Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported June 2, 2015
A.O. Smith Recalls John Wood Brand Oil-Fired Water Heaters Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
The water heater's combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater instead of the water. Combustible material near the outside of the water he…
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
A.o. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis. recalled This recall involves John Wood brand 50- and 70-gallon oil-fired water heaters. The 50-ga… - a moderate-severity action.
A.O. Smith Recalls John Wood Brand Oil-Fired Water Heaters Due to Fire and Burn Hazards was recalled by A.o. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis. in June 2, 2015. Reason: The water heater's combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater inste…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and conta…. Verify recall #15155 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
A.o. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The water heater's combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater inste….
- Moderate
- severity level
- June 2, 2015
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #15155 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #15155) was formally reported on June 2, 2015. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. A.o. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 250.
The documented reason for this recall is: The water heater's combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater instead of the water. Combustible material near the outside of the water heater can catch fire, posing fire and bur… Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A.O. Smith for a free inspection and free replacement of misaligned water heaters. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Appliances recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 419 appliances recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 250
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
This recall involves John Wood brand 50- and 70-gallon oil-fired water heaters. The 50-gallon water heaters have model number JW517 and serial numbers from 1349A021678 through 1503A016643. The 70-gallon water heaters have model number JW717 and serial numbers from 1421M001517 through 436M000040. The water heaters are gray with "John Wood" printed in blue and white near the top. The model number, size and serial numbers are printed on the rating plate near the top of the tank. Only oil-fired water heaters are included in this recall.
Reason for recall
The water heater's combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater instead of the water. Combustible material near the outside of the water heater can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A.O. Smith for a free inspection and free replacement of misaligned water heaters.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 15155 |
| Date reported | June 2, 2015 |
| Date initiated | June 2, 2015 |
| Recalling firm | A.o. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis. |
| Affected scope | About 250 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A.O. Smith for a free inspection and …
- Check the recall number (15155) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
This recall involves John Wood brand 50- and 70-gallon oil-fired water heaters. The 50-gallon water heaters have model number JW517 and serial numbers from 1349A021678 through 1503A016643. The 70-gallon water heaters have model number JW717 and serial numbers from 1421M001517 through 436M000040. The water heaters are gray with "John Wood" printed in blue and white near the top. The model number, size and serial numbers are printed on the rating plate near the top of the tank. Only oil-fired water heaters are included in this recall.. Recalled by A.o. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis.. Units affected: About 250.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The water heater's combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater instead of the water. Combustible material near the outside of the water heater can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A.O. Smith for a free inspection and free replacement of misaligned water heaters.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on June 2, 2015. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 15155.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (15155) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
CPSC Moderate
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· 2026-06-11
CPSC Moderate
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· 2026-06-04
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Fengrong Tool Recalls Pressure Washers Due to Serious Risk of Injury or Death from Shock and Electrocution Hazards
Ningboaonadianzishangwuyouxiangongsi., dba Fengrong Tool, of China · 2026-04-16
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Free-Standing Professional Gas Ranges Recalled Due to Risk of Burn Hazard; Manufactured by Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel Appliances (Thailand) Co., Ltd, of Thailand · 2026-04-16
Compare this recall with HSN Recalls Kitchen HQ Thermal Insulated Bowls Due to Fire … →
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported June 2, 2015. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.