When a dishwasher is recalled, it is usually because the product is considered unsafe and a safety risk to consumers. The most common reason for a dishwasher recall is due to a problem within the appliance that could be a fire hazard. A recalled appliance might have a leakage problem internally which could cause a short circuit and ignite a fire. There also may be an electrical wiring problem that makes the machine unsafe to use or a heating element malfunction that could cause an internal fire. Most often a dishwasher recall happens because there have been fires or property damage reported to the company that manufactured the machine.
A dishwasher recall may occur if there is a problem with leakage inside the unit. If the leak gets into the electronic control board it may cause a short circuit. Another problem with a defective dishwasher is when water condensation infiltrates the electrical components. This can cause the circuits to short and overheat, leading to a fire. The same thing can happen if the liquid rinse aid dispenser is defective and leaks onto internal wiring.
Sometimes the dishwasher has faulty wiring from the start. If the appliance has inferior wiring, this could cause the unit to short circuit, posing a fire safety risk to consumers. The wiring could malfunction at any time, and this can lead to the control panel components becoming so overheated that they melt and cause an electrical fire.
Since most dishwashers use a heating elements to wash, rinse, and dry dishes, a flawed heating element is another reason for a dishwasher recall. If the element is not functioning properly, it could heat up above the recommended temperature for the unit and melt items in the dishwasher, releasing noxious fumes in the kitchen area. A defective heating element can also pose a fire risk.
Consumers who own an appliance that has been recalled for safety reasons are usually advised to immediately stop using it and to disconnect the power source. The consumer may be offered a free repair or a rebate towards the purchase of a new one. Recalled dishwashers are identified through manufacturer model numbers.