Kenmore Appliance Recalls
Kenmore multi recall affecting approximately 47,000 units due to fire risk. Free repair available. Check your model number below.
Kenmore Recall History — Chronological List#
The following table lists all major Kenmore appliance recalls tracked in our database, sorted from most recent to oldest:
| Year | Appliance | Hazard | Units Affected | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Refrigerator | Premature linear compressor failure causing complete loss of refrigeration. Identical to the LG linear compressor cla... | Hundreds of thousands of Kenmore Elite refrigerators with LG linear compressors | Moderate |
| 2020 | [Dishwasher](/blog/repair-or-replace-dishwasher) | The heating element sheath can develop a crack that allows moisture to enter, creating a short circuit that can ignit... | Approximately 47,000 Kenmore Elite dishwashers | Critical |
| 2019 | Oven/Range | The front burner control knobs can be turned to the ON position by inadvertent contact, releasing unignited gas. This... | Approximately 62,000 Kenmore gas ranges | Critical |
| 2018 | Dryer | The lint filter housing has a design flaw that allows lint to bypass the primary filter over hundreds of cycles. Lint... | Approximately 71,000 Kenmore electric and gas dryers | Critical |
What to Do#
If you have confirmed your Kenmore appliance is part of an active recall, follow these steps in order:
- Read the specific recall notice carefully. Some recalls require you to stop using the appliance immediately (fire or gas leak hazards), while others allow continued use with certain precautions (avoiding specific modes or functions).
- Document your model and serial number. Write down both numbers from the rating plate. Take a photo for your records. You will need these when contacting Kenmore.
- Contact Kenmore using the recall-specific phone number. Do not use the general customer service line — the recall line has dedicated agents trained on the specific recall process. This number is listed in the recall notice.
- Register for the free remedy. Kenmore will arrange a free in-home repair, ship replacement parts, or offer a replacement unit depending on the specific recall. All CPSC recalls provide the remedy at no cost to the consumer regardless of warranty status.
- If you experienced property damage or injury, file a report at SaferProducts.gov. This federal reporting system helps CPSC track the real-world impact of recalled products. You may also have legal rights to compensation beyond the recall remedy.
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Is Your Kenmore Appliance Recalled? How to Check#
Follow these steps to determine if your Kenmore appliance is part of any active recall:
- Find your Kenmore model number on the rating plate — the first three digits identify the actual manufacturer (e.g., 795 = LG, 665 = Whirlpool, 417 = Electrolux)
- Kenmore is a Sears/Transformco brand — appliances are made by LG, Whirlpool, Electrolux, and others under contract
- A recall on an LG refrigerator may also affect the identical Kenmore model — always cross-check both brands
- Contact Kenmore at 1-888-536-6673 or visit kenmore.com for recall information
- If Sears/Transformco no longer services your area, contact the actual manufacturer directly using the model prefix
- Schedule a professional inspection — many Kenmore units share platforms with recalled brand-name models
Understanding Recall Severity Levels#
Not all recalls carry the same level of urgency. Here is how to interpret the severity ratings in our recall database:
| Severity | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Fire, explosion, gas leak, or serious injury risk | Stop using immediately. Contact manufacturer for free repair. |
| Moderate | Property damage, minor injury, or performance defect | Schedule repair soon. May be safe for limited continued use per recall notice. |
| Low | Minor defect, cosmetic issue, or precautionary recall | Contact manufacturer at your convenience. No immediate safety risk. |
Safety First — Know the Risks
Appliances involve high voltage (120-240V), pressurized water, gas lines, and chemical refrigerants. Over 400 DIY repair injuries are reported yearly. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Where to Find Your Kenmore Model Number#
The model number location varies by appliance type. Here is where to look on Kenmore products:
- Refrigerator: Inside the fresh food compartment on the upper left wall, behind the crisper drawers, or behind the bottom kick plate.
- Washer: Inside the door frame (top-load: under the lid; front-load: around the rubber gasket). Some Kenmore models also have it on the back panel.
- Dryer: Inside the door frame or on the back panel.
- Dishwasher: Left or right side of the door frame, visible when the door is open. Some models place it on the top edge of the door.
- Oven/Range: Behind the storage drawer (pull drawer out and look at the frame), on the oven door frame, or on the back panel.
- Microwave: Back panel (countertop) or inside door frame (over-the-range).
Always record both the model number and the serial number. Recall eligibility often depends on serial number ranges corresponding to specific manufacturing dates.
Recalls vs Class Actions — What Is the Difference?#
Some Kenmore appliance issues result in class action lawsuits rather than official CPSC recalls. Understanding the difference matters because the remedies and your rights are different:
| Aspect | CPSC Recall | Class Action |
|---|---|---|
| Who initiates | CPSC (federal agency) | Consumers (through attorneys) |
| Basis | Safety hazard (fire, injury) | Defect causing financial harm |
| Manufacturer obligation | Mandatory free repair/replace/refund | Settlement terms (varies) |
| Your cost | Free | Free (attorneys paid from settlement) |
| Time limit | Never expires | Settlement has filing deadlines |
Both provide remedies to affected consumers. The key difference is that recalls are mandatory and never expire, while class action settlements have specific filing deadlines. If your Kenmore appliance has both a recall and a class action, you can pursue both.
The Real Cost of DIY
Average DIY attempt: $150-400 in tools you may use once, plus the risk of further damage. Our diagnostic visit costs $0 — we find the problem and give you an honest quote.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kenmore Recalls#
Who actually makes Kenmore appliances?#
Kenmore appliances are manufactured by various companies under contract. The first three digits of the model number identify the manufacturer: 795 and 796 = LG, 665 = Whirlpool, 253 = Frigidaire/Electrolux, 417 = Electrolux (laundry), 580 = De'Longhi, 106 = Whirlpool (refrigerators). This means a recall on the manufacturer's brand may also apply to your Kenmore.
Is my Kenmore refrigerator part of the LG compressor class action?#
If your Kenmore refrigerator has a model number starting with 795 and uses a linear compressor, it is likely covered by the LG compressor class action. Kenmore Elite and Kenmore PRO refrigerators made by LG between 2014 and 2020 are the most commonly affected. Check the settlement website with your model and serial number.
Can I still get a recalled Kenmore appliance repaired with Sears closing?#
Yes. CPSC recalls are manufacturer obligations, not retailer obligations. Contact the actual manufacturer (identified by model prefix) for recall repairs. Transformco (Sears successor) still operates some service centers. Independent authorized service providers can also perform recall repairs.
How do I identify the manufacturer of my Kenmore appliance?#
Look at the first three digits of the model number on the rating plate. Common prefixes: 110/111 = Whirlpool (washers/dryers), 253 = Frigidaire, 363 = GE, 417 = Electrolux, 580 = De'Longhi, 665 = Whirlpool (dishwashers), 721 = various (grills), 795/796 = LG. The rating plate may also show the manufacturing company name.
Worried about your Kenmore appliance? Our certified technicians can inspect your unit, verify recall status, and ensure safe operation. Book a safety inspection today.
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