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CPSCGeneral Alert

Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool

Published: March 4, 1987Recall ID: 87014Category: Consumer ProductsCountry: United States
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Safety AlertCPSCUSUS

Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool

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Reason for Recall / Hazard

Laceration

Product Description & Identification

Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 04, 1987 Release # 87-14 SOME SEARS CANISTER VACUUM CLEANERS NEED TO BE MODIFIED TO PREVENT INJURIES WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Michigan, today announced a modification program involving numerous Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners. The motor in some of these cleaners has an opening which exposes moving parts when the canister is opened, the motor filter removed, and when the motor is running. These moving parts may cause severe lacerations or amputations to fingers placed in the opening. There have been 19 serious injuries involving these motor openings. Since 1976, approximately 1.3 million of these canister vacuums were sold nationwide through Sears, Roebuck & Co. stores and catalogs under the Kenmore name and model number. Models with various features sold for between $50 and $280. An easy-to-install, stick-on motor safety screen kit which covers the opening on top of the motor is being provided free of charge to owners of affected models. However, not all Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners sold since 1976 need the kit. Whirlpool is informing known purchasers by direct mail. Consumers who bought canister vacuum cleaners at Sears since 1976 can find out if their vacuum motor requires a safety screen and receive additional information by calling 800-654- 1820 toll-free (have the model number from the bottom of the canister ready) or by visiting the customer service counter of the nearest Sears store. Consumers are warned to take extra care in handling their canister vacuum cleaners until the safety screen is installed. Whenever using the cleaner, unplug it before opening the canister lid.

Affected Products

Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners

Additional Source Details

FieldValue
U R Lhttps://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1987/SOME-SEARS-CANISTER-VACUUM-CLEANERS-NEED-TO-BE-MODIFIED-TO-PREVENT-INJURIES
TitleSears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool
Hazards › NameLaceration
Products › 1 › TypeVacuum Cleaners/Sweepers
Products › 1 › Category I D2216
Products › 2 › NameSears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners
Recall I D4687
Recall Date1987-03-04T00:00:00
DescriptionSears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 04, 1987 Release # 87-14 SOME SEARS CANISTER VACUUM CLEANERS NEED TO BE MODIFIED TO PREVENT INJURIES WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Michigan, today announced a modification program involving numerous Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners. The motor in some of these cleaners has an opening which exposes moving parts when the canister is opened, the motor filter removed, and when the motor is running. These moving parts may cause severe lacerations or amputations to fingers placed in the opening. There have been 19 serious injuries involving these motor openings. Since 1976, approximately 1.3 million of these canister vacuums were sold nationwide through Sears, Roebuck & Co. stores and catalogs under the Kenmore name and model number. Models with various features sold for between $50 and $280. An easy-to-install, stick-on motor safety screen kit which covers the opening on top of the motor is being provided free of charge to owners of affected models. However, not all Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners sold since 1976 need the kit. Whirlpool is informing known purchasers by direct mail. Consumers who bought canister vacuum cleaners at Sears since 1976 can find out if their vacuum motor requires a safety screen and receive additional information by calling 800-654- 1820 toll-free (have the model number from the bottom of the canister ready) or by visiting the customer service counter of the nearest Sears store. Consumers are warned to take extra care in handling their canister vacuum cleaners until the safety screen is installed. Whenever using the cleaner, unplug it before opening the canister lid.
Recall Number87014
Last Publish Date1987-03-04T00:00:00

Consumer Action Protocol: What You Should Do Immediately

Safety Steps
1Verify Product Identifiers

Check the model number, serial number, and date stamp on the rating label on the back or underside of the product.

2Isolate & Discontinue Use

Immediately discontinue using the product. Unplug electrical items and keep juvenile items out of reach of children.

3Claim Free Statutory Remedy

Under statutory consumer protection rules, consumers are entitled to a full refund, certified replacement, or free repair kit without needing the original sales receipt.

4Report Adverse Incidents

If you suffered an injury, illness, or property damage from this product, file an official incident report with regulatory authorities (CPSC).

Your Legal Rights as a Consumer

Recalls are legally binding corrective safety actions overseen by statutory government bodies. Recalling entities are legally prohibited from charging consumers for official safety remedies. If a retailer or dealership refuses your recall remedy, notify the issuing regulatory agency immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recall

FAQ Guide

Q1:What should I do immediately if I own or bought Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool?

Immediately stop using the product and keep it out of reach of children. Disconnect power if electrical, and do not attempt makeshift home repairs.

Q2:Can I get a full refund or free repair for this recall?

Yes. Recalling manufacturers and retail merchants are required under consumer protection regulations to offer a statutory remedy—typically a full refund, certified repair kit, or replacement unit.

Q3:Do I need my original sales receipt to claim a remedy or refund?

In most recall cases, no receipt is required. Because safety recalls are matters of public health and statutory compliance, retailers and manufacturers routinely issue refunds, store credit, or replacement kits upon presentation of the affected product or lot code.

Q4:Where can I verify official information for this safety alert?

This safety alert is aggregated directly from official regulatory agency records (CPSC). You can click the 'Official Agency Alert' link on this page to view the primary government notice and contact the manufacturer directly.

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Overview

    Recall Hazard Severity
    Caution (Class III)
    Official Agency Alert

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