Rheem is recalling 54,000 electric water heaters because the control panel can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. No injuries have been reported, but there have been 296 reports of control panels overheating, including a fire that resulted in $5,800 in property damage.
The recalled Rheem brand “Performance Platinum” electric water heaters were manufactured in the United States and Mexico and sold at The Home Depot stores nationwide and online from January 2014 through April 2016 for between $450 and $720. They were sold in 40, 50 and 80 gallon capacities. They are gray and have the “Performance Platinum” Rheem logo decal on the front above the thermostat control panel. The water heaters have a rating plate near the bottom of the unit with the model number, date of manufacture and serial number. See the CPSC notice for a full list of recalled model and serial numbers.
Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact Rheem to request a free repair.
