Ensure Your Home's Safety: Details on the Recent Stove Recall

Understanding Recalls: What They Are and What Happens

Before delving into the specifics of the latest Frigidaire recall, it's essential to understand what a recall entails and the processes involved. A recall occurs when a manufacturer or regulatory authority determines that a product poses a safety risk or fails to meet regulatory standards.  (In the United States, this is most often the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.) This action is taken to protect consumers from potential harm and ensure the integrity of the product.

Recalls can be initiated for various reasons, including defects in design or manufacturing, safety concerns, or failure to meet regulatory requirements. In the case of appliances like stoves or ranges,, recalls may be issued due to issues with components such as burners, electrical systems, or structural integrity.

When a recall is initiated, the manufacturer typically works with relevant regulatory agencies to notify consumers of the issue and provide instructions on how to address it. This often involves contacting affected consumers directly, issuing public announcements through various channels, and coordinating efforts to repair or replace the affected products. 

For consumers, being informed about recalls is crucial for your safety and well-being. It allows you to take appropriate actions to mitigate risks and ensure the continued safe use of your appliances. In the case of the Frigidaire stove recall, understanding the nature of the issue and how to respond is essential for protecting both individuals and families from potential harm.

Recall Announcement: Frigidaire & Kenmore Electric Range

As of May 16, 2024 Frigidaire and Kenmore have announced a recall for stoves produced between 2001 and 2009.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has has received over 212 reports of these stoves functioning inconsistently and strangely. 14 fires have been reported as well as eight reports of burns to hands and arms and smoke inhalation. 

The recall is for 203,000 electric stoves that were made and sold in the time period noted. The stoves are smooth-top electric ranges that have their knobs on the rear panel, as well as digital displays. They came in colors of white, black, stainless steel and bisque.  They were sold from June 2001 to August 2009 at many different independent appliance stores for prices ranging from $1000 to $2,500. The units were sold in both the United States and Canada during the time frame. 

The stoves have been recalled due to several issues, including spontaneously turning on, refusing to turn off when switched off, and heating to temperatures other than what the user selects. 

Included in the recall are Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery and Frigidaire Professional, Kenmore Elite with the model numbers listed below. Numerous model numbers are included in the recall. For Frigidaire models, the recalled units have a serial number range of VF122xxxxx - VF936xxxxx. For Kenmore Elite models, the recalled units have a serial number range of VF122xxxxx - VF334xxxxx.

You can locate the model number for your appliance by looking in the drawer below the oven. It will be on the right side of the drawer’s frame. 

FEFBZ90GC

FEFLMC55GC

FEFLZ87GC

GLEF396AB

GLEF396AQ

GLEF396AS

GLEF396CQ

GLEF396CS

GLEFM397DB

GLEFM397DQ

GLEFM397DS

GLEFM97FPB

GLEFM97FPW

GLEFM97GPB

GLEFM97GPW

LEEFM389FE

PLEF398AC

PLEF398CC

PLEF398DC

PLEFM399DC

PLEFMZ99EC

PLEFMZ99GC

PLEFZ398EC

PLEFZ398GC

790.990121

790.990131

790.990141

790.990191

Incidents and Previous Recalls

The recall was issued originally in 2009 by Electrolux due to similar issues with the stoves. Since then, though, over 200 more issues have been reported as being caused by the faulty burners.  The recall will not expire, so even if you discover ages from now that your stovetop is one of the ones that has been an issue, you are still entitled to compensation and assistance from Electrolux.  

Taking Action

The first step is to guarantee whether or not yours is one of the ones affected by this recall. You can look in the drawer underneath the stove on the right hand side to find the serial number and match it against the list of the ones affected. If it is, keep reading. If not, and your stove is giving you similar issues, feel free to skip to the bottom.

Start by reaching out to Electrolux to see if you are eligible for a free inspection and repair. If it is repairable, that will be at no cost to you.
"If the range is not repairable, consumers will receive a refund in the form of a $50 electronic gift card and reimbursement of up to $60 for the haul-away fee for their recalled range, once they have submitted proof of purchase of a new range and the haul-away fee paid," the CPSC said in the announcement. 

You can call Electrolux Group's toll-free phone number at 888-845-8226 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also email at potentiometerrecall@electrolux.com or online at https://www.ema-recall.com/potentiometer or www.potentiometerrecall.com or www.frigidaire.com.
If you are having trouble with a recall remedy or feel that a company is being non-responsive to your request, you can also reach out to  CPSC and explain your concerns to them. 

While you wait for someone to get back to you though, you still have a faulty stovetop in your kitchen. So you have to consider what to do. 

Start by making sure that you don’t leave anything on the burners when the stove isn’t in use. This way you don’t step out and come back to a fire. 

You can also unplug your stove when not in use, to fully eliminate any risk of fire or burn. 

What if Your Appliance Isn’t Part of the Recall? 

If you find that your stove isn’t part of this recall but is still causing you issues, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Whether your stove refuses to heat properly, has unreliable burners, or any other problem, our expert technicians can diagnose and fix the issue promptly. Don’t let a malfunctioning stove ruin your cooking plans or risk your safety.

Additionally, if you want to ensure all your major appliances are running smoothly year-round, consider creating a maintenance plan with us. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your appliances.

Contact Appliance Rescue Service today for all your appliance repair needs or to set up a maintenance plan. We’re dedicated to keeping your home running efficiently and safely.

Call us at (214) 599-0055 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.