If you have bought an ASKO brand dishwasher in the past three years, you should know that 15 models have recently been recalled. The problem is that the power cords are subject to overheating while the dishwasher is in operation, which could create a fire hazard.
As of the end of September, ASKO had received 53 reports of overheating power cords across the 15 models. No injuries or property damage have yet been reported.
However, ASKO urges consumers to immediately stop using the dishwasher and turn off the power connection at the circuit breaker. Then, you should contact ASKO at 888-651-9376 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. You can also email NAsupport@asko.com or visit the Safety Notices page of ASKO’s website.
ASKO will provide a free inspection and repair upon request. You should note down the model number and serial number before you contact the company.
Check if your model and serial number are affected
A total of about 30,000 dishwashers sold in the U.S. and Canada have been recalled. They were sold at authorized ASKO North America dealers between October 2016 and July 2019 and cost between $1,000 and $2,200.
All of the affected dishwashers are stainless steel, and they are each approximately 24 inches wide, 22 inches deep and somewhere between 32 inches and 35 inches tall. You should see “ASKO” printed on the front of the dishwasher and in the middle of the top dish rack.
If you open the door, you should find the model and serial numbers printed inside about a third of the way down on the right-hand side.
You can find a list of the model numbers and serial numbers included in the recall by checking ASKO’s website or the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall notice.
Product liability and recalled products
When companies discover that their products could be dangerous when used as expected, they either voluntarily recall them or are required to do so by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This is to prevent further harm, but it does little to help anyone who has already been harmed.
When a manufacturer, distributor, retailer or anyone in the supply chain sells a product that proves to be dangerous to consumers, they may be held strictly liable for any harm the defective product caused. This means that the injured person does not have to prove that the company was negligent; it is enough to show that the product caused harm.
Luckily, the ASKO recall doesn’t appear to involve any injuries as of yet — although it is possible someone has been injured but has not notified the company. If your ASKO dishwasher cord has overheated and caused a fire, you should discuss your situation with an attorney experienced in product liability law.
