Whirlpool Washing Machine Recall Issued in UK Following 80 Reports of Fires

More than five million Whirlpool dishwashers have been recalled in the United Kingdom after the manufacturer received dozens of consumer complaints indicating the machines overheated and caught on fire, posing burn injury and property damage risks.

The Whirlpool washing machine recall was announced by the manufacturer this week, indicating certain models of Hotpoint and Indesit brands of dishwasher have a design flaw in the door locking system that may allow them to overheat and catch on fire.

The recall came after Whirlpool UK Appliances Ltd. alerted the Office for Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of approximately 79 consumer reports indicating the washing machines caught on fire. To date, Whirlpool is aware of several property damage incidents, but has not received any serious injury reports associated with the recall.

After learning of the consumer complaints and warranty claims, Whirlpool launched an investigation and  discovered that when the heating element is activated in certain mashing machines, a component in the door locking system can overheat and cause a fire.

Of the 79 reported fires, BBC News reported the door locking systems in Whirlpool washing machines have been a known problem for quite some time. The news station reported one incident involving a Romford, Essex resident who indicated his Hotpoint washing machine not only began smoking, sending a burning smell throughout his entire home. Another report indicated the overheating dishwasher left burn marks up the sides of consumer’s cabinets, indicating how quickly a fire could spread.

The recall includes an estimated 519,000 Whirlpool Hotpoint and Indesit branded washing machines sold specifically throughout the U.K. from 2014 through 2018.

Customers are being asked to unplug and refrain from using the washing machines until they can be repaired, or to only run the machine on cold cycles to prevent overheating occurrences.

Whirlpool announced it has begun notifying customers of the problem and plans to begin the repair process in January, meaning customers could be without the use of their washing machines over the Christmas and New Year holidays, or longer.

Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall are encouraged to contact Whirlpool’s customer service team at 0800-316-1442, or visit their online model checker to verify if their washing machine is included in the recall.