Kenmore dehumidifier fire recall 2012 — On August 2, 2012, Sears and CPSC announced a voluntary recall of approximately 795,000 Kenmore 35-, 50-, and 70-pint dehumidifiers manufactured by LG. The dehumidifiers could overheat, smoke, melt, and catch fire. Sears received 107 incident reports including more than $7 million in property damage and three smoke inhalation injuries.
Why this matters
A component in the dehumidifier compressor circuit could short-circuit, causing the unit to overheat and ignite. Dehumidifiers are often left running unattended in basements or crawl spaces, making fires particularly dangerous. With 107 confirmed incidents and millions in property damage, this is one of the most significant Kenmore appliance recalls on record.
Affected models
- 580.54351400 — 35-pint (manufactured 2004)
- 580.53509300 — 50-pint (manufactured 2003)
- 580.53701300 — 70-pint (manufactured 2003)
- 580.54701400 — 70-pint (manufactured 2004)
- 580.54701500 — 70-pint (manufactured 2005)
- Sold at Sears and Kmart stores from 2003 through 2009 for approximately from $140
- Approximately 795,000 units in the United States
How to identify
Model and serial numbers are on a label on the back of the dehumidifier. The Kenmore logo appears on the front top panel. Manufacturing year is encoded in the model number suffix.
Recommended action steps
- Stop using the dehumidifier immediately
- Unplug the unit and do not store it in enclosed unmonitored spaces
- Contact Sears at 1-800-659-7026 for current remedy information
- Original remedy: Sears gift card of $75, $80, $90, or $100 depending on capacity and year; units were not repaired but replaced via gift card
Urgency level
High. 107 confirmed incidents including fires. Any Kenmore dehumidifier from the 2003–2005 manufacturing window with these model numbers must not be used.