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CPSC recall · Reported November 8, 2018

A. O. Smith Recalls Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters Due to Fire Hazard

The water heater's gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater's burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly …

Recall #
19029
Affected scope
About 616,000
Verify with CPSC →
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A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis. recalled This recall includes 30, 40 and 50 gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emis….

A. O. Smith Recalls Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters Due to Fire Hazard was recalled by A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis. in November 8, 2018. Reason: The water heater's gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater's burner can then create excess radiant…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and conta…. Verify recall #19029 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis. issued this CPSC recall-The water heater's gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater's burner can then create excess radiant….

None
agency class
November 8, 2018
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #19029 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above 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 - 426 appliances recalls on record

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Product description

This recall includes 30, 40 and 50 gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission gas water heaters. They are designed to comply with regulations in certain air quality districts in California, and were sold primarily in California. They were sold under the American, A. O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Craftsmaster and Whirlpool brand names and manufactured from April 8, 2011 through August 1, 2016. Only water heaters with the first four digit serial numbers between 1115 and 1631, where the first four digits represent the year and week of production, are included in the recall. The brand name, model number and serial number can be found on the data plate on the product located next to the gas control valve/thermostat. The brand name is printed near the top of the water heater. Consumers can look up their water heater's serial number to see if it is affected by this recall at www.waterheaterrecall.com.

Reason for recall

The water heater's gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater's burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A. O. Smith to determine if a free repair is necessary.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Not classified by agency
Status Active
Recall number 19029
Date reported November 8, 2018
Date initiated November 8, 2018
Recalling firm A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis.
Affected scope About 616,000
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 to determine if a free re…

  • Check the recall number (19029) 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 includes 30, 40 and 50 gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission gas water heaters. They are designed to comply with regulations in certain air quality districts in California, and were sold primarily in California. They were sold under the American, A. O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Craftsmaster and Whirlpool brand names and manufactured from April 8, 2011 through August 1, 2016. Only water heaters with the first four digit serial numbers between 1115 and 1631, where the first four digits represent the year and week of production, are included in the recall. The brand name, model number and serial number can be found on the data plate on the product located next to the gas control valve/thermostat. The brand name is printed near the top of the water heater. Consumers can look up their water heater's serial number to see if it is affected by this recall at www.waterheaterrecall.com.. Recalled by A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis.. Units affected: About 616,000.
Why was this product recalled?
The water heater's gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater's burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A. O. Smith to determine if a free repair is necessary.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on November 8, 2018. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 19029.
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.

Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing

Consumer-product notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.

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This recall: CPSC, reported November 8, 2018. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026