In a significant safety alert, LG Electronics has announced the recall of approximately 500,000 ranges sold across the United States due to a serious fire hazard. The recall comes following numerous reports of unintentional activations of the range knobs, leading to at least 28 fires, damaging property and even causing injuries. Consumers are urged to check their appliances promptly, as these ranges were sold at major retailers and online from 2015 until early this year, risking substantial safety incidents in homes.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Overview of the Recall |
| 2) Reports of Incidents |
| 3) Details about Affected Models |
| 4) Safety Recommendations for Consumers |
| 5) Broader Context of Safety Concerns |
Overview of the Recall
On Wednesday, LG Electronics publicly announced a recall involving nearly half a million ranges sold nationwide. This significant recall was issued due to front-mounted knobs that can be inadvertently activated, leading to potential fire risks. The announcement was made in collaboration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The manufacturer has received 86 reports of accidental knob activation and confirmed that these incidents have led to numerous fires, property damage, and injuries. The recall is extensive, affecting models that were disponibles in retail stores and online from 2015 up to January 2025. This highlights a serious safety concern for many households utilizing these ranges.
Reports of Incidents
The CPSC has documented at least 28 fire incidents associated with the recalled LG ranges, resulting in substantial property damage exceeding $340,000. Among the injuries reported, at least eight individuals suffered minor burns, including incidents that led to the tragic deaths of pets due to the flames. The recall aims to address these alarming numbers by making consumers aware of the potential dangers linked with these kitchen appliances. The details of these incidents emphasize the urgency for consumers to act and confirm whether their appliances are impacted by the recall.
Details about Affected Models
The affected ranges are models that feature front-mounted knobs, a design that inadvertently leads to unintentional activation. These ranges were sold through prominent appliance retailers, including Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s, alongside LG’s own website. The price for these ranges varied between $1,400 and $2,650 depending on the specific model. They were manufactured in Mexico and Korea by LG Electronics’ facilities, underscoring the widespread availability of these products. Owners can check model and serial numbers to determine if their appliances fall under the recall guidelines carefully laid out by LG Electronics and CPSC.
Safety Recommendations for Consumers
In light of these safety concerns, LG Electronics has instructed range owners to contact the company directly to acquire a free warning label and associated instructions for proper placement. This label serves as a critical reminder for consumers to engage the lock-out or control lock function on the range to prevent unintended activation of the heating elements. Furthermore, owners are advised to keep children and pets away from the stove knobs, verify that the knobs are turned off when leaving the home or going to bed, and to refrain from leaving objects on the range when not in use. These precautionary measures aim to minimize risks while the recall process unfolds and provide immediate safety relief for households.
Broader Context of Safety Concerns
The issue of unintentional stove activation is not exclusive to LG ranges, as indicated by a prior recall from Samsung, which affected over 1.1 million ranges due to similar hazards. The CPSC highlights ongoing risks associated with various manufacturers, revealing troubling trends in kitchen appliance safety. From 2018 to May 2024, the agency reported 338 incidents of cooktops or ranges being activated accidentally, underscoring a wider scope of safety challenges in the appliance industry. Such widespread reports have raised concerns, prompting further investigation and recalls as safety mechanisms struggle to keep pace with consumer needs.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | LG Electronics has recalled about 500,000 ranges due to accidental knob activations. |
| 2 | At least 28 fires have been reported linked to these ranges, with significant property damage. |
| 3 | The recalled models were sold at major retailers and online for prices ranging from $1,400 to $2,650. |
| 4 | Owners are encouraged to contact LG for safety labels and follow safety precaution guidelines. |
| 5 | There is a broader trend of accidental stove activations, with previous recalls affecting other brands. |
Summary
The recent recall of nearly 500,000 LG ranges underscores pressing safety concerns regarding kitchen appliances. As consumers face risks associated with inadvertent knob activation, ongoing awareness and immediate action are paramount. LG’s proactive approach in issuing a recall reflects its commitment to consumer safety while highlighting a more extensive issue within the industry that requires diligent oversight to prevent injuries and property damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What should I do if I own one of the recalled ranges?
If you own a recalled range, you should contact LG Electronics to obtain a free warning label and instructions on how to place it. This label will remind you to utilize the lock-out function to prevent accidental activation of the heating elements.
Question: How can I check if my range is affected by the recall?
You can verify if your range is part of the recall by checking the model and serial numbers listed in the recall notice provided by LG Electronics or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Question: What safety measures are recommended for range owners?
Homeowners are advised to keep children and pets away from the stove knobs, ensure that knobs are turned off before leaving home or going to sleep, and avoid placing objects on the stove when not in use to prevent accidental activations.
