Fires Prompt GE To Recall One Million Dishwashers

MIAMI (CBSMiami) — More than one million GE and Hotpoint dishwashers are being recalled after numerous fires.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the voluntary recall Thursday.

"GE is aware of 15 reports of dishwasher heating element failures, seven of which resulted in fire and smoke damage beyond the unit," GE said in its recall notice.

Three of the fires caused extensive property damage, but no one was injured according to the CPSC.

Owners of the impacted dishwashers are advised to stop using them and turn off the fuse or circuit breaker to the machines.

"GE will provide a free repair to all consumers with units affected by the recall," the company said. "GE is offering to repair the problems in homes for free, or provide discounts for the purchase of a new GE washing machine."

GE Dishwashers affected by the recall fit all of the following descriptions:

• Sold from March 2006 to August 2009,
• Priced between $350 and $850,
• Have front controls and a plastic tub, and
• Are models from GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile beginning with GLC4, GLD4, GLD5, GLD6, GSD61, GSD62, GSD63, GSD66, GSD67, GSD69, GLDL, PDW7, PDWF7, EDW4, EDW5, EDW6, GHD4, GHD5, GHD6, GHDA4, GHDA6 and serial numbers starting with FL, GL, HL, LL, ML, VL, ZL, AM, DM, FM, GM, HM, LM, MM, RM, SM, TM, VM, ZM, AR, DR, FR, GR

Hotpoint dishwashers affected by the recall have model numbers starting with HLD4.

Dishwasher model and serial numbers are marked on a plate on the left side of the tub when the door is opened.