1.7 million Maytag dishwashers recalled

Maytag Corp. issued a recall of 1.7 million dishwashers sold under the Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brands after reports of fires starting due to electrical problems with the heating element, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

All the recalled dishwashers have plastic interiors and were sold nationwide between February 2006 through April 2010 for between $250 and $900. They came in either black, bisque, white, silver or stainless steel front panels.

Maytag told the CPSC a dozen consumers reported problems with the heating element that started several fires including one that caused extensive kitchen damage.

To determine if you have one of the recalled dishwashers, look for the model and serial numbers on the left side of the door opening. The recalled machines will have serial numbers starting with any of the following:

NW39, NW40, NW41, NW42, NW43, NW44, NW45, NW46, NW47, NW48, NW49, NW50, NW51, NW52, NY01, NY02, NY03, NY04, NY05, NY06, NY07, NY08, NY09, NY10, NY11, NY12, NY13, NY14, NY15, NY16, NY17, NY18, NY19 or ending with any of the following: JC, JE, JG, JJ, JL, JN, JP, JR, JT, JV, JX, LA, LC, LE, LG, LJ, LL, LN, LP, LR, LT, LV, LX, NA, NC, NE, NG, NJ, NL, NN, NP, NR.

If you have one of the dishwashers, you are urged to stop using it immediately and disconnect it from the power supply by either shutting off its circuit breaker or by pulling out its fuse.

Maytag will repair the recalled machines in-home or provide a rebate if a consumer decided to buy certain new models with stainless-steel interiors. To schedule a repair or get a rebate, call Maytag at (800) 544-5513.