GE recalls washers due to shock/fire hazard

by Wally Northway

Published: June 15,2010

Tags: manufacturing, product recall, product safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with GE Appliances & Lighting, announced a voluntary recall of approximately 181,000 GE front-load washing machines.

A wire can break in the machine and make contact with a metal part on the washtub while the machine is operating, posing fire and shock hazards to consumers.

GE is aware of seven incidents in which flames escaped the units and caused minor smoke damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves GE front-load washing machines without auxiliary water heating. The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom right side and on the bottom door frame of the washers.

The model number of the recalled washers begins with “WBVH5.” The serial numbers begin with AM, AR, AS, AT, DM, DR, DS, FM, FR, FS, GM, GS, HM, HR, HS, LM,

LR, LS, MM, MR, MS, RM, RR, RS, SM, SR, SS, TM, TR, TS, VM, VR,

VS, ZL, ZM, ZR and ZS.

The washer machines, which were manufactured in China, were sold at department and various retail stores nationwide from Dec. 2006 through May 2010.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled washers, unplug it from the electrical outlet and contact GE for a free repair. Consumers should not operate the washer until it has been repaired.

For additional information, contact GE toll-free at 1-888-345-4124 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Monday through Friday, or visit www.geappliances.com.