Whirlpool has agreed to pay an $11.5 million civil fine to resolve charges from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that it failed to promptly report a defect in its glass cooktops. This defect caused the cooktops to turn on by themselves, posing burn and fire hazards. The settlement, announced on Thursday, applies to 17 models of electric radiant heat cooktops sold under the JennAir, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool brands.
According to the CPSC, numerous consumers reported to Whirlpool between November 2017 and 2019 that their cooktops were turning on without any input. This defect presented a significant risk of serious injury or death. However, Whirlpool did not report the problem until it received 157 reports, including cases of property damage, objects igniting, and minor burns.
In August 2019, the CPSC and Whirlpool issued a recall for approximately 26,300 cooktops due to the burn and fire hazards. As part of the settlement agreement, Whirlpool has committed to implementing controls to ensure compliance with federal consumer product safety laws.
Whirlpool, based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, did not admit liability but chose to settle to avoid the costs, uncertainties, and inconveniences of litigation. The company stated that it took appropriate action upon identifying the defect, including participating in the CPSC’s Fast Track recall program and offering free replacements to affected cooktop owners.
The settlement agreement requires Whirlpool to pay the fine and maintain controls to ensure compliance with safety laws. This resolution allows the company to avoid further legal proceedings and associated expenses.
In conclusion, Whirlpool has agreed to pay an $11.5 million civil fine to settle charges from the CPSC regarding the delayed reporting of a defect in its glass cooktops. The company has taken steps to address the issue and ensure compliance with safety laws.
