Important Information about the Whirlpool Microwave Hood Combination Recall

Do you have a Whirlpool Microwave Hood Combination installed in your kitchen? If so, keep reading for more information about the recall issued by Whirlpool Corporation and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and what to do if yours is a part of the recall program.

Announcing the Recall

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Whirlpool Corporation issued a safety recall for ten of its microwave hood combination models on August 25, 2016, to address a possible fire hazard.

Why is there a recall?

This recall was issued because of a potential fire hazard that may occur during the use of these units. There is a problem with the microwave hood combination where internal arcing could ignite an internal plastic component within the unit and start a fire in your kitchen.

Five incidents have been reported to the U.S. CPSC in relation to this particular recall. One incident report includes burning odors, while another includes smoke. In the other three reports, fire damage is noted. As of the time, this was written, no injuries had been recorded in connection with these reports. However, it is possible that other instances with recorded injuries may have occurred since then. Check the U.S. CPSC recall notice linked below for updated information.

Affected Microwave Hood Combination Units

In total, around 15,200 of Whirlpool’s microwave hood combinations across ten models are included in this recall. They were manufactured for Whirlpool Corporation between the beginning of 2014 and the spring of 2016 in China, to be sold in retail, home appliance and home improvement stores across the United States as well as in Mexico. Stores these units were sold in include Sears, Lowes, HH Greg, and Best Buy, for prices ranging from around $400 to $500 USD. They were also installed in newly constructed homes as well as renovated houses by home builders and residential contractors.

The model numbers included in the recall are as follows:

WMH53520CS
WMH53520CW
WMH53520CB
WMH53520CE
WMH53520CH
WMH73521CS
WMH73521CW
WMH73521CB
WMH73521CE
WMH73521CH

A complete list of model and serial numbers can be found on Whirlpool Corporation’s recall website as well as on the U.S. CPSC notice for this recall.

Similar Recalls to the Whirlpool Corporation Recall

There have been similar recall notices issued by Whirlpool Corporation for their microwave hood combinations, but it has been nearly two decades since the last one occurred. In the fall of 2001, they recalled 1.8 million units because of a potential fire hazard when units overheated. Similarly to the current recall, there were no injuries reported. However, there was extensive fire damage to the properties where the incidents occurred.

If you are interested, you can read more about the 2001 recall in the U.S. CPSC recall notice posted on their website – “CPSC, Whirlpool Announce Recall of Microwave-Hood Combinations”There have been four other recalls involving microwaves in the last two decades involving Thermador Brand, General Electric (GE), Sunbeam and Samsung.

In 2001, Thermador Brand issued a safety recall of some of their Combination Thermal/Microwave ovens because of a potential fire hazard. More information about this recall can be found in the U.S. CPSC Recall Notice – “CPSC, BSH Home Appliance Corp.Announce Recall of Thermal/Microwave Ovens”.
In 2007, GE recalled some of their Microwave Combo Wall Ovens because of a fire hazard. You can read more about this recall on the U.S. CPSC website – “General Electric Recalls Microwave Combo Wall Ovens Due to Fire Hazard”.
In 2007, Sunbeam’s Over-the-Range Microwaves were recalled due to a fire hazard. Read more about it – “Petters Consumer Brands Recalls Sunbeam Over-the-Range Microwaves for Fire Hazard”.
Lastly, Samsung recalled their Over-the-Range Microwaves in 2009 because of a potential shock hazard – “Samsung™ Over-the-Range Microwaves Recalled Due to Shock Hazard”.

Verifying the Status of Your Unit

If you own a Whirlpool Microwave Hood Combination and are concerned that your unit is affected by the recall, there are two ways you can check on its status under the recall program.

Whirlpool Corporation Recall Website – There is a complete list of model numbers and serial numbers on the recall website, as well as the link to a form you can submit with information about your unit so Whirlpool can verify the status of your unit. You will also find a guide for locating the model and serial numbers on your microwave hood combination and Whirlpool Corporation’s recall hotline umber.
U.S. CPSC Recall Notice/Whirlpool Recall Hotline – The U.S. CPSC recall notice also contains a complete list of model and serial numbers, so you can check the numbers there. From there, call the recall hotline number – 800-990-6254 – on any week day between 8:00AM and 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Where are the Model and Serial Numbers?

According to the Whirlpool Recall website, you should be able to locate the model and serial number plate behind the microwave door in the upper left hand corner above the opening for the oven cavity. The numbers will be listed there.

Is the Manufacturer Offering Any Remedy Options? What are they?

Currently, the only remedy option Whirlpool Corporation is making available through their recall program is the replacement. If you are concerned that your microwave hood combination is involved in the recall, unplug the microwave and stop using it until you have verified its status using the above-stated option. Once you know the status of your unit, contact the manufacturer through the recall website or call the recall hotline to make arrangements for replacing it.

Conclusion

While our expert technicians regularly service Whirlpool Brand appliances throughout the LA area, we recommend communicating with the manufacturer directly about anything related to this recall. They are prepared to answer any and all of your questions, help you determine the status of your appliance, and make any of the arrangements necessary to replace it.

If you are having issues with your other appliances, call us at 323-284-6780 or schedule a service appointment online. For appliance repair tips, recall news, or even info on upcoming local events, visit the News and Tips page on our website.

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