21,000 Kenmore, LG dryers recalled due to fire hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced a voluntary recall of 21,000 LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite gas dryers. A faulty gas valve can fail to shut off properly, continuing to heat the dryer and its contents after the drying cycle is complete. High temperatures can scorch the drum and burn or damage contents in the dryer, posing a risk of burn, fire, and smoke inhalation.

LG brand gas dryers were sold by various appliance stores, including Sears, nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. Kenmore Elite 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. To date, 141 consumer complaints have been received, including three reports of minor burns to hands or arms. Burnt or scorched clothing was reported in more than 50 incidents.

The following model numbers are involved in the recall:

LG: DLG0452W, DLG1320W, DLG2051W
Kenmore Elite: 796.90518900, 796.91022900, 796.91028900, 796.91029900, 796.92192900, 796.92198900, 796.92199900

The LG models come in white, and the Kenmore in red (shown), white, and gold. Model and serial numbers (available at the CPSC website) can be found on a label fixed to the front of the dryer above the opened door. 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.

If you have a recalled dryers, turn off the gas supply and stop using the dryers until it's been repaired. LG brand owners who purchased their dryer at retailers other than Sears should contact LG customer service at 866-223-5355 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to arrange for a free gas valve replacement. Customers who purchased Kenmore or LG brand dryers from Sears should do the same by contacting Sears' customer service at 888-375-9741 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Saturday, or by visiting www.sears.com and clicking on Product Recalls under Customer Service.

In our March 2012 investigation into appliance fires, we found that dryers were the primary cause of nearly 9,000 homes fires from 2002 to 2009, resulting in 10 deaths and 244 injuries. For more information on ways to protect yourself, read the complete story.

—Daniel DiClerico