Frigidaire and Kenmore Smoothtop Electric Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Certain Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Smoothtop Electric Ranges

Date of Recall
2009-08-27

CPSC Release Number
09-333

Manufactured In
United States

Company Phone Number
(800) 449-9812

Units
About 200,000

Manufacturer
Frigidaire, a division of Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Augusta, Ga.

Sold By
Sears and other national chain and independent retailers nationwide from June 2001 through August 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,500.

Problem/Hazard
Depending on the model, the surface heating elements can: 1) turn on spontaneously without being switched on; 2) fail to turn off after being switched off; or, 3) heat to different temperatures than selected. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Injuries/Incidents
Frigidaire has received 126 reports of incidents, including four reports of minor burns and two reports of minor property damage.

Description
This recall involves Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite smoothtop electric ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. The following model and serial numbers are included in the recall:

Frigidaire (Serial Number Range VF122xxxxx - VF831xxxxx) and Models Beginning with
FEFBZ90GC
FEFLMC55GC
FEFLZ87GC
GLEF396AB
GLEF396AQ
GLEF396AS
GLEF396CQ
GLEF396CS

GLEFM397DB
GLEFM397DQ
GLEFM397DS
GLEFM97FPB
GLEFM97FPW
GLEFM97GPB
GLEFM97GPW
LEEFM389FE PLEF398AC
PLEF398CC
PLEF398DC
PLEFM399DC
PLEFMZ99EC
PLEFMZ99GC
PLEFZ398EC
PLEFZ398GC

Remedy
Consumers should stop using the recalled ranges immediately and contact Frigidaire or Sears to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact
For additional information, contact Frigidaire at (800) 449-9812 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Saturday or visit the firm’s recall Web site at www.smoothtoprangerecall.com. Consumers who purchased their products at Sears should call Sears at (800) 449-9810 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.

Recall Comments

Posted by Dan


Like another commenter below, I have the FEFL79GCA, which has the same exact issue, which they refuse to fix on that model, and which should certainly be included in the recall.

Incredibly dangerous, and just as defective as the others.

Posted by Anonymous


I just heard about this recall yesterday, and contacted Frigidaire who was of little help. They can't do anything without the unit's model and serial number which supposedly is only located in one location printed on a sticker. Well unfortunately for me that sticker is missing and the person who we bought the house from failed to register the unit so they won't help me. I was able to locate and research the control panel part number which only fits on model #GLEF396AS_(ends in either A,B,C, or D)all of which were recalled. They stuttered when I told them that but no further assistance or information could be provided without the serial #. Sorry ain't got it but wish I did. Hopefully it isn't a simple inexpensive fix because I'm not risking my house and family and will be buying a new stove.

Posted by Regina


I just escaped from being killed by a short FES388WGCH "Gallery, Professional Series" Stove (oven and flat top range). I have had all the issues cited below, stove that will not turn on, rocker switches that go bonkers, but this time, the stove just would not turn on. When we checked to see if it was plugged, the whole thing just began fuming and caught fire. Thank God our home is solid brick and ceramic. We would have lost it and along it, probably die in a fire caused by this lousy product. Frigidaire certainly made pieces of crap, that sold at astronomic prices. We bought ours at THE EXPO (a fancy store that was formerly run by Home Depot, in Florida) Shame on this company.

Posted by Kat


My Frigidaire front left burner would not turn off to a point I thought glass was going to explode. I had the knob disconnected the other three burners were fine for the following year. Then they too would not turn off. The last straw was when the oven would not turn off and all the warning lights were off and after 30 minutes the oven was still on getting hotter. If there is a recall it's too late for me because I have a new GE range being delivered this Friday. Warning to those that have this range watch the elements they have a mind of their own.

Posted by Anonymous


Phone numbers are only for Sears repair service and after several calls they will tell you they do not handle Frigidaire product or service and hang up on you.

Posted by Bob


We have a Kenmore elite flat top stove Model #C970-688022. when first new we had a recall repair after this repair the part was defective again an other service call. Since the we have had three occasions when the back right burn has come by its self, and last night the right front burner will not shut off. We have the extended warranty thank heavens other wish repairs would been more then the purchase price. Our main concern is safety & house fire. In the past we have purchased a lot of Kenmore Products from sears, NO MORE, they are only interested in the sale of products not safety. We will be shopping for a new stove but not a Sears

Posted by Wisc customer


Kenmore 790.96129409 has same issue. Left front burner sticks in "ON" & heats to high & stays there. Sears will do nothing. Contacting Consumer Product Safety Commission.

NO MORE SEARS KENMORE APPLIANCES!

Posted by 2nd Kenmore Appliance gone bad


Kenmore model VF61922606 glass cook top seems to have a similar issues. Turned burner on this weekend and sparks flew out knob. Power to stove was lost due to breaker tripping. Did my best to eliminate defective switch by removing wires and taping loose wires. My hopes were the switch was bad and a quick fix would be possible. Re-set breaker and everything seemed ok. Cooked dinner everything ok. Breakfast not so good. Again pow, sparks flew, breaker tripped. I'm done.

Posted by turnerrl


My Kenmore stove, bought in 2007, is Model: 790.96020406 and it has been spontaneously turning on, turning up in temperature, and sometimes fails to turn off. I have to unplug it. I turned it in on the CPSC website, and Sears put a blurb on as a response, that they care. When I called on 13 DEC 13, and spoke with Samantha, she told me that i have to pay to fix the stove, and that Sears will not coverit. I will never buy a Kenmore or Sears product again. I still want Sears to pay for the repair. What else can I do?

Posted by DangerousStove


Electrolux/Frigidaire Stove Model #FEFL79GCA

I have called Frigidaire with the identical complaint - basically was told "too bad, fix it yourself". ZERO customer service with a known issue. Take it to the federal reporting level.

Posted by Hammer


I have resolved my issue (hopefully) on this particular model. After much research, it seems the switch on these Kenmore smooth top stoves go bad (randomly ~ some almost immediately, some after a couple of years ~ these switches just decide to not work when they want to) and once this happens, the burner will turn on and off (usually on the HIGH setting) at will.

Mine actually never turned off unless I unplugged the oven or turned the circuit breaker off. However, once I restored power the oven, the burner would immediately turn on in the warm position, although it would not remain there ... it would go to high randomly.

I have called and reported my particular model/serial to the CPSC (Consumer Protection) at the following: CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908.

While my particular model has not been recalled, over 200,000 (yes, 200,000) has been recalled with an almost exact model number in the last couple of years.

Several phone calls to Sears and Kenmore yeilded NO RESULTS or SATISFACTION other than them wanting to sell me another oven or send a repair technician (at a cost of $79) to just look at/test the stove. Then it would be another service call ($79) plus cost of parts if parts were needed.

I repaired mine with a $29 switch, original switch .... now all I have to is make sure I never leave anything on the stove top because I do not know when this burner or any of the other three will decide to have a problem!

When I do replace this oven, be assured it will NOT be a Kenmore/Sears product or related in anyway! So much for my customer loyalty of over 20 years!!!!!!

Posted by Hammer


"Depending on the model, the surface heating elements can: 1) turn on spontaneously without being switched on; 2) fail to turn off after being switched off; or, 3) heat to different temperatures than selected. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers."

This is the IDENTICAL issue I am having with my Kenmore Smoothtop Electric Range, Model M790.96122409.

Reference: http://www.recallowl.com/Consumer+Recalls/Household+Products/Frigidaire+and+Kenmore+Smoothtop+Electric+Ranges+Recalled+Due+to+Fire+Hazard?&mes=comment

Anyone who is not getting any satisfaction from KENMORE or SEARS is encouraged to report this issue via FACEBOOK, TWITTER and another media we have available.... the life you safe might be yours or a family member!

Thanks!

Posted by Hammer


KENMORE Electric Range Smooth top series ... Model M790.96122409 Ser. VF65158631. Front left side burner only operates at high setting and is non-responsive to adjustments. It just began to randomly turn on (all by itself) on high and will NOT turn off until I actually turn the circuit breaker off.

I called Kenmore about this issue (888-536-6673) on 11/16/2013 and was told there was no recalls on my model and said if I wanted it repaired, they could send a repairman at a charge of $79 service call plus whatever parts had to be repaired/installed, etc.

Looking at other internet sites, I found that while my model was not being recalled, there were others (over 200,000) of these stoves being recalled with an almost identical model number for this same issue.

KENMORE NEEDS to ackowledge this recall extends far beyond what is currently on recall and REPLACE defective ovens!

We can all help SAVE LIVES by calling the Consumer Product Safety Commission 800-638-2772 to report this issue!

Posted by JudyK3021


I have the GLEEM397DQ....Frigidaire not concerned.......took care of the stove top part that would just go into errors....oven did the same thing and does but Frigidire did not take responsibility for that part even though the clock controls all.....WILL NEVER, NEVER BUY ANOTHER FRIGIDAIRE PRODUCT.

Posted by sam


Here's my story:
Family using fridaire electric stove to cook cookies when stove decide to catch on fire in back of unit, Model # FGEF3032KBO if not for my fast thinking house would have been in flames. Called 1-800-944-9044 number only to be given three repair numbers in my area...this stove had two prior events and was repaired twice only to have this latest issue happen.
I am enraged at the fact I was told "no re-calls" on my model but further investigating found a number of issues with similar stoves the difference is color, knobs, burners, or some other minor difference but the fact is the control boards and devices are all the same in the back of the units and the fact they hide that information makes me want to sue their pants off especially when they know it and don't tell the consumer? I for one will never buy their products again..lesson well learned...

Posted by Mollie in MS


I have the VF54943435. It's hard to read the model number right now under the SOOT. I had cooked dinner about 30-45 minutes earlier. All burners on the stovetop were OFF. I had the plate on the right side, rear position. I'd cooked on the left front. If I hadn't heard the plate explode, I am sure the kitchen would have been completely engulfed in flames before I found the fire. I am lucky to have a house tonight. The firemen confirmed that the stove was the source of the fire and recommended I leave it unplugged until a professional can look at it. I am infuriated to learn that this is such a common problem. It may be that this model was recalled, but I am sure no notice was delivered. I will update when more information is available. If you can afford to replace your Frigidaire stove, I recommend you do it today. A stove, though expensive, is cheaper than a house...and life is priceless.

Posted by Liz - Long Island


I have a Kenmore Elite smooth top Electric Range Model #790.96643700, Serial #VF74572389. Front, right side Burner will not turn off. This model is not in the recall even though it is one of the reasons the other models were recalled in 2009. Please file a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission by calling (800) 638-2772 or on their website www.CPSC.gov . They will investigate and possibly add to the recall.

Posted by frigidairesux


I am having the exact same issue as *NoMoreFrigidaire where my oven is cooking at dangerously high temperatures like in self cleaning mode ( F-1 error code. This is not the first issue that I have had with this unit. I have a file an inch thick on repair for it. In the past the heating elements were turning on by themselves. This is a danger issue- I am not finished with this yet they can transfer me from person to person but this item need to be recalled it is a DANGER!!!! someone is going to get killed by fire because of this faulty device.

Posted by kim durham


i am glad i am not the only one having this problem, it is a scary thing to get up at night and see this eye on high and will not cut off, or the day we came home from work and the eye had been on high all day and i know it was all day because everthing around it was hot.

Posted by Anonymous


Add another dissatisfied customer. I called and the recall does not apply to mine though the model number is very close and the problem is identical.

Frigidaire obviously has a defective product and I highly recommend not purchasing from them.

Posted by NoMoreFrigidaire


I have a professional series model purchased in 2007 and now my oven turns on randomly at such high temperature that you could not bare to touch the stove top that was completely off. Nothing will be done unless I pay for it. Trust me, my families well being is worth every penny but was told it may happen or may not happen again. Who Knows??? Well "who knows" does not help us sleep at night and pulling out and unplugging the stove when we go to bed or leave the house in fear of it happening again is absurd.
I'll never ever buy their protect again. My families safety is much more important!!

Posted by Gryhnd520


We have the same range as the comment below with the same issue. I spoke with Sears and the help desk person stated that this model doesn't exist. They would not acknowledge my concerns and forwarded me to an independent repair facility.

*******************************************

Kenmore range 790-9600-9601 was NOT on the recall list and I am experiencing identical problems. Sears refuses to do anything about it. Does anyone else have this model number? I have filed a report with the BBB and feel that we have a strong case that should be taken to the media. This is a major fire hazards and Kenmore needs to acknowledge this problem. We need to create a communication log and force their hand.
Lelliott 4/12/13 3:36PM

Posted by Stacie


I have the Frigidare Professional Series VF85138233 model that has a back burner that would turn on high when it was off. Had this happen in when the recall was happening but this model was not considered part of it. They did replace parts for free but the "reason" in their records said nothing about the burner problem just a switch problem. Once again the back burner turned on and my kitchen was in flames, good thing we were standing right there at the time or I wouldn't have a home. My husband ended up with burns on his hands trying to put out the flames. I called again and they are sending me new parts but I still don't see this model stove on any recall list (they say it is) Wonder if this complaint will result in any additional Injury/Incidents added to their list?

Posted by Susan


We have a Frigidaire stove- just got it in November 2012- the burners come on at random times-Had to appliance service people here to work on it- Was told by Frigidaire that it has to be doing this while the service people are here- otherwise they cant do anything about it- Wonder who be responsible if it burns our home down- Lowes said they wont cover it- it should be covered under the manufactory warranty- Good question

Posted by Anonymous


Cooktop Malfunction on a Frigidaire/Electrolux electric cooktop (Model FEFLM605DC) which burned down the house. Looking for others with similar problems. I had an F-10 error code a few weeks before the fire. Please call if you have experienced anything similar.
Slade McLaughlin (215-479-2420)

Posted by Nate


I find it hard to believe that this same exact range as the ones listed that have the same problem won't be added to the recall list. It's pretty sad spending that kind of money on a product to have it fail so shortly after purchase and have a company not stand behind their product. Pretty shameful. I hope no one else gets hurt or killed. I guess this is what we get for buying crap made in China.
We will never buy this brand again and everyone we know will know of our issue and we will recommend they do the same.

Posted by Lelliott


Kenmore range 790-9600-9601 was NOT on the recall list and I am experiencing identical problems. Sears refuses to do anything about it. Does anyone else have this model number? I have filed a report with the BBB and feel that we have a strong case that should be taken to the media. This is a major fire hazards and Kenmore needs to acknowledge this problem. We need to create a communication log and force their hand.

Posted by retird


Kenmore Elite smooth top range with model number 790.46702603 was not listed as a recalled unit. It has the same issues. The electronic "brain" spontaniously turned on all features of the range at one time. The unit imjmediately smelled of burning electronics/wiring but did not actiate the electrical system's circuit breaker. This could have resulted in a fire had I not manually shut off the breaker. Called Sears and Frigidare and was told it was not subject to any recall.
Sears is scheduled to come and repair the unit. I am goiung to save the "old brains" and have already submitted a report to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This unit has the same electronics as the units that were recalled.

Posted by Anonymous


I own a Frigidaire Electric Range and have had nothing but problems. One range won't turn off and gets hotter & hotter; and twice, the rear panel caught fire, and burned out, so now, the oven doesn't work. Frigidaire has denied there's a problem, so what's it going to take to get this fixed before someone dies in a fire...

Posted by Fred


Had one of our burners on smoothtop range start heating without being turned on. I turned on then off the controll, but didn't shut it off. Turned off the circuit breaker to shut down. Turned the breaker back on then the burner does not run. Found out about the recall and called Frigidaire. They said my unit is not covered under the recall. My serial number is higher then the ones listed on the recall. I said but it presents the same safety problem. They said sorry we can't help you. Great customer service!!!

Posted by Anonymous


I am the owner of one of the recalled Frigidaire ranges ... beware that the same problem can happen again... I had the powerboard and moisture barrier replaced in 2007... had to pay for the repair $300.03 no warranty and BEFORE Frigidaire had recalled the product...they did not take "responsibility" for the problem until 2009...even thought the problem I now have with the burner not shutting off is the same problem I had in 2007?? The repair and parts are now covered ..really ... the entire range should be recalled before there is a loss of a house or life due to fire !!!

Posted by LLEWIS


Frigidaire could care less about safety of their customers.. I WILL NEVER BUY FRIDGIDAIRE AGAIN...my model FEF366ECC will NOT TURN OFF unless you turn the breaker in the fuse box off which could catch the house on fire if no one was home!!

Frigidaire is aware of this problem with these models and will take NO responsibility for the stoves...

DO NOT BUY FRIGIDAIRE...it could burn your house down !!!!

Posted by steve


Called frigdair more than a month ago, still don't have the replacement parts.
We have bought a Stove, Firg/Frizer, Microwave, and a dish washer. The frige runs all the time, rust under the water/ice outlet, had to replace the control board on the dishwasher twice at $150+, and now the stove....
I am not pleased!

Posted by f10064


Electrolux has a warranty number
1-888-360-8556. I spoke with a very helpful person, who will send me the parts under recall to fix my cooktop

Posted by Sunnyweather


I have the smooth top also. the oven isn't turning off. I have to trip the breaker to get it to reset. This is the second time in a year this has happened. Good thing we were home and noticed it. I heated up bread at 350 degrees and the oven wouldn't turn off and it felt like it was 450 degrees when I opened the door. Very dangerous. I'm calling tomorrow.

Posted by Totaldisgust


We purchased our New Frigidaire smooth top slide-in convection range in 2005 for around $1800. Thus far, this appliance has been repaired 7 times for different reasons with the first malfunction being 6mi=onths after purchase. We continue to purchase extended warranties because we know it's just a matter of time before the next repair will be needed. The extended warranty was highly recommended by our service technician who also suggested that we not use the self-cleaning function due to extreme heat and fire hazards.Same problem with my upright Frigidaire freezer,commercial grade; after only 4 months, the compressor had to be replaced. I will never purchase Frigidaire or Electrolux (same company) ever again. By the way, if you need to contact Frigidaire/Electrolux about a repair, good luck in finding a "live" person to speak to..all we found was automated numbers!!

Posted by Dontlikefires


I have the Frigidaire 36 inch smooth top. About 2 years ago, the left front burner would spontaneously come on. It caught a kitchen towel on fire, fortunately I contained it quickly. I contacted frigidaire and they refused to admit this was possible, after threatening legal action they sent a repair man out to fix it. Today I receive the recall notice about this problem, contacted company & they are sending a "fix kit". I told them since day one when you use the unit it smells like an electrical fire (which the repair admitted he smelled it but refused to fix it). They told me they have NO RECORD of my initial complaint. Liars. I KEEP THE BREAKER OFF unless I am using it and never leave it unattended. This is such a hassle. I will own electrolux if my house burns.

Posted by Michael


Frigidaire could care less about safety of their customers.. I WILL NEVER BUY FRIDGIDAIRE AGAIN...my model FEF316BSB will go to the highest setting on the stovetop no matter what setting I use...almost set my house on fire !!

Frigidaire is aware of this problem with later models and will take NO responsibility for the older coil top stoves...

DO NOT BUY FRIGIDAIRE...it could burn your house down !!!!

Posted by Michael


Electrolux/Frigidare could care less about safety of their customers.. I WILL NEVER BUY FRIDGIDARE AGAIN...my model FEF316BSB will go to the highest setting on the stovetop no matter what setting I use...almost set my house on fire !!

Fridgidare is aware of this problem with later models and will take NO responsibility for the older coil top stoves...

DO NOT BUY FRIDGIDARE...it could burn your house down !!!!

Posted by mbarton557


My smooth top Electric Frigidaire Galaxy range malfunctioned the first time in July 2010. Finally in August a month later the part arrived and the repairman repaired it. A month and a half later the burner came on in the middle of the night (the same burneras before) and a electric perc was sitting on top of that burner. It melted the burner and could have burned the house down with us in it. We have called Frigidaire repeatedly, the repairman has returned and Frig does not return calls. They have kept the repairman on hold for long periods and then disconnected. His Area Manager also will not return his calls. We want a replacement range. We can not give or sell it as we feel if we do we would be liable for their safety because of ourr knowledge of this problem,. This is a 1700.00 range and too much money wa spent to just throw it away after 1 year of use.
Frigidaire needs to take better care of their customers =We are about to hire a lawyer then maybe they will listen. Never again Frigidaire and I have used all my life.

Posted by Barb


Bad Kenmore glasstop. first one heated all burners on high when i wasn,t home. Technician blames $300 "brain".Bought a 2nd Kenmore stove. broiler turned on by itself with a roast cooking in the oven. Thank goodness we were home. It cost $240 to replace the "Brain". Last kenmore I will ever own.

Posted by russ


Bad Kenmore NOT on list
model 665.95802000
serial: RK1617738
this stove from about 1999 turns on broiler coils by it self and will not turn off. Nearly started the house on fire but we walked in while the room was heating. I can't trust leaving the home now without shutting down that circuit. Have seen this similar post one other place from Susan...

Posted by InFearOfHouseFire


I called Frigidaire when our cooktop's burner was turning itself on (high)- they seemed unconcerned; it was repaired under warranty. After the warrantee expired, another burner stopped working entirely, the lights on our panel would flash randomly, and the "repaired" burner started turning itself on randomly, again; before the repair could be scheduled, the wiring went up in a cloud of heinous smoke. I called Frigidaire, they still seemed unconcerned - repair company came out, I expected a replacement and was shocked when all they could offer is further repair. Yesterday, I smelled the (sadly) familiar acrid smell of wiring melting, and yet another burner has begun turning itself on and off. Time to, once again, disconnect the circuit and live without our cooktop until the repair can be made. Our double oven stores steam and burns my face when I open the door. Our dishwasher falls apart with sad regularity. Our downdraft vent operates intermittently. These expensive "professional" quality appliances are anything but...NEVER AGAIN will I purchase Frigidaire or Electrolux!

Posted by Machman


Seems odd (or perhaps illegal?) that we purchased a maintenance agreement and have had problems with burners requiring service. Yet only when we happened by a favorite dealer and by chance saw a recall notice posted at the appliance dealer were we informed. My web search uncovered an unsafe recall for which we never have been notified by Frigidaire or Electro Lux.
We both grew up with Frigidaire products, but this may well be our last dealing with Electrolux. They should contact recipients via mail or email or phone. They have the information but ... inept, irresponsible? incompetent? or just lazy or bad business people? This is NOT Good!