GE Appliances issues recall of its Profile top-loading washers due to fire risk

Due to a faulty electrical component in three models of its high-efficiency top-loading washers, appliance company GE has announced an urgent recall. Citing potential fire hazard risks, the company is currently advising owners of GE Profile washers WPGT9350, WPGT9360, and WPGT9150 to immediately unplug and stop using them. To help with the issue, GE Appliances says it’s offering free repairs of the units, which can be requested by calling it directly or setting up an appointment via the “Recall Information” section on its website.

Though the recall only covers three of GE’s Profile models, the brand estimates there to be roughly 222,000 units currently installed — and an additional 450 sold in Canada. Available in gold, gray, and white, each model measures around 4 cubic feet and features “GE Profile” emblazoned on the front. Sold between 2003 and 2011, the top-loading washers were available from stores like Best Buy, Sears, and Home Depot for around $900 to $1,400.

Thus far, GE says it’s received 71 different reports of a washer’s internal components burning or catching fire, with three of those fires reportedly resulting in $129,000 in property damage. No injuries have yet been reported as a result of any fires.

The Boston, Massachusetts-basedcompany has yet to release any official statement on the matter, likely focusing on repairing as many of the 222,000 models as quickly as it can. GE is no stranger to recall — it recalled air conditioning and heating units in 2015, as well as similar front-loading washers because of injury risks in 2012.