Appliance recalls happen more often than most people realize, and many recalled units stay in use for years because the owner never heard about it. That's especially common when an appliance changes hands: a fridge bought secondhand, a range left by the previous owner of a rowhouse, or a washer that came with a rental. Recalls follow the product, not the original buyer.
Checking takes about ten minutes per appliance. Here's how to do it in order.
Step 1: find the model and serial numbers
The label is usually a sticker or metal plate. Common spots:
| Appliance | Where to look first | Other spots |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Inside the fresh-food section, on a side wall or ceiling | Behind the crisper drawers, on the door frame |
| Freezer | Inside the lid or door, or on the side of the cabinet | Back panel near the compressor |
| Range or oven | Frame behind the oven door or storage drawer | Under the cooktop, back panel |
| Cooktop | Underside of the unit, often visible from the cabinet below | Product literature |
| Dishwasher | Edge of the door or the tub opening | Behind the lower kick panel |
| Washer | Under the lid, or around the door opening on a front-loader | Back panel |
| Dryer | Inside the door opening | Back panel, near the lint screen slot |
| Microwave | Inside the door frame or on the back | Underside of over-the-range models |
Photograph each label. Keep the photos in one album or a simple spreadsheet with the brand, model, serial and location in the house.
Step 2: search the CPSC recall list
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission keeps the main federal list of consumer product recalls. Search by brand and product type, then compare the model numbers in each notice with yours. Model numbers can be long and similar, so match every character. Some recalls are limited to a specific range of serial numbers or manufacture dates.
Step 3: check the manufacturer's site
Many brands have their own recall or safety notice page. Search the brand name plus "recall." Manufacturer pages sometimes offer a lookup by model and serial, which is quicker than reading every notice.
Step 4: look at SaferProducts.gov
SaferProducts.gov, also run by CPSC, is where people report problems with products. Reports there aren't recalls, but reading reports about your model can tell you whether others are seeing the same overheating, smoking or leaking that you've noticed. You can also file a report yourself if your appliance has done something unsafe.
Step 5: register your appliances
Registering with the manufacturer is the most reliable way to be contacted directly about a future recall. Most brands let you register online with the model and serial. If you've bought a house or a used appliance, you can usually still register it under your name.
If your appliance is recalled
- Read the notice carefully. It will say whether to stop using the product immediately, or whether it's safe to use with precautions until it's fixed.
- Follow the remedy. Recalls usually offer a repair, a replacement or a refund through the manufacturer. Contact them using the information in the notice.
- Don't try to do the recall repair yourself unless the notice tells you to (some include a simple kit).
- Keep records of when you contacted the manufacturer and what they said.
Recall repairs are arranged through the manufacturer's program. As an independent repair company, we aren't the people who carry out recall work, so start with the contact in the notice.
Landlords and property managers
If you manage several units, a recall list for each building is worth the time. Many Philadelphia rental buildings have the same model of range or fridge in every unit, so one recall can affect many apartments. Note each unit's appliances at turnover. The rental move-in checklist is a good place to fold this in.
No recall, but something's wrong
If your appliance shows scorch marks, melted plastic, sparks, a burning smell, or keeps tripping a breaker, stop using it, unplug it if you can do so safely, and have it inspected. You can also file a report on SaferProducts.gov. Our technicians work on most major brands; the brands page lists them. If you're buying a house, pair this with the home inspection appliance checklist, and for secondhand purchases see the used refrigerator checklist.
Sources
Make it a yearly habit: pick a date each year to rerun the searches and add any new appliances to your list. If an appliance isn't recalled but isn't working right, a diagnosis and a written estimate are the next step.