LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea has recalled about 21,000 gas clothes dryers manufactured in South Korea.
According to the company, the dryers, sold under the LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite brand names, incorporate a gas value that can fail to shut off properly, allowing heat to continue to build up in the dryer, even after the drying cycle is complete. The resulting high temperatures inside the dryer and on the outside surface can burn or otherwise damage the dryer contents, posing a risk of burn, fire and smoke inhalation.
LG Electronics and retailer Sears have received 141 separate consumer complaints about dryers that continued to heat after the completion of the drying cycle. The reports included burnt or scorched clothing in more than 50 cases, and minor burns to hands or arms in three cases.
The recalled dryers were sold by Sears and various appliance stores from November 2009 through August 2010 for between $650 and $1500.
