Gree Reannounces Dehumidifier Recall Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards; More Fires and Property Damage Reported

Dehumidifiers

Date of Recall

2014-05-15

CPSC Release Number

14-179

Manufactured In

China

Units

About 2.5 million in the United States and 55,000 in Canada (This recall was first announced in September 2013, updated in Octob

Manufacturer

Gree Electric Appliances, of China

Importer

Airwell of France; CNA of Wood Dale, Ill.; Danby of Ontario, Canada;  De'Longhi of Italy; Frigidaire, of Charlotte, N.C.; GE Appliances, of Louisville, Ky.; Gree USA Sales Ltd. of City of Industry, Calif.; IRP of Pineville, N.C.; MJC America Ltd. dba Soleus International Inc. of Walnut, Calif.; and Sunrise of Quebec, Canada.

Sold By

AAFES, HH Gregg, Home Depot, Kmart, Lowe's, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Sam's Club, Sears, Walmart and other stores nationwide and in Canada, and online at Amazon.com and Ebay.com, from January 2005 through August 2013 for between $110 and $400.

Problem/Hazard

The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Injuries/Incidents

The number of reported incidents of overheating dehumidifiers has increased nearly 400 percent from 119 in the original recall (September 2013) to 471 reported incidents. The number of reported fires has increased more than 200 percent from 46 to 121 reported fires. Property damage reports have more than doubled from $2.15 million in the original recall to nearly $4.5 million.

Description

This recall involves 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65 and 70-pint dehumidifiers with brand names Danby, De'Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir and SuperClima. Recalled model numbers and date codes are listed below. The brand name and the pint capacity are printed on the front of the dehumidifier. The model number and date code are printed on a sticker on the back, front or side of the unit. The dehumidifiers are white, beige, gray or black plastic and measure between 19 and 24 inches tall, 13 and 15 inches wide, and 9 and 11 inches deep.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact Gree to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact

Gree toll-free at (866) 853-2802 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.greeusa.com and click on Recall for more information.