Frigidaire and Kenmore electric ranges recalled for spontaneously turning on

(TMX) - Electrolux Group is reannouncing a recall of Frigidaire and Kenmore electric ranges, which were originally recalled in 2009, because the heating elements can turn on by themselves, or fail to turn off, posing fire and burn hazards.

The recall includes about 203,000 Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and Kenmore Elite smooth-top electric ranges, according to a notice posted Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled ranges were sold at Sears and independent appliance stores nationwide from June 2001 through August 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,500.

Depending on the model, the surface heating elements on the ranges can “turn on spontaneously without being switched on; fail to turn off after being switched off; or heat to different temperatures than selected.”

Electrolux said that since the recall was initiated in 2009, the company has received 212 reports of the ranges “behaving erratically,” including 14 reports of fires and eight reports of injuries including burns to hands or arms and smoke inhalation.

Numerous model numbers are included in the recall. For Frigidaire models, the recalled units have a serial number range of VF122xxxxx - VF936xxxxx. For Kenmore Elite models, the recalled units have a serial number range of VF122xxxxx - VF334xxxxx.

The serial number of the recalled model will determine whether consumers can receive a repair or a refund. If the range is repairable, a free inspection and repair will be scheduled.

If it is not repairable, consumers can receive a $50 electronic gift card plus a reimbursement of up to $60 for having the recalled range hauled away. To receive the gift card and haul-away reimbursement, consumers must submit proof of purchase of a new range and the haul-away fee paid.

Consumers with recalled ranges should contact Electrolux for steps to avoid a burn injury, which include not leaving anything on the range when it is not in use.