WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 1999 -- Citing at least 50 fires, General Electric is voluntarily recalling about 3.1 million GE and Hotpoint brand dishwashers, manufactured between April 1983 and January 1989.
Some consumers are unhappy with the terms of the recall, however, and question whether it would not be more properly called a rebate program.
The dishwashers have a slide switch that allows consumers to choose between heat drying and energy saver functions. Over time, the slide switch can melt and ignite, presenting a fire hazard.
GE and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said they have reports of 50 fires, seven of which spread beyond the dishwashers. In three cases, the structure of the house or apartment was damaged. No injuries have been reported.
The GE and Hotpoint dishwashers that are being recalled are model GSD500D, GSD500G, GSD540, HDA467, HDA477 or HDA487 with a serial number that has a second letter of A, M, R, S, T, V or Z (for example, BM12345).
The model and serial numbers are located on a rectangular label that is on either the right or left front edge of the inner tub. The GE or Hotpoint brand name is on the front of the dishwasher.
Consumers should stop using the recalled dishwashers immediately. Keep the dishwasher door unlatched to prevent the flow of electric current from the latch to the slide switch. GE is offering consumers a rebate toward the purchase of a new dishwasher. Contact GE at (800) 599-2929 anytime or www.geappliancerecall.com for information on how to participate in the rebate program.
