Kenmore Elite-Brand TRIO Model Refrigerators Recalled by Maytag Corporation

Refrigerator

Date of Recall
2003-04-07

CPSC Release Number
03-533

Problem/Hazard
A screw located inside the refrigeration compartment on the left side of the refrigerator frame could pierce through the electrical wire harness insulation and pose an electrical shock hazard. All of these refrigerators will be tested by Sears service representatives. Defective refrigerators will be replaced at no cost to consumers.

Injuries/Incidents
No injuries have been reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Description
Maytag Corp. of Newton, Iowa, is recalling about 6,000 Kenmore Elite-brand TRIO model refrigerators for testing and replacement. The refrigerators have the side-by-side upper doors and a freezer drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator. The recalled refrigerator model numbers and serial numbers are listed below. Sears stores nationwide sold the recalled refrigerators from Dec. 8, 2002 through Jan. 10, 2003 for between $1,800 and $2,000.

Remedy
Sears already has contacted, by telephone or mail, the consumers who may have received an affected model to set up a free in- home inspection.

Consumer Contact
Consumers who have questions about this refrigerator test and replace program can contact Sears at (800) 659-7026 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday. Consumers also can log on to the company's web site at www.sears.com. Sears is offering a $100 gift card as an incentive to all customers who own one of the Kenmore Trio recalled refrigerators. If you purchased a Kenmore Trio refrigerator at another time, you are not affected by this test and replace program. The recalled Kenmore Elite Brand Trio models sold between December 8, 2002 through January 10, 2003 have the following model numbers and fall within the following serial numbers:

Model Numbers Serial Numbers
596.73502 Series10171025A* to 10171682A*
10226329A* to 10226570A*
10226573A* to 10227109A*
10308648A* to 10308658A*
10388659A* to 10388832A*
596.73503 Series10077884A* to 10079605A*
10115383A* to 10115591A*
10115768A* to 10115947A*
10116148A* to 10116382A*
10268643A* to 10269808A*
10395629A* to 10306108A*
596.73504 Series10171688A* to 10171935A*
596.73509 Series10115233A* to 10115382A*
10077719A* to 10077748A*
10308948A* to 10308995A*
* Could be V or X

Recall Comments

Posted by The Greek


We also have experienced the "lights on" issue with our Model 79577719700 Kenmore Elite Trio. The problem appears to be with the left side light socket - the right light light does go out when the either, or both, of the in frame switches are depressed. The plastic light cover gets extremely hot and gives off a burned plastic odor. What we discovered, through trial and error, is that the lights stay on, the fixture overheats, and appears to shut down - only to fire back up after it cools. Sears has advised that there is a recall and the replacement part has been ordered and an installation date set.

Posted by margaret


My series numbers are not matching up for the recall but my Kenmore Elite's light is either staying on constantly or not turning on when the frig is opened. The light burned a whole in a plastic top of a container. A service tech is coming out and now I have to pay to have this defective frig fixed before it burns down my house or I buy a new frig

Posted by anonymous


This exact thing happened to our fridge as well, when we went to the Sears store to report it they said they had never heard of this issue before.

Posted by Anonymous


The same thing just happened to me on Friday. I smelled something burning when I walked in my house and saw light streaming through the refrigerator doors. I opened the doors and the lighting had fallen off and was sitting on the top shelf. It was warmer inside the fridge than my in my house and I had to throw everything out. Thank goodness I walked in when I did or the house would have burned down. I've only had it five years.

Posted by Anonymous


thank the gods my husband is a late nite person because last nite he noticed in our completely dark kitchen light streaming out thru the cracks in the frig doors upon opening the doors he was met with a face full of smoke ! the lighting fixture was on fire inside!The light was on an wouldnt go off an the whole fixture was melting !! It could have killed us if he had not caught it when he did, Why did this happen what caused this ?

Posted by Anonymous


My 2011 Maytag, Model # MFF2558VEB4 (french Door) with bottom freezer leaks constantly from the freezer, ruining my kitchen floor. It is a slip hazard. as I just now busted my @$$ by stepping in water on my laminate floor.

I am furious that a $1,600 refrigerator has faulty engineering that causes the evaporator drain line to freeze with ice, thus blocking drainage, causing said water to puddle on floor in front of fridge. I shouldn't have to"eat" the cost of this thing while watching it causing property damage to my home daily.

Posted by Lesley K


My Kenmore Elite fridge with double door has had two leaks in the back in the pipeline that is encased in the refrigerator. The first time the appliance repair person shortened the line because the leak was coming from the connection. This time, less than three months later, the pipe has sprung a leak in the middle and soaked my tile and caused the baseboard close to it to come off the wall! Is there a recall on this? Seems odd for this to happen when the fridge is less than 2 years old.