The Kenmore Elite Trio refrigerator shock recall 2003 covered Trio refrigerators with an electrical shock hazard affecting owners during normal use.
Kenmore Elite TRIO refrigerator electrical shock recall 2003 — CPSC and Maytag Corporation announced recall #03-533 in 2003, covering approximately 6,000 Kenmore Elite-brand TRIO three-door refrigerators. A screw inside the refrigerator compartment could pierce wire harness insulation, posing an electrical shock hazard.
Why this matters
A mounting screw located on the left interior wall of the refrigerator compartment was positioned too close to the electrical wire harness. Over time the screw could contact and pierce the harness insulation, creating an electrical shock hazard to anyone touching the refrigerator interior or the affected area.
Affected models
- Kenmore Elite TRIO three-door refrigerators (side-by-side upper doors, bottom freezer drawer)
- Sold at Sears stores nationwide from December 8, 2002 through January 10, 2003
- Retail price: approximately from $1,800
- Approximately 6,000 units in the United States
How to identify
The Kenmore Elite TRIO is a distinctive three-door design with two upper refrigerator doors and a bottom freezer drawer. Model and serial numbers are on a label inside the left-hand refrigerator door. Units sold during the December 2002–January 2003 window are affected.
Recommended action steps
- Stop using the refrigerator if you notice any electrical tingling, sparks, or tripped breakers
- Contact Sears at 1-800-659-7026 for current recall status information
- Affected units were to be replaced at no cost; a $100 Sears gift card was offered as an incentive for compliance
- A qualified technician should inspect any unit still in service from this model and date range
Urgency level
High. Electrical shock hazard — any unit in this recall still in service should be inspected or replaced immediately.