circuit breaker which stopped the machine although smoke continued to come out of the panel. I then took my tools and removed the control panel to insure the fire was extinguished. The fire appears to have started in the wiring ribbon (tail) that connects to the electrical circuit board. I have taken some photos of the damaged components for reference. Machine History: Kenmore Dishwasher Model: 665.17483300 S/N: FP4402110 Stock: 17483 Type: 55770 Purchased: Sears, Arnot Mall, 3/13/2004

    Although damage to my home was limited to heavy smoke odor and slight discoloration to the underside of the kitchen counter top I am most concerned about what might have occurred had I not been standing next to the machine when this occurred. I believe this situation needs to be fully investigated by the manufacturer (Whirlpool) and Sears. It appears that the door latch assembly may have worn through the wire ribbon after years of use. This is an out of warranty situation and replacement of the damaged parts needed to repair the machine far exceed the cost of a new machine. I contacted Sears Customer Support to report a “potential product safety issue” but after being passed off to five different people in multiple departments it became obvious that no one cared nor had any idea on how to handle my concern, therefore I am turning you your organization. The following sears part numbers identify each part of the machine that were damaged due to the fire. Board=8538871, Control Panel=8558062, Handle=8269632, Latch bolt=8193882, Electric Control=8564543, Actuator=8524471, Wire tail assembly=8539449, Thermal Fuse=8193762

    Model
    Model: 665.17483300
    Serial number
    FP4402110
    Bought from
    Sears, New York
    Bought
    Mar 13, 2004
    Where
    Horseheads, New York: 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
  32. No one hurt

    Made Mar 12, 2012, sent to the company Jul 6, 2012, published by CPSC Jul 20, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The dishwasher began to leak months or years ago based on the findings. The leak was discovered on 21 Oct 2011 when I removed the gas range located adjacent to the dishwasher. The floorboard beneath the range was quite wet and had mold. Over the next week, the water mitigation company (sent by sent by my home insurer, USAA) removed the linoleum flooring to find a wet area measuring 4’ by 10’ with water soaked into the cabinet back vertical boards and up the wall sheet rock behind the cabinet.

    Additionally, water leaked into the crawlspace with mold there as well. The slow leak of soapy water from the operating dishwasher went undetected for a very long time hidden beneath the linoleum floor and behind/below the cabinet. The dishwasher was running when the leak was discovered; it never made any unusual noises.

    DPI was contracted by USAA to evaluate the dishwasher. They sent a private moving company who picked up the dishwasher from my home. I do not know where they perform the inspection. I do not know the source of the piece of glass found in the dishwasher mentioned in the report, I but assume it is unrelated to the defect that caused the leak.

    The recall mentioned in the report was announced by the CPSC (Release# 05-123). I was not notified of the release despite having purchased the dishwasher in December 2004 from Sears on my Sears credit account and Sears delivered the unit to my home.

    Model
    665.17034400
    UPC
    n/a
    Serial number
    FR4002560
    Bought from
    Sears, Virginia
    Bought
    Nov 8, 2004
    Where
    Yorktown, Virginia: 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
  33. No one hurt

    Made Mar 10, 2012, sent to the company Mar 19, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 2, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    Kenmore Elite 665.16939000 Dishwasher began to smoke with very strong electrical smell to the smoke. We had to quickly cut power to the dishwasher. It is dead now. Lucky we were home to catch the problem.

    Model
    665.16939000
    Serial number
    FL4605870
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Oct 10, 2006
    Where
    Brookline, New Hampshire: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 51, Male
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  34. No one hurt

    Made Mar 5, 2012, sent to the company Mar 13, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 27, 2012

    The product, in the report: White Kenmore Elite washer machine

    My dishwasher was running on a normal wash when it started making grinding noises and smoke was coming out of the front of the control panel. The room was filled with toxic smoke fumes. The dishwasher would not stop flashing and smoking until the breaker was shut off.

    Model
    665 16912001
    Serial number
    FL0505451
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Feb 15, 2001
    Where
    Plaistow, New Hampshire: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 47, 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
  35. No one hurt

    Made Mar 5, 2012, sent to the company Mar 13, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 27, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Ultra Dishwasher Model 665.16369301

    On March 4, 2012 I was running our Kenmore Ultra Wash dishwasher, model # 665.16369301, serial number FR3515690. It started making a strange noise so I went to the kitchen to investigate and there was a flame coming out of the top of the dishwasher so I opened the door to make it stop running. When I opened it, it didn’t stop running!! I then turned off the switch to cut the electricity to the machine. I am so glad I was home because I believe it could have caused a larger fire if I didn’t cut off the electricity to the machine.

    I also noticed an electrical burning smell and this stench lingered for over an hour.

    I purchsed the machine in September 2004

    Model
    Model 665.16369301
    Serial number
    FR3515690
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Sep 4, 2004
    Where
    Sylvania, 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
  36. No one hurt

    Made Mar 5, 2012, sent to the company Apr 2, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 16, 2012

    The product, in the report: Under Counter Dishwasher

    The consumer says that she noticed there was a small water leak coming out of her dishwasher. The dryer heating element has burned a hole in the bottom of the tub. The authorized technician came out today and said it was the same symptoms that was occurring on the recalled units. The consumer has had damage to her floor. She has tried to contact the retailer and manufacturer but has been unsuccessful.

    Model
    665.17039401
    Serial number
    FS1608827
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Mar 15, 2007, about then
    Where
    Unspecified: Unspecified
    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
  37. No one hurt

    Made Mar 3, 2012, sent to the company Mar 12, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 26, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher Model No: 66516032402, serial no: FS3604991 used to wash dishes.

    Control Board on Kenmore Dishwasher Model 66516032402, Serial No. FS3604991 overheated while it was in operation. Heavy black smoke came out of the top right front of the unit. Shut off the power to unit before any damage could be done.

    Model
    66516032402
    Serial number
    FS3604991
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Nov 26, 2005, about then
    Where
    Rock Hill, South Carolina: 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
  38. No one hurt

    Made Feb 29, 2012, sent to the company Mar 15, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 29, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Under the counter dishwasher

    The consumer stated that his under the counter dishwasher is a potential safety hazard. The consumer stated that the dishwasher caught fire under the mechanical board. The consumer stated that the dishwasher was in a normal cycle for about 10-20 minutes before the product caught fire.

    The consumer opened the door of the dishwasher and the fire burned itself out. The consumer described the unit as unusable and there are burn marks to the stainless steel outer panel. The consumer found that his control panel has burned. The consumer could smell the electrical burning and also could hear a popping noise coming from the dishwasher.

    The consumer stated that his model was cited in recall release 05-123 and poses the same hazard. The consumer stated that there no was no extensive property damage. The consumer was not injured by the product. The consumer did not call the fire department or his home insurance company.

    The consumer unplugged the unit from the wall outlet. The consumer called the firm today and their response was that his product was not on recall. The firm offered to fix the product at the consumer’s expense. The consumer decided not to schedule a repair. The consumer called the retailer today and was referred to the firm.

    Model
    66516463300
    Serial number
    FR3511730
    Bought from
    Sears, California
    Bought
    Sep 15, 2004
    Where
    Tarzana, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Male
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  39. No one hurt

    Made Feb 27, 2012, sent to the company Mar 6, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 20, 2012

    The product, in the report: It is a Kenmore dishwasher purchased at Sears in 2004. Model # is 665.16463300. It has a stainless steel front.

    Last night I was running my dishwasher and heard weird hissing sounds and a smelled something burning. I looked over at my dishwasher and flames were coming out around the control panel. I was so happy I was awake and the towel right next to it didn’t catch fire as well. It stopped when I got it turned off.

    Model
    665.16463300
    Serial number
    FR2107000
    Bought from
    Sears, Ohio
    Bought
    Feb 1, 2003, about then
    Where
    hilliard, Unspecified: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 34, 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
  40. No one hurt

    Made Feb 27, 2012, sent to the company Mar 6, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 20, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite 24 inch Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub bought from Sears store 1623 on 2/2/05. Model # 66516272400.

    My dishwasher’s control panel caught fire. An awful electrical smell permeated my kitchen and living room. Luckily, I was home so only dishwasher was damaged. When I opened the door, the dishwasher would not stop. As a result, I had an electrical fire issue AND I was standing in water now. I was able to kill power through circuit breaker.

    I paid $1000 for this Kenmore Elite dishwasher and have only used it for 7 years. My model number is 66516272400. It was purchased at Sears (Store #1623) on 2/2/05 and delivered on 2/8/05.

    When I asked Sears Customer Solutions if they knew about any problems with this dishwasher, their response was “We checked the CPSC records and found nothing.” I’ve researched this problem and found www.kitchenaidfire.com website. I cannot believe so many people have had this problem and CPSC and Consumer Reports have not done anything to warn customers or to force a recall to date.

    My hope is that giving you this information will help your investigation into this matter. Sears only offered two remedies: 1) buy a broken appliance service contract for $200 and if the tech could not fix it, Sears would offer a $500 voucher toward purchase of new dishwasher or 2) join class-action lawsuit (filed in CA in Nov. 2011--see www.kitchenaidfire.com for details).

    Unacceptable! My dishwasher should have lasted another 5 years at least! And it probably would have if it had not been for the defective circuit board meltdown! The dishwasher looks new inside and out except for damaged part. Online chats indicated that the problem will probably occur again if the circuit board was replaced because the seals to keep moisture out was defective? Other sites say the load is too great for the circuit board?

    I hope you get to the bottom of this issue and make the appropriate manufacturer accountable for this defect. Ideally, that would mean a recall to protect current and future customer from this safety hazard.

    Thanks! Please update me on your findings ASAP.

    Model
    66516272400
    UPC
    could not find
    Serial number
    FR4401282
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Feb 2, 2005
    Where
    Brewerton, New York: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Unknown
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  41. No one hurt

    Made Feb 27, 2012, sent to the company Mar 5, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 19, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Model # 665.16493300

    The electronics box in my dishwasher caught fire. Resulted in kitchen filling with electrical fire smell, and fire department being called. Sears Kenmore Elite Model # 656.16493300

    Model
    665.16493300
    UPC
    16493
    Serial number
    FR3310477
    Bought from
    With house
    Where
    Champaign, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 40, Male
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  42. No one hurt

    Made Feb 26, 2012, sent to the company Mar 5, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 26, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite dishwaher

    During normal operation, our Kenmore Elite dishwasher caught fire. My two children, wife and I were asleep at the time. Smoke filled the house. We inhaled the smoke as we woke, called 911 and evacuated the house. The fire department arrived and located the problem: electrical components within the dishwasher door. The top of the door of the dishwasher was charred, melted plastic. I have photos. The underside of my countertop is also charred. I am thankful that our smoke alarms functioned properly and woke us before the fire further threatened my family.

    I emailed Kenmore to report the problem and received no response. I called and got nowhere.

    Where
    Denver, Colorado: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    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
  43. No one hurt

    Made Feb 23, 2012, sent to the company May 14, 2012, published by CPSC May 29, 2012

    The product, in the report: kenmore dishwasher

    we have a 2.5 year old kenmore dishwasher. (model 13843K) at the age of 2 the internal racks started melting leaving exposed rusty end pieces. We called kenmore and were told this happens often and that the racks usually last for 2 years. They sent replacement racks that are not the same as the original and do not clean as many dishes at the same time. We were never aware that their racks had a 2 year shelf life and now dont use the unit as we are afraid of rust pieces coming off the racks and getting onto our silverware

    Model
    665.13843k-601
    Serial number
    fw5019672
    Bought from
    sears, New York
    Bought
    Jul 1, 2009, about then
    Where
    great neck, New York: 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
  44. No one hurt

    Made Feb 21, 2012, sent to the company Mar 30, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 13, 2012

    The product, in the report: Stainless Steel under the dishwasher

    The appliance was placed in the normal wash cycle and while it was going to the rinse cycle the consumer noticed smoke coming from the door. The amount of time for the setting of the cycle is approximately 45 minutes long

    The door to appliance was opened and the smoke dissipated and the circuit breaker was pulled. The consumer took the door apart and noticed that the wires overheated and sever charring on the circuit board.

    The firm was contacted the week 2/13/2012 and he was advised there was no recall involving his model number. They offered to send out a service technician but the consumer would be required to pay out of pocket.

    The consumer was advised to contact his home owner’s insurance. The consumer declined in making any repairs to the appliance. The consumer indicated that he would purchase a new one.

    Model
    665.16572201
    Serial number
    FP1404497
    Bought from
    Sears, Utah
    Bought
    Feb 21, 2003
    Where
    Santaquin, Utah: 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
  45. No one hurt

    Made Feb 21, 2012, sent to the company Feb 29, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 14, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite dishwasher, color black

    I own a Kenmore Elite dishwasher model #665.13129K703 that I use to in my home to wash dishes. Last night I noticed some debris just below the door of the dishwasher. I picked up the pieces and inspected them closely and discovered the pieces I was holding was what appeared to be melted plastic, So I ran my hand up under the door and could feel from left to right under the door that something was curling up and falling away from the bottom of the dishwasher tub just behind the door. I suspect that the drying element inside dishwasher tub has been getting so hot over a period of time that it is melting the rubber (I am assuming its a rubber mat or insulating material of some sort that is applied to the bottom of the tub on its exterior) which is causing it to curl downward and away from the tub. The curled end has become brittle and is now breaking off into pieces onto the floor beneath the door. The melting has been occurring for some time now most likely and not until the evidence began falling onto the floor was it noticible. Thats how I discovered I have a problem. Sears who sells this dishwasher simply will not send out a technician to investigage this serious problem that if its getting this appliance so hot that it is melting some of the material used in its construction. I am concerned it could cause a household fire. I have frequently used the delayed start so that dishes could be washed and dryed during our absense from the home. If it caught fire during one of those times, no one would be on site to use a fire extingusher on it. At this point I don’t know if I should continue to use it or not, but if I do i will turn off the heat/dry function. I contacted SEARS service but they were not interested in sending out technician to investigate the the problem and get pictures of the melted parts. I felt like I had no other place to turn for help but your agency. I reported it on your webside and received an email to submit this report online at this URL. I took pictures of the pieces that feel onto the floor, but the unit would have to be removed and turned up to get pictures of the curling rubber matting I described above.

    Model
    Kenmore Elite / Mod #665.13129K703
    UPC
    Unknown
    Serial number
    FY4702917
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Feb 1, 2009
    Where
    Panama City, Florida: 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
  46. No one hurt

    Made Feb 21, 2012, sent to the company Apr 6, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 20, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The caller stated that while the dishwasher was placed in use for approximately 15 mins, he smelled an odor of burning wires, he discovered that there was flames emitting from the control panel. He immediately opened it and used a dish rag to contain the fire. The dishwasher was disconnected to prevent further damages. The unit remains inoperable, because the electronic components were melted. This was the first incident.

    2/20/12 The manufacturer was contacted and he was advised that his unit was not part of a recall.

    The caller feels that this dishwasher is a fire hazard and should be recalled.

    Model
    665.17462300
    UPC
    n/a
    Serial number
    FR3116680
    Bought from
    Sears, New Jersey
    Bought
    Feb 1, 2006, about then
    Where
    Sewell, New Jersey: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    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
  47. 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: Kenmore under counter plastic tub dishwasher. Ultra Wash Quiet Guard 3 on the outside of the dishwasher. White door.

    Sears Kenmore dishwasher Model #665-17022402, serial number FS4703826. My daughter walked into the kitchen and heard a beeping/grinding/popping sound. She looked over and saw smoke coming out from the top of the dishwasher and bright lights flashing behind the control panel. We opened the door to find the dishwasher filled with smoke and water as the wash cycle had just started. There was also a strong smell of burnt/melted plastic in the kitchen which took several hours to air out. We turned off the power to the appliance and contacted Sears through e-mail. We have not heard back from Sears yet. The product was purchased on 11-20-2005 and installed through Sears.

    Model
    665-17022402
    Serial number
    FS4703826
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Nov 20, 2005
    Where
    Appleton, Wisconsin: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 10, Female
    The reporter’s relation to them
    My Child
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  48. No one hurt

    Made Feb 18, 2012, sent to the company Feb 28, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 13, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore elite stainless steel dishwasher

    Smell of burning plastic, electrical fire coming from dishwasher

    Model
    665.13923k010
    Serial number
    f10112877
    Bought from
    sears, Michigan
    Bought
    Dec 15, 2010, about then
    Where
    shelby township, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 37, 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
  49. No one hurt

    Made Feb 17, 2012, sent to the company Feb 27, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 12, 2012

    The product, in the report: Built in Dishwasher

    Dishwasher started smoking from door until I turned off circuit breaker.

    I suspect the heating element failed and the safety fuse did not blow. The circuit board was melted along with three connector housings

    Kenmore Elite 665.16472300

    Model
    665.16472300
    Serial number
    FR3402884
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Oct 1, 2004, about then
    Where
    Bow, New Hampshire: 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
  50. No one hurt

    Made Feb 16, 2012, sent to the company Mar 16, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 30, 2012

    The product, in the report: stainless steel under the counter dishwasher

    The consumer powered the appliance in the on position and two minutes in the time saver wash setting when she heard a popping noise. She then noticed smoke coming from the top right corner of the control panel.

    She immediately opened the door and still heard the popping sound. Some smoke was still coming out. The consumer indicated that she had a screw missing on the door that holds the control panel in place and she was able to see the flames inside of the control panel. The flames extinguished on their own.

    The consumer pulled the circuit breaker that controlled the power to the dishwasher. The retailer was contacted on 2/14/2012 and she was advised that her model was not affected by a recall.

    The consumer was advised by the representative that she spoke with (name not provided) that she would forward the information to CPSC.

    The consumer indicated that her concerns are if she was not home there could have possibly been a fire in her dishwasher causing her to lose her home, or asleep at night, and loss of a family member.

    Model
    665.15919000
    Serial number
    FK3402332
    Bought from
    Sears, Ohio
    Bought
    Aug 1, 2002
    Where
    Norton, Ohio: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Female
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  51. No one hurt

    Made Feb 14, 2012, sent to the company Mar 20, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 5, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The consumer says black smoke was coming out of dishwasher halfway thru the wash cycle. He shut off the circuit breaker and the water. He opened the door and took out the dishes. The unit is recalled under Release # 05-123.

    Model
    665.16364301
    Serial number
    FR2307541
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Feb 15, 2006, about then
    Where
    Unspecified: Unspecified
    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
  52. No one hurt

    Made Feb 12, 2012, sent to the company Feb 21, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 6, 2012

    The product, in the report: Built-in Kenmore Elite Black Dishwasher

    On Friday, February 10, 2012, the control panel module for our Kenmore Elite built-in dishwasher (Model # 665.17039402) overheated and burned, emitting obnoxious fumes. I was very concerned for my pet parrots’ lives. I had to open our windows during one of Michigan’s coldest winter days this year to save the lives of my pets. In any case, I opened the dishwasher to let it cool off. We were so lucky I had not yet left for work (as I often have left this dishwasher running while I left for work in the past). When my husband came home, he identified that the circuit board associated with the control panel was badly burned (black and melted). I noticed there is a class action suit against Whirlpool (makers of this circuit board), however I did not see my model number listed. Please be sure my model number is included for warning others that may have purchased this dishwasher.

    Thanks! [REDACTED]

    Model
    665.17039402
    UPC
    unkown
    Serial number
    FS4708492
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Nov 12, 2004, about then
    Where
    Commerce Twp, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 52, Female
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  53. No one hurt

    Made Feb 10, 2012, sent to the company Feb 17, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 5, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore dishwasher Modle #665, serial# 16939000

    Kenmore dishwasher, Modle 665, serial # 16939000, started dishwasher and after 5-10 minutes noticed smoke, it had cough fire, when opened black smoke rolled out with fire coming from what appears to be behind the front control panel. Turned off water and shut off circut breaker. Unit was replaced. Still have this unit for inspection.

    Model
    665 (there are no other numbers on the product tag inside)
    Serial number
    16939000
    Bought from
    Sears
    Where
    Mount Olive, Illinois: 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
  54. No one hurt

    Made Feb 10, 2012, sent to the company Feb 17, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 5, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher

    The electronics control box on my Kenmore (manufatured by Whirlpool) diswasher was smoking heavily when I returned from an evening meeting. My wife had set the appliance for delayed start and it had begun to stall. Smoke poured from the unit, I was unable to turn it off at the control panel and had to access my circut breaker box to turn off the power. I discovered that the module was melted from the heat when I removed the front panel to investigate the problem. I ordered a replacement part from Kenmore/Sears. The thermal limit switch, designed to prevent this still had connectivity when I replaced the module, but it malfunctioned shortly thereafter. The replacement thermal limit fuse had different connectors and shielding so perhaps the company is aware of this problem. I contacted Sears to report this and was told they had not had any reports. A manager was to call me but I have not been contacted to date. To date we are not running the unit without someone present. I received my March issue of Consumer Reports and was not surprised to read the very timely (for us) article on appliance fires.

    Model
    665.16289400
    Serial number
    FR4601460
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Nov 30, 2004, about then
    Where
    Newark, Delaware: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 64, Male
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite Ultrawash Dishwasher, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  55. No one hurt

    Made Feb 8, 2012, sent to the company Feb 16, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 2, 2012

    The product, in the report: Seven year old Kenmore Elite dishwasher, model number 665.16263400. Stainless steel.

    Our seven year old Kenmore Elite dishwasher, model 665.16263400, caught fire last week. We were home, and awake, when it happened. It is our habit to turn the dishwasher on when we go to bed but fortunately we did not on this night. The fire started after the second wash cycle had started. First heard a light pop, thought it was ice cubes dropping in the refrigerator, and then a minute later a louder one that sent us both running for the kitchen. Smoke was coming out the top and my husband saw flames near the bottom. We pulled the door open and that turned the machine off. We then turned the power off at the main source. The fire was in the control panel at top right front of door but a slight char mark was also found on the floor under the machine when it was pulled out.

    Model
    Elite 665.16263400
    UPC
    17263
    Serial number
    FS 1206559
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Apr 14, 2005, about then
    Where
    Springfield, Oregon: 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
  56. No one hurt

    Made Feb 8, 2012, sent to the company Feb 29, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 14, 2012

    The product, in the report: under the counter diswahser

    Within one minute of the dishwasher being started on the normal setting the consumer noticed sparks and flames coming from the control panel so he immediately grabbed a towel to open the door.

    With the door to the appliance open smoke began to pour out of the machine and it stopped operating. There was a toxic burning plastic odor in the home and some furniture in the home still has the odor in it. He has not used the appliance since the failure occurred.

    Public Service Electric and gas (Utility company with his state0 came out to the home on 2/8/2012 and took a look at the electric board, electric harness and wires were burned.

    He has not contacted the firm but plans to contact them. No repairs have been made to the appliance currently.

    The consumer indicated that if he was not in the home when the failure occurred there could have been a potential fire in the home.

    Model
    665-16579202
    Serial number
    FP2401392
    Bought from
    Sears, New Jersey
    Bought
    Jun 23, 2003
    Where
    Hackensack, New Jersey: 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
  57. No one hurt

    Made Feb 7, 2012, sent to the company Feb 29, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 14, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The consumer says the dishwasher was running for 30 minutes when she heard a strange noise. She opened the door but didnt see anything. The consumer started the unit again and within 15 seconds the dishwasher started smoking. She said that flames were coming out from underneath the control panel. She unplugged it and has not tried to do anything since.

    Model
    665.17369301
    Serial number
    FR2411247
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jun 26, 2004
    Where
    Unspecified: Unspecified
    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
  58. No one hurt

    Made Feb 6, 2012, sent to the company Feb 14, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 29, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher

    My Kenmore Elite Dishwasher, Model Number 665.17464300 Serial Number FR1707552 caught fire in the middle of a wash cycle. Smoke and sparks began to drift out of the control panel. Fortunately, we were home and able to stop operation of the dishwasher, which resolved the problem without causing property damage to our home. When we attempted to drain the dishwasher via the “cancel / drain” function of the dishwasher, the sparks and smoke resumed, so we stopped.

    I contacted Sears, and they were unwilling to send a repair person to assess the situation without charging us a repair fee since this dishwasher is not currently covered by recalls covering dishwashers apparently also reported catching fire.

    Model
    665.17464300
    Serial number
    FR1707552
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Feb 1, 2004, about then
    Where
    West Kingston, Rhode Island: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 48, Female
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  59. No one hurt

    Made Feb 6, 2012, sent to the company Feb 14, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 29, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Ultra Wash undercounter dishwasher, model #665.17362301, white, purchased in late June or very early July 2004 in the Sears at Dulles Town Center mall, Dulles VA; installed July 4, 2004

    I turned on my Kenmore dishwasher, model #665.17362301, purchased in July 2004, and shortly afterward I noticed it was making an unfamiliar sound. I was still in the kitchen. I turned to look at it and noticed a thin plume of black smoke coming from the right hand side of the control panel, near the top. I called my husband’s attention to it. Another plume of black smoke came out of a second area. I was about to open the door to stop the machine when a sudden flash of fire came from the front panel, then a loud “pop”, and much more smoke. Now I was afraid to touch the machine but I went ahead and opened it, expecting that would turn it off. However, the machine did not turn off as it normally would and water sprayed in all directions around the kitchen. I quickly shut the dishwasher door most of the way, while my husband went to the circuit breaker panel, which fortunately is in the kitchen. He flipped the switch for the dishwasher and cut the power.

    Certain serial numbers of this dishwasher were recalled in 2005, but when I called about mine, I was told that my dishwasher’s serial number was not part of the recall, and that my machine was fine to use.

    I am horrified by this incident because many, many, many times we have started the dishwasher at the end of the night and gone directly to bed. And many times we have started the dishwasher and then left the house. This could have caused serious injury or property damage.

    Model
    665.17362301
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jul 3, 2004, about then
    Where
    Reston, Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 44, Male
    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
  60. No one hurt

    Made Feb 3, 2012, sent to the company Feb 13, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 28, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore elite tall boy dishwasher

    A short time into the wash cycle of my kenmore elite tall boy dishwasher it made a popping, gurgling noise which was followed by a terrible smell. Smoke began to fill up the kitchen. The dishwasher has standing water inside it and is non functional. It appears to have no functioning electronics.

    Something inside the door had caught on fire. The smell is still terrible 8 hours after the fire has gone out. This happened this morning. I told my brother who had heard of the class action lawsuit so I did some research on the Internet, and it appears we have also been a victim of this faulty product.

    Model
    665.16482300
    Serial number
    Fr2805153
    Bought from
    Sears, Illinois
    Bought
    Jul 26, 2004
    Where
    Glen Ellyn, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 50, 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
  61. No one hurt

    Made Feb 3, 2012, sent to the company Feb 10, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 27, 2012

    The product, in the report: this is a kenmore elite dishwaser. the front is mostly stainless steel, except the area across the top where the buttons are to select the type of wash you want for the dishes. This area is black plastic.

    Smoke started coming out of the front right side top of dishwasher. My husband said he thinks that it is the area where the circut board is. There is a little melting in the area where the smoke came out. I was unable to shut the dish washer off with the cancel/drain button. The dishwasher would not shut off when I opened it either. My Husband had to go to the basement and shut the power off.

    Model
    665.17463300
    Serial number
    fr3309842
    Bought from
    sears
    Bought
    Feb 1, 2006, about then
    Where
    Groton, Massachusetts: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Unspecified
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand kenmore elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  62. No one hurt

    Made Feb 3, 2012, sent to the company Feb 10, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 27, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Quietguard, standard model 587.15149403 Serial number TH73359040

    I turned on the dishwasher to normal cycle and after about 5 to 10 minutes, I noticed a electrical, plastic kind of burning odor. I immediately turned off the dishwasher.

    It is a Kenmore quietguard, standard dishwasher.

    I had noticed on prior use of the dishwasher it would be extremely hot when standing by it.

    Model
    587.15149403
    Serial number
    TH73359040
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    May 20, 2009, about then
    Where
    Delray Beach, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 64, 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
  63. No one hurt

    Made Feb 2, 2012, sent to the company Sep 21, 2012, published by CPSC Oct 5, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    Kenmore dishwasher w/ Date Of Manufacture unknown.

    Dishwasher caught fire Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Caller’s wife started dishwasher on normal cycle and left the kitchen, she went to the back of the house, caller was sitting at his computer which is approximately 25 feet from the kitchen. Caller and wife estimate that about a half hour later caller began to smell burning, got up and while he was trying to narrow to what was burning his wife came from the back of the house and the two tracked smell to dishwasher.

    As they were standing in the kitchen smoke began coming out of the dryer front top portion bottom seam of the dishwasher just below the buttons. Smoke was thick, black and was coming out in streams. Caller opened the door of the dishwasher then went to garage and killed breaker. The panel was hot.

    Caller and wife monitored dishwasher for a while to be sure it wasn’t going to still catch fire then once they were satisfied that it had cooled off sufficiently they then left the kitchen. They have not tried to use the dishwasher again due to being afraid of fire.

    Callers would like to have this dishwasher investigated and recalled.

    Model
    665.17034401
    Serial number
    FS2509739
    Bought from
    Sear, Oregon
    Bought
    Jun 15, 2007, about then
    Where
    Sisters, Oregon: 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
  64. No one hurt

    Made Feb 2, 2012, sent to the company Feb 29, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 14, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher (under counter)

    The consumer stated that the dishwasher was placed in delay start before going to bed. When he awoke next morning, there was a burnt odor (like an electrical fire) and discovered that the unit was inoperable. He opened the door and unscrew the control board and noticed that the electrical components had melted.

    The consumer stated that he thought that he could replace the parts but all the wires had melted and were irrepairable.

    11/25/2011 The retailer was contacted and the consumer was advised that the dishwasher was out of warranty and that he should purchase another dishwasher instead of attempting to repair it at that cost.

    The consumer is concerned that this dishwasher is fire hazard and should be investigated.

    Model
    665.17463300
    UPC
    n/a
    Serial number
    FR3309830
    Bought from
    Sears, Texas
    Bought
    Aug 14, 2004
    Where
    San Antonio, Texas: 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
  65. No one hurt

    Made Feb 2, 2012, sent to the company Feb 9, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 24, 2012

    The product, in the report: dishwasher

    I have a Kenmore dishwasher. Model #587.14001990 Serial # TH04786235 The washer has burned a hole in the side of the cabinet and it won’t complete its cycle now. This happened quite a few years ago but I saw on the news today that it might be a recall

    Model
    Model # 587.14001990
    Serial number
    THO4686230
    Bought from
    Sears
    Where
    Broomfield, Colorado: 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
  66. No one hurt

    Made Feb 2, 2012, sent to the company Feb 29, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 14, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The consumer says she smelled a strong odor from the kitchen. She opened it up but could not see anything. She continued using it. Days later she saw black smoke coming from the vent near the control center. She is afraid of using it now. The consumer says it had gone through the wash cycle and was on at the time it was smoking. She believes it was in the drying cycle at the time but cant recall how long it was on for. She continues to use it but without the heating cycle.

    Model
    665.13742K601
    Serial number
    FU3405599
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    May 5, 2008
    Where
    Unspecified: Unspecified
    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
  67. No one hurt

    Made Feb 1, 2012, sent to the company Feb 8, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 23, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Ultra Wash Undercounter Dishwasher, Black, Stainless Steel Tub

    After running for a short time, the dishwasher started making noises and smoke started pouring out of the door. The smoke continued for several minutes and when it stopped the door was slightly melted under the control panel on the right side. Burn marks were visible along the top right edge of the door. The neutral blade on the AC plug was scorched.

    Model
    665.16469300
    Serial number
    FP4301998
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Nov 2, 2003
    Where
    Albuquerque, New Mexico: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 40, 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
  68. No one hurt

    Made Jan 31, 2012, sent to the company Feb 7, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 22, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore dishwasher

    I heard on the news that [REDACTED] dishwashers were overheating and sometimes catching on fire. I have the same problem with my Kenmore dishwasher. It melted all the plasticware I had in the wash.

    [REDACTED]

    Model
    Ultra Wash
    Where
    Murchison, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 63, 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
  69. No one hurt

    Made Jan 30, 2012, sent to the company Feb 6, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 21, 2012

    The product, in the report: this was a Kenmore Elite Ultra Wash dishwasher model 665.17269400. Serial number FR5103002, stock number 17269, type number 577-D (or 577-0. Hard to distinguish on the label). Whirlpool P/N 8564546 GDWC - 02 DC 4330 64546000023601

    On 1/29/2012 at ~8:00pm pacific time, our dishwasher was running a load of dishes. Smoke came out of the control panel area of the washer, and then orange flames burst out as well. The smoke and flames disappeared after the dishwasher door was opened (which halts the wash cycle).

    this was a Kenmore Elite Ultra Wash dishwasher model 665.17269400. Serial number FR5103002, stock number 17269, type number 577-D (or 577-0. Hard to distinguish on the label).

    The dishwasher was running a “smart wash” cycle with the “sani-rinse” option on and the heated dry option off. It had been running for about 20 minutes when the flames appeared. The dishwasher was still full of water when the door was opened. We use cascade powered dishwasher detergent and jet-dry rinse aid.

    This dishwasher was originally purchased new from Sears in January 2005. We are the original owners of the dishwasher and operate it approximately once a day.

    This incident occurred with five people in the room, three of whom saw the flames.

    Model
    Kenmore Elite Ultra Wash 665.17269400
    Serial number
    FR5103002
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jan 1, 2005, about then
    Where
    La Canada, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 37, 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
  70. No one hurt

    Made Jan 30, 2012, sent to the company Feb 24, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 9, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    Consumer stated that while the dishwasher was in use for approximately 8 mins, his spouse heard a weird noise emitting from it and discovered that there were flames projecting from the vent and door of the dishwasher, the door was immediately opened and the flames were about 6 inches long emitting from each vent. The circuit breaker was switched off to prevent further damages.

    This incident left the control panel charred and melted. The dishwasher remains inoperable at this time.

    1/30/12 Consumer contacted the manufacturer and retailer through email but have not received a response as yet.

    Consumer feels that this dishwasher is a fire hazard and should be reported.

    Model
    665.16059400
    UPC
    n/a
    Serial number
    FR4503650
    Bought from
    Sears, Vermont
    Bought
    Jan 8, 2005
    Where
    Shelburne, Vermont: 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
  71. No one hurt

    Made Jan 30, 2012, sent to the company Oct 3, 2012, published by CPSC Oct 18, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The consumer says she smelled something burning when she saw smoke coming out of the top part of the dishwasher. The consumer says the unit was on roughly 45 minutes prior to the incident. She turned the unit off and then shut off the breaker. The consumer tried to turn it back on afterwards but the dishwasher didn’t do anything. The only thing it did is drain the water out. contacted the retailer who told her their are no recalls on her model and suggested that she contact CPSC.

    Model
    FP3602560
    Serial number
    665.16342300
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jan 15, 2004
    Where
    Dalton, Georgia: 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
  72. Hurt, no treatment

    Made Jan 26, 2012, sent to the company Feb 3, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 17, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher, under counter model, white in color

    My Sears Kenmore dishwasher control board melted.

    Sears Kenmore model 655.16362300 serial number FP4506316. The part that caught fire has a sticker stating Whirlpool P/N 8539379 REL

    Incident: We came home to find our kitchen filled with smoke. We found the dishwasher was the cause and that the control board within the door behind the control panel buttons had burnt.

    The plastic casing around the control board had started to burn and melt as well. There is a hole burnt through it.

    Our primary concern is the fire hazard and smoke damage. We were lucky the fire didn’t continue to burn and catch into our kitchen cupboards. The fumes from the burning circuit board and plastic casing seem toxic. This happened yesterday and the smell in our house is still bothering us.

    I have taken several pictures of the control board. It would appear that either poorly soldered connections on the circuit board or an under sized conductor caused the circuit board to overheat and burn.

    This does not appear to be an isolated incident.

    I found another report on saferproducts.gov involving the same part that is in my product that had the same failure. Look up report number 20110625-B6466-2147477854

    I found many other reports here http://www.kitchenaidfire.com/

    Model
    655.16362300
    Serial number
    FP4506316
    Bought from
    Sears Canada
    Bought
    May 8, 2004
    Where
    Moncton, Canada: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 8, 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
    Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
  73. No one hurt

    Made Jan 23, 2012, sent to the company Jan 30, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 13, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Model # 665.16479300

    Our Kenmore Elite dishwasher caught fire on 12/11/2009. My husband had stopped home in the afternoon and turned it on and left to return to work. My 14 year old daughter came off the school bus and entered the home to find it filled with gray smoke and horrific odor. She went next door and got the neighbor who shut off the circuit breaker and opened all the doors and windows. My husband and I both left work and as we entered the garage you could smell the smoke. This odor lasted for several days. We had Veitch appliance repair come to our home and they determined that it had caught fire and burned beyond repair.

    We called the Sears store where it was purchased without a response of any concern. We then went in to the store and asked for the manager. The most they could do was check if there were any recalls and simply told us no recalls and out of warranty. I expressed that I was concerned for the safety of others and that this needed to be reported, they would not take any action. I called Sears again on 11/25/2010 and was transferred to Customer Solutions [REDACTED] and was told I would receive a callback by the end of the business day. Still waiting. Called Whirlpool who refused to take a report or talk with me further stating that Sears does not allow them to speak to consumers of Kenmore products made for them by Whirlpool (Sears confirmed ours was made by Whirlpool for Kenmore). I tried to get a number for the president of Whirlpool and was refused. Again I voiced my concern that this could happen to others and the outcome could be much worse and wanted to be sure this was taken seriously...they didn’t care or even apologize or ask if we were ok.

    I saw on the news this past weekend that this has happened all over the country hundreds of times and went online to see what I can do. I call Sears as it showed in replies on this website. They only saw where they transferred my call to Customer Solutions on 11/25/2010. They assured me no recall and offered a $100 credit toward a new purchased and a $65 credit toward a service call. I told Sears they were more than welcome to send out a repair technician if it would be covered but I am not willing to pay them additional money when I already paid $100 to find out it was not repairable. They said the report would go to corporate but they keep the information internally and do not report to Consumer Protection. I find it appalling that Sears takes such a serious situation so lightly.

    Model
    model 665.16479300
    Serial number
    FP 4601886
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Nov 8, 2003
    Where
    Old Saybrook, Connecticut: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 14, Female
    The reporter’s relation to them
    My Child
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  74. No one hurt

    Made Jan 22, 2012, sent to the company Jan 30, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 13, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite dishwasher

    My wife was busy in the kitchen and smelt something burning. She established that the burning smell was coming from the dishwasher so she opened it. She then closed it and tried to restart it. At that point sparks flew from the control panel, so she called me to take a look. I tried restarting it again and black smoke poured from the control panel. I removed the screws holding the control panel and noticed that the connectors had melted and the panel had large black mark on it. At that point I searched the internet and found a website, http://www.kitchenaidfire.com/, that listed multiple incidents. I also found report 20111024-62CB9-2147474001 that references this exact model.

    Model
    665.16052400
    Serial number
    FR4504214
    Bought from
    Sears
    Where
    Coconut Creek, Florida: 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
  75. No one hurt

    Made Jan 22, 2012, sent to the company Jan 30, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 13, 2012

    The product, in the report: Almond colored Kenmore dishwasher

    About 11-12 years ago, my dishwasher burst into flames. I was in the room when it happened. The dishwasher was running, and there was a quick flash of light. Flames then started shooting out of the vent in the door right above the selector knob. I quickly unlocked the door, shutting off the dishwasher, and threw a dish towel over the fire putting it out. There did not appear to be any external damage, so I called a repairman. He opened things up and the circuit board was scorched and burnt, but all of the surrounding plastic wasn’t even melted. He told me that it was a bad circuit board, this kind of thing was isolated, and if he replaced the circuit board it would not be likely to occur again. I never run the dishwasher when we’re not at home, but it hasn’t given any problems since. I am only reporting this now after recently seeing a CBS news report of the same problem happening today.

    Model
    587.1640590
    Serial number
    13475340991
    Bought from
    Was installed in the home when we purchased it 1/15/98
    Where
    Bedford, Texas: 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
  76. No one hurt

    Made Jan 16, 2012, sent to the company Jan 24, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 7, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Ultra Wash Dishwaher Quiet Guard deluxe 665 stainless steel black

    Running dishwasher and an electrical burning smell was coming from dishwasher and then smoke. Immediately turned off.

    Model
    665.3723K601/Ultra Wash Dishwaher Quiet Guard deluxe 665
    Serial number
    FU2304058
    Bought from
    Sears, California
    Bought
    Nov 30, 2007, about then
    Where
    La Quinta, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 51, 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
  77. No one hurt

    Made Jan 15, 2012, sent to the company Jan 24, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 7, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite under counter mounted dishwasher

    My 7 year old Kenmore dishwasher caught on fire around the control panel. Fortunately I was home to turn off the electric supply to the unit. This seems like a very dangerous manufacturing defect that needs to be investigated.

    Model
    Kenmore Elite Ultra Wash
    Serial number
    665.17479300
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Aug 1, 2004, about then
    Where
    Fox River Grove, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 47, 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
  78. No one hurt

    Made Jan 14, 2012, sent to the company Jan 24, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 7, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Ultrawash Dishwasher, stainless steel

    For the second time since purchasing the dishwasher in August 2010, the detergent dispenser stopped opening/working in late November 2011. Previously, in December 2010, a service technician had come out to fix the dispenser for the same reason and found that the wire connection to the dispenser had melted and that the source of the problem was that the control board had overheated due to a wiring issue. As the dishwasher was still under warranty, he replaced the control board and dispenser with no indication that this could become a repeated issue.

    Dishwasher seemed to work fine for next 10 months. Then dispenser stopped working again. Service technician came out today, found the same issue - melted dispenser connection. He replaced the dispenser and ran the “evaluation” cycle. When he opened the dishwasher, the smell of burning plastic permeated my house. He took off the front panel again and upon closer examination, found a blackened & scorched portion of the control board. I still have the damaged - melted and burned - parts. Offered to replace control board & dispenser yet again, this time at full cost, since warranty now expired on this defective product. I declined since I am not going to pay to “repair” an obvious fire hazard.

    I consider myself very lucky that neither of these led to an actual fire, especially if this second time had gone unnoticed since the burning was immediate this time. My house still reeks of burned plastic. And I am out over $500 for a product that worked for about 4 months.

    Model
    665.13213K900
    Serial number
    FO0305583
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jul 15, 2010
    Where
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Unspecified
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore - Sears, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  79. No one hurt

    Made Jan 6, 2012, sent to the company May 14, 2012, published by CPSC May 29, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    On 12/29/2011 at 1 am there was a notice of a burning odor in the home which was coming from the sides and the control panel of the dishwasher. She attempted to press the cancel button and open the door but it continued to run.

    The circuit breaker was pulled to cease power to the dishwasher. There were smoke damages in the cabinets. The dishwasher was set at 9 pm on 12/28/2011 for a four hour delay in which it started at 1 am on 12/29/2011. The setting it was placed on was not provided along with the timing for the cycle.

    The firm was contacted on 12/30/2011 and a service technician is scheduled to come out on 1/10/2012 to only make repairs to the motor assembly. She advised the representative (name unknown) that she believed that the hazard was within the control panel’s circuit board.

    The representative advised the consumer that once the technician comes out to make the necessary repairs to the motor assembly and he is able to locate a failure with the control panel then they would make a decision at that time on how to handle it.

    Model
    665.16369301
    Serial number
    FR1407421
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Mar 25, 2004
    Where
    Ohio: 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
  80. No one hurt

    Made Jan 5, 2012, sent to the company Jan 12, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 27, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Model # 665.16263400

    Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Model #665.16263400

    While running the front of the unit spark and began to smoke. Was able to get the fire out without damage to the home. If I had not been home this could have burnt my house down.

    Manufacturer claims there is no recall on the unit so there is nothing they will do.

    Model
    Kenmore Elite Dishwasher / 665.1623400
    Serial number
    FR4703482
    Bought from
    Sears
    Where
    California: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 39, 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
  81. No one hurt

    Made Jan 5, 2012, sent to the company Jan 13, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 30, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher--Stainless Steel

    Fire occurred on electronic control board in Kenmore Dishwasher (manufactured by Whirlpool), model number: 665.16493300.

    During the first wash cycle, the dishwasher began to emit heavy smoke and fumes. Power was removed by selecting the circuit breaker at the main electric panel to off, and the smoke eventually stopped.

    I accessed the electronic control panel and discovered significant burning and melting on and around the panel. The touch pad circuit board was completely covered with black soot.

    As I was researching the cause and a possible solution, I ran across a post from July 2010 with pictures of a meltdown on this same control board. Both this and my control board melted down at the same place, and neither tripped the thermal fuse.

    Looking at the schematics of the dishwasher, it appears that the component associated with the connection point pertains to the door switch.

    This is very dangerous. There is no protection to remove power when this occurs.

    Model
    665.16493300
    Serial number
    FR1306410
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Mar 10, 2004, about then
    Where
    Spotsylvania, Virginia: 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
  82. No one hurt

    Made Jan 4, 2012, sent to the company Jan 11, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 26, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Ultra Wash dishwasher

    RE: circuit board fire-Kenmore Ultra Wash dishwasher (Whirlpool) dop: 5/18/2004 model #: 665.16369301 ser #: FR2110795

    On the morning of Tuesday, December 13, 2011, I started my Kenmore dishwasher. I happened to be in kitchen when the dishwasher entered the main wash mode (I knew this after having inspected it for plastic on the heating element, the detergent door was open but there was still some soap in it). I heard an odd “click” and “buzz-like” grind noise which repeated 2-3 times and then smelled burning plastic. Initially, I was not too concerned with the noise, as I am usually not present while the machine is running, and thought it was just the motor. I immediately opened the dishwasher to see if something plastic had come in contact with the heating element, but all was clear. I closed the door and the cycle tried to start again, but I heard the same noises once or twice and the burning smell became overwhelming almost immediately and smoke appeared from the right side (not the vent side) of the control panel. Again, I immediately opened the door to stop the machine and contemplated running for the fire extinguisher, but never saw any flames. I then unplugged the unit and went to the computer to search “smoke from control panel of Kenmore dishwasher”. My search led me to many other accounts of the same thing happening to others with the same types of dishwashers. (main sources: Kitchenaidfire.com, saferproducts.gov (reports)) After reading the other accounts I then disassembled the control panel, and after my husband removed the circuit board, the damage was clear. The board and components have burn marks and the housing is charred and melted. It appears to have originated from one of the main wiring harness connections that is melted. (see attached photos) This was an extremely scary finding, because normally I run the dishwasher before going to bed and on this occasion I had planned to leave to run errands. I am extremely thankful that I was home and caught the malfunction so quickly. Others reported flames shooting out, kitchen fires and smoke damage as a result. There was such a potential for greater loss in this instance. I attempted to contact the Whirlpool company via their website and contact phone numbers, but was ultimately sent in circles. After speaking with 4 different people, 6 different phone numbers, and three transfers, I tried one last number and found myself talking with the first person again (who was a representative of Sears recall dept.). I was never able to speak to anyone directly related to Whirlpool Co. and the agents who were able to look up my unit all said there had been no recalls or reports on it and there was nothing they could do because it was past the warranty period. I was asked if I wanted to schedule a service call (at my own expense). I purchased my dishwasher on 5/18/04. I believe a good quality dishwasher/appliance ought to have a longer life than just 7.5 years. According to other accounts/pending lawsuits, the Whirlpool company allegedly knew of the defect causing these circuit boards to overheat and possibly burst into flames since 2008. While my product is past the warranty period, I would expect a reputable and safety conscious company to look out for their consumers by, at the very least, reporting the issue, even if unable to offer compensation. If the allegations of the Whirlpool company’s knowledge are true, I am deeply disappointed and will not feel safe in purchasing their products in the future.

    Model
    665.16369301
    Serial number
    FR2110795
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    May 18, 2004
    Where
    Tucson, Arizona: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 38, 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
  83. No one hurt

    Made Jan 3, 2012, sent to the company Jan 11, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 26, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore dishwasher in a cream color model number 587.15074201

    My Kenmore dishwasher (model number 587) front board stated to spark, smoke and flames shot out. My husband shut the main circut off. We tried to turn it on again and as soon as we turned the circut on it started again! It scared the daylights out of me. It was not even running!!!! I called Kenmore and they said they did not have any recalls at all on dishwashers and offered to send someone out for $150.00 to repair it. I’m too concerned that it will happen again.

    Model
    Kenmore 587.15074201
    Serial number
    TH31820427
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jun 1, 2003
    Where
    Piscataway, New Jersey: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 49, 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
  84. No one hurt

    Made Jan 2, 2012, sent to the company Jan 10, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 25, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Model: 665-16482300 Serial #FR3406704

    We had an electrical fire today in our dishwasher - thank the Lord we were home and awake when it happened.

    We have a Kenmore Elite Model 665-16482300; Serial #FR3406704 It was installed 9/8/2004.

    The fire was in the top right of the door. The controls did not respond when I tried to turn it off so I turned off the electrical circuit breaker. It gave off a terrible smell and a lot of smoke.

    I found several incidences of similar fires of other Kenmore Elite owners on the internet. I also found a recall on a similar diswasher that one poster believes is the same dishwasher just with a plastic tub http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05123.html

    Model
    665-16482300
    Serial number
    FR3406704
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Sep 4, 2004
    Where
    Crestwood, Missouri: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 47, Male
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Self
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite Dishwasher, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  85. No one hurt

    Made Dec 31, 2011, sent to the company Jan 10, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 25, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher-- white

    Our Kenmore Elite dishwasher, Model number 665.16052400, Serial Number FS1107983, began billowing smoke from the front control panel about 2/3 through a wash cycle. Fortunately, I was at home, noticed the smoke almost immediately and was able to stop it by opening the door and disrupting the cycle. This unit was purchased almost 7 years ago and until this point, had not given any indication of electrical problems. We took apart the front panel and found the circuit card burnt through and the wiring harness melted.

    Model
    665.16052400
    Serial number
    FS1107983
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Mar 25, 2005
    Where
    Broomfield, Colorado: 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
  86. No one hurt

    Made Dec 30, 2011, sent to the company Jan 9, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 24, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher, 24 inch wide, standard sized. under the counter design, model #665.17032401. White front, manufactured by Maytag for Sears. Purchased at local Sears retailer.

    Our Kenmore dishwasher (model #665.17032401) made a loud electrical ‘pop’ during its normal wash cycle. We were in the next room and discovered smoke pouring out of the steam ports, with an acrid plastic burning smell. We immediately opened the washer door, and shut off the breaker. After emptying the washer, I found the culprit. It seems to be an encapsulated board behind the control panel - and it had melted the plastic (about 1.25 inch diameter) from the inside.

    I found that the CPSC website lists a recall notice for this model, but the serial numbers do not match the website description.

    Model
    665.17032401
    Serial number
    FS1108696
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Apr 12, 2005
    Where
    Scottsville, New York: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 41, 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
  87. No one hurt

    Made Dec 29, 2011, sent to the company Jan 6, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 23, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore dishwasher

    Smelled burning plastic and found the dishwasher spewing smoke from control panel

    Model
    587.15072201
    Serial number
    TH3070719
    Bought from
    Sears, Georgia
    Bought
    Aug 3, 2003, about then
    Where
    Canton, Georgia: 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
  88. No one hurt

    Made Dec 24, 2011, sent to the company May 15, 2012, published by CPSC May 30, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    Plastic dishwasher tub developed a crack immediately under the heating element (hotspot?). Resulting water damage estimated at $13000.

    Sears repair technician told us he had seen the problem before and repair was covered by recall. Unable to find our particular machine in a recall list and Whirlpool told us it was not recalled. It probably should be because the damage appears to have been caused by a hot spot in the heating element. I believe Whirlpool had a major recall for overheating heater elements in a product near our model and serial number.

    Model
    665.17039401
    Serial number
    FS2112900
    Bought from
    sears
    Bought
    Jul 15, 2005, about then
    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
    Incident, No Injury
  89. No one hurt

    Made Dec 19, 2011, sent to the company Jan 20, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 3, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    Caller’s husband had turned dishwasher on, sat down for five or ten minutes, then heard a clicking noise coming from the dishwasher, looked over and saw sparks and flames coming from the front left side of the dishwasher and where the control panel is located.

    He jumped up, ran to basement, turned the breakers off.

    He contacted the manufacturer 12/19/2011 who refuses to assume any blame.

    He would like dishwasher recalled and would like repair at manufacturer expense and if repaired before then he would like to be reimbursed.at manufacturer expense.

    Model
    665.17039401
    Serial number
    FS050 3248
    Bought from
    Sears, Georgia
    Bought
    Nov 20, 2005, about then
    Where
    Comings, Georgia: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    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
  90. No one hurt

    Made Dec 14, 2011, sent to the company Feb 15, 2012, published by CPSC Mar 1, 2012

    The product, in the report: Elite Dishwasher

    The consumer says she started the dishwasher. Ten minutes into the cycle she smelled a burning plastic smell. She saw black smoke in the kitchen. Her husband opened the unit. It was flooded, it was smoke and hot to the touch. The consumer says that her husband shut off the circuit breaker. The electrical components were on fire. The unit is one digit off from Release # 05-123.

    Model
    665.16493300
    Serial number
    FR3310351
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Aug 1, 2004, about then
    Where
    Farmington, Connecticut: 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
  91. No one hurt

    Made Dec 9, 2011, sent to the company Dec 19, 2011, published by CPSC Jan 4, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher

    I got a call from my Au Pair who was panicking as she said our Dishwasher was sparking and caught fire. I told her to open the dishwasher which would turn it off. She got the fire and smoke to stop. We looked at it and quickly realized that this dishwasher was dead. I am writing this as if my Au Pair was not at home this dishwasher could have caught my house on fire. These Dishwashers need to be recalled ASAP or else others may not be as lucky as us.

    Model
    665.16492300
    Serial number
    FR0902075
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jun 1, 2004, about then
    Where
    Purcellville, Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Female
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  92. No one hurt

    Made Dec 6, 2011, sent to the company Jan 17, 2012, published by CPSC Jan 31, 2012

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher

    The consumer loaded the dishwasher set to the normal cycle, high temperature wash for about 10 minutes.

    The consumer was in the kitchen when the control board panel from the dishwasher caught on fire. The consumer immediately opened the dishwasher door and the fire stopped. There were no injuries.

    The consumer called and explained incident to mfr’s rep. (name unknown) who said that the product is not longer under any recall and warranty had expired. The rep., did not offer any solution.

    The consumer bought the control panel parts from an (appliances parts store) for his dishwasher and he fixed it.

    The consumer feels that his dishwasher could pose a fire hazard.

    Model
    665.16059400
    Serial number
    FR4502971
    Bought from
    Sears, North Carolina
    Bought
    Oct 9, 2007
    Where
    Raleigh, North Carolina: 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
  93. No one hurt

    Made Dec 1, 2011, sent to the company Dec 8, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 22, 2011

    The product, in the report: Kenmore dishwasher Bisque

    dishwasher started on fire.

    Model
    587.16074201
    Serial number
    TH24728758
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jan 16, 2002, about then
    Where
    Rolling Meadows, Illinois: 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
  94. No one hurt

    Made Nov 30, 2011, sent to the company Dec 8, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 22, 2011

    The product, in the report: Kenmore 58715073201 Dishwasher

    the electrical panel on my sears kenmore dishwasher #58715073201 spontaniously went on fire

    Model
    58715073201
    Serial number
    th30889973
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Mar 7, 2003
    Where
    Oceanside, New York: 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
    Incident, No Injury
  95. No one hurt

    Made Nov 28, 2011, sent to the company Jan 18, 2012, published by CPSC Feb 1, 2012

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher

    The consumer stated that her dishwasher is a potential fire hazard. The consumer stated that she had her dishwasher set to a normal cycle for 40 minutes. The consumer came to discover that her dishwasher smoldering and could smell a burning smell. She also saw smoke filling her kitchen. The consumer decided to manually fan the smoldering and shut off the circuit breaker to her dishwasher to stop the dishwasher and pressed the off button. The consumer stated after she did press the stop button the dishwasher seemingly kept running. The consumer stated that his circuit board on the inside melted and burned.

    The consumer stated that she was not injured and the product did not damage her home. The consumer has yet to call her insurance company about the incident. The consumer opted not to call the fire department after the incident happened. The consumer called the retailer and was told by a warranty, which the consumer did. The consumer had a service technician come to her home to fix the dishwasher April 18th 2011. The consumer stated that the service technician confirmed that the circuit board was burned. The consumer was given a voucher for 500 dollars towards the purchase of a new dishwasher. The consumer has already bought a new dishwasher. The consumer has yet to call the firm.

    Model
    665.17363301
    Serial number
    FR2101814
    Bought from
    Sears, Illinois
    Bought
    May 28, 2004
    Where
    Orland Park, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 69, 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
  96. No one hurt

    Made Nov 26, 2011, sent to the company Dec 5, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 27, 2011

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher - black in color, purchased in 1988 either model #15715,16715, or 16755

    My Kenmore dishwasher (yes it was old - I purchased it in 1988) burst into flames while I was sleeping. I had set the delay start that evening, and went to bed. About 11pm, my parents who were sleeping downstairs came and woke me up to report my house was filling with smoke. When I came downstairs, there were flames coming form the control panel. I did try and put the fireout,realized it was useless, and got myself and my parents out of the house. We were out of our house for 6 weeks while the kitchen was repaired and the house was cleaned to rid the smoke damage. I expected an old dishwasher to fail by leaking water or not cleaning dishes. I did not expect it to ignite.

    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    May 1, 1988, about then
    Where
    Green Bay, Wisconsin: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 57, 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
  97. No one hurt

    Made Nov 25, 2011, sent to the company Dec 5, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 19, 2011

    The product, in the report: Dishwasher Under cabnet

    The front door of the dishwasher was shorted out. The dish washer was not on. Before I realized it the house was full of smoke and burnt electric smell. Before i could pull out the baseboard and the mounting screws the plastic on the door started to warp and melt. There was no fire but I am sure it was only a matter of time.

    Model
    587.16072201
    Serial number
    TH31162296
    Bought from
    Sears, Illinois
    Where
    Ottawa, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Age 31, 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
  98. No one hurt

    Made Nov 21, 2011, sent to the company Nov 30, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 14, 2011

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Dishwasher, white, undercounter Stock # 16771

    Residents set the dishwasher to normal cycle with heated dry at about 1130 on 11/12/11 and left the home about 1145. They arrived home at about 0045 on 11/13/11 to find the dishwasher completely consumed by fire, which had spread to a cabinet and the trash and recycling containers next to it. The fire appears to have burned itself out. The residents state they have not had any issues with the dishwasher. They have only lived in the home about 2 weeks and have used it 3-4 times.They state they did not overload the dishwasher. The did have two plastic containers with lids on the top shelf of the dishwasher, however they would have been too large to fall through the spaces in the racks. The investigaion has placed the area of origin at the dishwasher. The cause remains undetermined. The electrical connection was intact and the circut breaker did trip.

    Model
    665.1677192
    Serial number
    FF0526269
    Where
    Villa Park, Illinois: 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
  99. No one hurt

    Made Nov 18, 2011, sent to the company Nov 28, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 12, 2011

    The product, in the report: Kenmore elite dishwasher Model number 665.16263400 Serial number FR5204222 Purchased 2004

    Our Kenmore Elite Dishwasher - Model number 665.1626 purchased in 2004 filled our house with the smell of burnt plastic. Upon taking apart the control panel we discover that the control panel caught fire and melted the housing and the control panel.

    Further investigation of this incident has other dishwasher listed on the recall list for the exact same problem but our model is not listed on the recall list and should be! Luckly we were home and prevented a fire.

    Model
    665.16263400
    Serial number
    FR5204222
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Jun 1, 2004, about then
    Where
    Royersford, Pennsylvania: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Unspecified
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation
    How badly, in CPSC’s words
    Incident, No Injury
  100. No one hurt

    Made Nov 18, 2011, sent to the company Nov 29, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 13, 2011

    The product, in the report: Kenmore Elite Ultra Wash Dishwasher. Manufactured by Whirlpool for Sears Roebuck and Co. Undercounter. Stainless steel door. Stock no. 16493 Type no. 577-0

    At the time of the incident, the Kenmore Elite dishwasher was idle. The machine had been used and emptied the night before on 11/16/11. Around 5:30pm of 11/17, a smell of burning plastic was found to be coming from the kitchen. The electronic smell was strongest along the top of the dishwasher door. No smoke was seen. But there was a faint sizzling sound at the door panel.

    The power was shut off at the main breaker and the door panel was removed to inspect the instrumentation and control panel. There appears to be a burnt resister (see photos) at position R28. As well there is a capacitor at position C7 (see photos) that is bubbling or bulging at the top. No further damage can be seen on the electronic control panel board.

    No one was harmed or injured.

    Model
    665.16493300
    Serial number
    FR1707262
    Bought from
    Sears
    Bought
    Oct 19, 2004
    Where
    Arlington, Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium
    Who was involved
    Unspecified
    The reporter’s relation to them
    Unspecified
    As this report names them
    Brand Kenmore Elite, 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.

Source:

Word for word, from the disclaimer in CPSC’s export.

Sources

Sources

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, SaferProducts.gov public database export.

    Released Nov 5, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.

Source:

Reports of harm are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on SaferProducts.gov. CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record.

Back to Dishwashers

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11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 28, 2026. Updated monthly.

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