Maytag recalls dishwashers, citing potential fire hazard

The Maytag MDB4651A (*Est. $400), named a runner-up in the ConsumerSearch report on dishwashers, may be affected by this recall. None of the dishwashers named as Best Reviewed products by ConsumerSearch are recalled models.

Why the dishwashers are being recalled

Electrical failures in faulty dishwasher heating elements have caused at least a dozen fires, according to the CPSC. No injuries have been reported.

How to check your dishwasher

The dishwashers in question were sold between February 2006 and April of this year, and retail for between $250 and $900. All feature plastic tubs and have black, white, bisque, silver or stainless-steel front panels, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says.

To find out whether your dishwasher is being recalled, you'll need to check the unit's serial number. Maytag has posted a video on YouTube (no sound) demonstrating how to locate the dishwasher serial number. Both the Maytag website and the CPSC recall page contain similar images.

"The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located inside the plastic tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening," the Maytag recall announcement says.

Recalled dishwasher serial numbers

Your dishwasher is included in the recall if it has a serial number beginning with:

NW39, NW40, NW41, NW42, NW43, NW44, NW45, NW46, NW47, NW48, NW49, NW50, NW51, NW52, NY01, NY02, NY03, NY04, NY05, NY06, NY07, NY08, NY09, NY10, NY11, NY12, NY13, NY14, NY15, NY16, NY17, NY18, NY19

Likewise, your dishwasher is included in the recall if it has a serial number ending with: 

JC, JE, JG, JJ, JL, JN, JP, JR, JT, JV, JX, LA, LC, LE, LG, LJ, LL, LN, LP, LR, LT, LV, LX, NA, NC, NE, NG, NJ, NL, NN, NP, NR

If your dishwasher is affected by the recall

On its website, Maytag Corp. says: "If the dishwasher is included in the recall, consumers can either schedule a free in-home repair or receive a rebate following the purchase of certain new Maytag brand stainless-steel tub dishwashers. The rebate is $150 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB7759, MDB7609 or MDBH979; or $250 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB8959, MDB8859, MDB7809 or MDB7709. Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to the retailer where purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the units back."

Visit Maytag's website to check for rebate eligibility.

Visit the CPSC website to report an incident involving a Maytag dishwasher.

To contact Maytag, call (800) 544-5513, 24 hours a day.