Frigidaire, Kenmore Electric Range Recall Reannounced After Additional Fire, Injury Reports

The original electric range recall was announced in 2009, impacting more than 200,000 Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Smoothtop products sold since 2021, which continue to be linked to reports of burn injuries and property damage.

Federal safety officials have re-announced a recall impacting Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Smoothtop Electric Ranges sold from 2001 to 2009, due to defective heating elements that can randomly turn on and fail to turn off, posing fire and burn hazards.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission issued a statement regarding the electric range recall on May 16, about five years after it was first announced, after the manufacturer received at least 212 new reports of the ranges turning on without being switched on, failing to turn off, and heating to different temperatures than selected.

Of the new reports, 14 involved fires and eight involved burn injuries to hands and arms, as well as smoke inhalation injuries among users of the ranges.

The initial electric range recall was announced August 27, 2009, involved the same issues and came after at least four reports involving burns and two reports of property damage had been linked to the defective smooth-top ranges.

The recall affects Frigidaire models with serial numbers from VF 122xxxxx through VF831xxxxx and model numbers beginning with FEFBZ90GC, FEFLMC55GC, FEFLZ87GC, GLEF396AB, GLEF396AQ, GLEF396AS, GLEF396CQ, GLEF396CS, GLEFM397DB, GLEFM397DQ, GLEFM397DS, GLEFM97FPB, GLEFM97FPW, GLEFM97GPB, GLEFM97GPW, LEEFM389FE, PLEF398AC, PLEF398CC, PLEF398DC, PLEFM399DC, PLEFMZ99EC, PLEFMZ99GC, PLEFZ398EC, and PLEFZ398GC. The recall also affects Kenmore Elite models with serial numbers from VF122xxxxx through VF334xxxxx and model numbers beginning with 790.99012, 790.99013, 790.99014, and 790.99019.

The model and serial numbers are located on a sticker at the base of the unit and can be seen by opening the range drawer.

The recalled ranges were sold at Sears and independent appliance stores nationwide from June 2001 through August 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,500.

Consumers with affected appliances can contact Electrolux by calling 888-845-8226  or via email at potentiometerrecall@electrolux.com. They can register online at www.potentiometerrecall.com, https://www.ema-recall.com/potentiometer or www.frigidaire.com. The serial number will be used to determine whether the range qualifies for repair.

The CPSC recommends those with affected ranges should reach out to Electrolux and take measures to prevent burn injuries, such as ensuring nothing is left on the range when it’s not in use. For ranges that are repairable, a free inspection and repair will be arranged. If the range cannot be repaired, consumers will receive a $50 electronic gift card and reimbursement of up to $60 for the haul-away fee of the recalled range, provided they submit proof of purchase of a new range and the paid haul-away fee. Electrolux may cover haul-away fees exceeding $60 if receipts or other documentation are provided.