The Kenmore Elite Trio refrigerator fire recall 2005 covered bottom-freezer Trio refrigerators with a condenser fire hazard — this notice details the affected period.
Kenmore Elite Trio refrigerator condenser fire recall 2005 — On June 29, 2005, CPSC, LG Electronics, and Sears, Roebuck and Co. announced a voluntary recall covering approximately 20,000 Kenmore Elite Trio three-door refrigerators. A faulty capacitor in the condenser fan motor could cause it to overheat and arc, posing a fire hazard.
Why this matters
The condenser fan motor capacitor on affected bottom-freezer three-door refrigerators could fail and cause the motor to arc and smoke. LG Electronics received 82 reports of condenser fan motor failures involving arcing and smoking prior to the recall announcement. An overheating condenser compartment can ignite surrounding materials including insulation and cabinetry.
Affected models
- Kenmore Elite Trio three-door refrigerators (21 to 25 cubic foot, bottom freezer drawer)
- Available in titanium, stainless steel, bisque, white, and black
- Sold at Sears stores nationwide from May 2004 through May 2005
- Retail price: approximately from $1,400
- Approximately 20,000 Kenmore units in the United States
How to identify
Model and serial numbers are inside the refrigerator compartment on a label near the top. The Kenmore Elite Trio has two refrigerator doors on top and a pull-out freezer drawer at the bottom. Units manufactured and sold in the May 2004–May 2005 window are affected.
Recommended action steps
- If you notice burning odor, smoke, or unusual noise from behind or beneath the refrigerator, switch off the circuit breaker immediately
- Contact LG at 1-800-243-0000 or Sears at 1-800-659-7026 for current repair status
- Transfer perishables to alternate storage if the unit must be switched off pending repair
- Free repair (condenser fan motor replacement) was the remedy at time of recall
Urgency level
High. Fire hazard with 82 confirmed incidents. Any affected unit still in service should be inspected or serviced immediately.