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CPSC recall · Reported August 25, 2016

Whirlpool Recalls Microwaves Due to Fire Hazard

Internal arcing during use can ignite an internal plastic component, posing a fire hazard.

Recall #
16253
Affected scope
About 15,200
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
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Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich. recalled This recall involves Whirlpool brand microwave hood combinations. The microwave ovens wer… - a moderate-severity action.

Whirlpool Recalls Microwaves Due to Fire Hazard was recalled by Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich. in August 25, 2016. Reason: Internal arcing during use can ignite an internal plastic component, posing a fire hazard.. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled microwaves, unplug the units and con…. Verify recall #16253 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-Internal arcing during use can ignite an internal plastic component, posing a fire hazard..

Moderate
severity level
August 25, 2016
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #16253 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #16253) was formally reported on August 25, 2016. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 15,200.

The documented reason for this recall is: Internal arcing during use can ignite an internal plastic component, posing a fire hazard. 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 stop using the recalled microwaves, unplug the units and contact Whirlpool for a free replacement product. - 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

0102030405060 20052008201120142017202020232026 9
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

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.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 15,200

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

This recall involves Whirlpool brand microwave hood combinations. The microwave ovens were sold in stainless steel, black and white. Model numbers and serial numbers are located on the inside of the unit, above the oven cavity on the left hand side. The following model and serial numbers are included in the recall: Model Numbers Serial Numbers WMH53520CS TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH53520CW TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH53520CB TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH53520CE TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH53520CH TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CS TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CW TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CB TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CE TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CH TR33500000 to TR34899999 A complete list of model and serial numbers included in this recall is posted on the firm's website at http://repair.whirlpoolcorp.com.

Reason for recall

Internal arcing during use can ignite an internal plastic component, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled microwaves, unplug the units and contact Whirlpool for a free replacement product.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 16253
Date reported August 25, 2016
Date initiated August 25, 2016
Recalling firm Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich.
Affected scope About 15,200
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 stop using the recalled microwaves, unplug the units and contact Whirlpool for a free replacement pr…

  • Check the recall number (16253) 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 Whirlpool brand microwave hood combinations. The microwave ovens were sold in stainless steel, black and white. Model numbers and serial numbers are located on the inside of the unit, above the oven cavity on the left hand side. The following model and serial numbers are included in the recall: Model Numbers Serial Numbers WMH53520CS TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH53520CW TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH53520CB TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH53520CE TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH53520CH TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CS TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CW TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CB TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CE TR33500000 to TR34899999 WMH73521CH TR33500000 to TR34899999 A complete list of model and serial numbers included in this recall is posted on the firm's website at http://repair.whirlpoolcorp.com.. Recalled by Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich.. Units affected: About 15,200.
Why was this product recalled?
Internal arcing during use can ignite an internal plastic component, posing a fire hazard.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled microwaves, unplug the units and contact Whirlpool for a free replacement product.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on August 25, 2016. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 16253.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (16253) 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.

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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 August 25, 2016. 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.