KitchenAid microwave-hood combination fire recall 2001 — In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Michigan voluntarily recalled approximately 1.8 million microwave-hood combinations sold under the Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Kenmore brand names. This remains one of the largest appliance recalls in CPSC history. The units can overheat and catch fire during normal operation.
Why this matters
The recalled microwave-hood combinations have a defect that causes them to overheat and catch fire. Whirlpool received seven reports of fires involving these units at the time of the announcement, resulting in extensive property damage to kitchens and homes. No injuries were reported, but the fire risk prompted the voluntary recall.
Affected units
- Brands: KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Kenmore
- Total units: Approximately 1.8 million in the United States
- Serial prefix: Serial numbers begin with “XC”
- Sold: January 1998 through September 2001 at appliance dealers, department stores, and home centers nationwide
- Price range: from $249
How to identify
Model and serial numbers are located inside the microwave door frame on the left side. Any serial number beginning with “XC” is potentially affected — check the Whirlpool recall lookup tool with your exact model number.
Recommended action steps
- Stop using the microwave if any burning smell, smoke, or unusual noise occurs
- Contact Whirlpool at the original recall number (800) 785-8897 or current customer service at 1-800-422-1230
- Whirlpool will provide a free in-home repair to eliminate the fire hazard
- Do not attempt any repair yourself — only authorized technicians can perform the remedy
Urgency level
High. Fire hazard recall — any KitchenAid microwave-hood combination from this era with an XC serial should be scheduled for the free repair.