Whirlpool Dishwasher Lawsuit: The Fire-Hazard Claims

The Defect

Class actions allege that dishwashers manufactured by Whirlpool — and sold under the KitchenAid, Kenmore and Whirlpool brands — contain electronic control boards that can overheat and ignite, emitting smoke, sparks or flames. Hundreds of owners reported their dishwashers catching fire. A dishwasher is a plumbed-in, often-unattended appliance run overnight, so an ignition risk in the control board is a serious home-fire hazard.

The earlier cases focused on units manufactured in the early-to-mid 2000s with a specific control-board defect.

The Settlement and Newer Cases

An earlier class-action settlement resolved claims over the affected dishwashers by offering relief tiered to what a customer experienced: reimbursement of repair costs, cash for those who had already replaced a dishwasher after an overheating event, and rebates toward a new dishwasher for class members generally. More recently, reporting indicates a class was certified over newer models, with litigation continuing.

So the fire-hazard theory has produced both a past settlement and ongoing cases over later dishwashers.

What Owners Should Know

Check whether your dishwasher model is subject to a recall or settlement, and heed the common safety guidance not to run a dishwasher (or other major unattended appliance) while asleep or away from home. If a dishwasher shows signs of overheating, smoke or electrical smell, stop using it. Keep repair and purchase records for any claim.