Kenmore dishwasher door latch fire recall 1996 — In June 1996, CPSC and Whirlpool Corporation announced a voluntary recall of approximately 500,000 Whirlpool and Kenmore brand dishwashers, of which roughly half were sold under the Kenmore label through Sears stores nationwide. Wiring in the door latch assembly could overheat and catch fire.
Why this matters
The door latch wiring harness on affected models was found to overheat during or after a wash cycle. Overheating wiring can ignite surrounding plastic components and spread to adjacent cabinetry. Multiple fire incidents involving these dishwashers were reported before the recall announcement.
Affected models
- Kenmore built-in dishwashers with model numbers beginning with 665
- Serial numbers FA2400000 through FA5299999 or FB0100000 through FB1899999
- Manufactured and sold from June 1991 through October 1992 for approximately from $350
- Approximately 250,000 Kenmore units affected (part of 500,000 total with Whirlpool)
How to identify
Model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the inside edge of the dishwasher door. Kenmore models start with 665 followed by additional digits. Serial numbers in the FA and FB ranges listed above are affected.
Recommended action steps
- Stop using the dishwasher immediately if you have not already had it repaired
- Contact Sears at 1-800-659-7026 for repair status information on this older recall
- If the dishwasher has not been repaired and is still in service, disconnect it from power and do not use it until inspected by a qualified technician
- Free repair was available at time of recall — contact Sears for current status
Urgency level
High. Fire hazard recall affecting hundreds of thousands of units. Any Kenmore 665-series dishwasher from the 1991–1992 build window still in service should be inspected immediately.