Whirlpool & KitchenAid Electric Range Recall 2022

Recall at a Glance#

Affected Models#

The following Whirlpool model numbers are included in this recall. Check your model number on the rating plate and compare it against this list:

Important: This list may not be exhaustive. Some recalls are updated after the initial announcement to add newly identified model numbers. Always verify your specific model and serial number with Whirlpool directly or on the CPSC recall notice.

Official Remedy#

Free in-home control board firmware update. Whirlpool dispatches authorized technicians. Update takes approximately 15-20 minutes and does not require parts replacement.

Key points about the recall remedy process:

• The repair, replacement, or refund is completely free — you pay nothing for parts or labor.
• You do not need the original receipt for CPSC recalls. The model and serial number are sufficient to verify eligibility.
• The recall applies regardless of whether you are the original purchaser. Second owners, tenants, and landlords are all eligible.
• CPSC recalls never expire. Even if this recall was announced years ago, you can still get the free repair if your unit was never serviced.
• If the manufacturer does not respond within 30 days, file a complaint at SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC at 1-800-638-2772.

What to Do#

If your Whirlpool oven/range model number matches the list above, take these steps immediately:

1. Check if your range model starts with WFE (Whirlpool) or KFEG (KitchenAid)
2. Do not store anything on the cooktop surface when not cooking — especially flammable items
3. Register at whirlpool.com/support/product-recalls or call 1-866-698-2538
4. The firmware update is quick and does not require parts — it can often be scheduled within 1-2 weeks

What Is the Risk?#

The cooktop surface elements can turn on unexpectedly when the oven door is opened or closed due to a control board firmware issue. This creates a burn hazard, particularly for items stored on the cooktop (towels, cutting boards, plastic containers). Whirlpool received 24 reports of unexpected activation, including 3 reports of minor burns.

While this issue may not require you to stop using the appliance immediately, you should register for the free remedy promptly to prevent the defect from worsening or causing secondary damage.

How Can You Prevent Unexpected Cooktop Activation — Burn and Fire Issues?#

The recalled Whirlpool WFE and KitchenAid KFEG electric ranges have a control board firmware bug that sends an activation signal to cooktop elements when the oven door is opened or closed. This creates two distinct hazards: burn risk from touching an unexpectedly hot cooktop surface, and fire risk from items stored on the cooktop (towels, cutting boards, plastic containers, paper) that can ignite when the element heats. The 24 incidents reported to CPSC, including 3 minor burns, occurred during routine oven use.

Until the firmware update is applied, take these precautions: never store anything on the cooktop surface when the oven is in use, check that all cooktop indicator lights are off after opening or closing the oven door, and keep a clear cooktop surface as a general practice. The recall repair is a software update that takes approximately 15-20 minutes and does not require parts replacement, so scheduling is typically faster than hardware recalls. Contact Whirlpool at 1-866-698-2538 to schedule the update.

Frequently Asked Questions#

What causes the cooktop to turn on by itself?#

A firmware bug in the control board causes an electrical signal to be sent to the cooktop elements when the oven door is opened or closed. The door switch generates a voltage spike that the firmware incorrectly interprets as a cooktop activation command. The fix is a software update — no hardware replacement is needed.

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Worried about your oven/range? Our certified technicians can inspect your Whirlpool oven/range, verify recall status, and ensure safe operation. Book a safety inspection at /book.