LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard

LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers

Date of Recall

2012-08-21

CPSC Release Number

12-251

Manufactured In

South Korea

Units

About 21,000

Manufacturer

LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea

Sold By

LG Electronics brand gas dryers were sold by various appliance stores, including Sears, nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. Kenmore Elite® brand gas dryers were sold at Sears stores nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. The approximate retail cost for the recalled dryers was between $650 and $1500 for these various models.

Problem/Hazard

The gas valve in the recalled dryers can fail to shut off properly, continuing to heat the dryer and its contents after the drying cycle is complete. High temperatures inside and on the exterior surface of the dryers can scorch the drum, as well as burn or damage the dryer contents, posing a risk of burn, fire and smoke inhalation.

Injuries/Incidents

LG Electronics and Sears have received 141 consumer complaints about dryers continuing to heat after the drying cycle is complete. There were three reports of minor burns to hands or arms. Burnt or scorched clothing was reported in more than 50 incidents.

Description

LG Electronics and Sears' Kenmore Elite brand gas dryers come in the following colors: LG models in white; Kenmore Elite® in red, white and ginger (gold). Model and serial numbers can be found on a label fixed to the front of the dryer above the opened door, which can be viewed only when the dryer door is open. To confirm if your dryer is part of this recall, identify both model and serial numbers, since not all dryers with the listed models are recalled.

Brand	Model Numbers	Serial Numbers
LG Electronics	DLG0452W DLG1320W DLG2051W	001KW**00001 through 001KW**00090 911KW**00271 through 911KW**00630 001KW**00001 through 001KW**01518 002KW**00001 through 002KW**00450 911KW**00184 through 911KW**00561 912KW**00001 through 912KW**00090 001KW**00001 through 001KW**03150 002KW**00001 through 002KW**01620 911KW**00061 through 911KW**01860 912KW**00001 through 912KW**02520
Kenmore Elite®	796.90512900 796.90518900 796.91022900 796.91028900 796.91029900 796.92192900 796.92198900 796.92199900	001KW**00001~001KW**00180 911KW**00091~911KW**00450 912KW**00001~912KW**00450 001KW**00001~001KW**00540 002KW**00001~002KW**00090 911KW**00001~911KW**00450 912KW**00001~912KW**00270 001KW**00001~001KW**00360 002KW**00001~002KW**00042 911KW**00001~911KW**00315 912KW**00001~912KW**00540 001KW**00001~001KW**00270 002KW**00001~002KW**00090 911KW**00001~911KW**00171 912KW**00001~912KW**00539 001KW**00001~001KW**00270 911KW**00271~911KW**00402 912KW**00001~912KW**00450 001KW**00001~001KW**00270 911KW**00181~911KW**00542 912KW**00001~912KW**00270 001KW**00001~001KW**00360 911KW**00001~911KW**00440 912KW**00001~912KW**00270 001KW**00001~001KW**00084 911KW**00091~911KW**00361 912KW**00001~912KW**00270

Remedy

Consumers should turn off the gas supply and stop using the dryers until repaired. LG brand owners who purchased their dryer at retailers other than Sears should contact LG customer service to arrange for a free gas valve replacement. Customers who purchased Kenmore or LG brand dryers from Sears should contact Sears' customer service to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.

Consumer Contact

For additional information about the recall and to schedule a repair, contact LG toll free at (866) 223-5355 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices.

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