Maytag Front-Load Washer Fire Hazard Recall — CPSC #07-135

Advisory summary — On March 21, 2007, Maytag and the CPSC recalled approximately 250,000 Maytag-brand front-loading washing machines due to a risk of circuit board ignition caused by water leaking onto the thermal sensor’s electrical connections (CPSC Recall #07-135).

Hazard

Water can leak from the washer’s internal components onto the electrical connections leading to the thermal sensor. If water contacts these connections, it can create an electrical short that ignites the circuit board, posing a fire hazard. Maytag received five reports of circuit board ignition incidents, and co-recalled Samsung units (model WF306BHW / WF316 series) had one additional incident. No injuries, external fires, or property damage outside the machines were reported at the time of the recall, but the potential for escalating fire risk was considered serious enough to warrant immediate corrective action.

Affected units

Brand: Maytag (and Samsung — separate recall action for Samsung owners)
Maytag model numbers: Beginning with MAH9700 or MAH8700
Affected serial number suffixes (Maytag): GA through GX (2005 production); JA through JN (2006 production)
Sold: April 2005 through August 2006
Retail price at time of sale: from $1,000
Estimated Maytag units recalled: Approximately 250,000 (United States)

How to identify

The model and serial number label on Maytag front-load washers is located inside the door opening, on the door frame or along the front lip of the washer cabinet. Write down your full model number — if it begins with MAH9700 or MAH8700, check whether the last two characters of the serial number fall within GA–GX or JA–JN. The recall page on cpsc.gov provides the complete serial number matrix. If you have already received a repair under this recall, verify with Maytag that the repair was completed correctly by calling (800) 868-5109.

What to do

Stop running the washer unattended; if possible, suspend use until the free repair has been performed.
Call Maytag at (800) 868-5109 or visit washerrecall.com to register for the free in-home repair.
A technician will inspect and repair the thermal sensor wiring and water-path routing to eliminate the leak risk.
Do not attempt to re-route wiring or seal leaks yourself — the repair requires a trained appliance technician.

Urgency level

Medium-High. While no external fires were reported, documented circuit board ignition events inside the machines indicate a credible fire progression risk. Schedule the free repair before resuming normal use.