Home/Recalls/CPSC-87014
CPSCGeneral Alert

Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool

Published: March 4, 1987Recall ID: 87014Category: generalCountry: US

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