Maytag dryer thermal fuse recall — On April 15, 2004, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Maytag Corporation announced a voluntary recall of certain gas and electric dryers equipped with a thermal fuse that may fail to trip when the dryer overheats. This defect eliminates a critical safety mechanism designed to shut down the dryer before temperatures reach dangerous levels.
Recall Details
- CPSC Recall Number: 04-156
- Date Announced: April 15, 2004
- Units Affected: Approximately 244,000 gas and electric dryers
- Affected Models: Maytag Neptune (MDG and MDE series), Atlantis (MAH series dryers), and Performa (PYG and PYE series)
- Manufacturing Period: January 2002 through August 2003
Hazard Description
The thermal fuse in a clothes dryer is a one-time-use safety device that permanently breaks the heating circuit if the dryer exhaust temperature exceeds a safe threshold — typically around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In the affected Maytag dryers, the thermal fuse can fail to open the circuit when triggered, allowing the heating element or gas burner to continue operating at dangerously high temperatures. Without this failsafe, accumulated lint in the dryer drum, exhaust duct, or lint screen housing can reach ignition temperature, causing a dryer fire. The risk is especially high in homes with restricted or improperly installed exhaust venting.
Incidents Reported
At the time of the recall, Maytag had received 34 reports of dryers overheating due to thermal fuse failures, including 4 reports of fire. Two incidents resulted in significant property damage. No injuries were reported at the time of the recall announcement.
What You Should Do
- Check your dryer model and serial number on the rating plate inside the dryer door frame and compare it to the affected models on the CPSC recall page.
- If your dryer is covered by this recall, stop using it immediately until the repair is completed.
- Contact Maytag at 1-800-688-9900 to schedule a free in-home repair, during which a technician will replace the thermal fuse with an updated part at no cost.
- While waiting for the repair, clean all lint from the lint screen housing and exhaust vent to reduce fire risk from any residual dryer use.
Contact Information
Contact Maytag (Whirlpool Corporation) at 1-800-688-9900 or visit maytag.com/support. For additional recall information, visit the CPSC website and search for recall #04-156.