Chris from WA writes:

“On the 30th of July 2008, after some discussions with Electrolux regarding the safety of their machine I was told in an e-mail from Electrolux to disconnect the machine that I had purchased and not to use it.”

Chris explained, “Since that time I have had several exchanges of e-mail with Electrolux and now after more than eight weeks they have failed to contact me, collect their faulty product and supply a refund as promised. I purchased the Dishwasher on the 5th Nov 2007 for the sum of $780.00 and paid with a credit card. In April 2008 I stopped using the machine after I was told that there was a fault that could result in a fire. The machine was then modified by placing a piece of electrical tape behind the connectors within the door. I then found out that 181 electrical fires had occurred with this model of machine and a further 25 machines had caused fires after the modification had been applied. That was June 2008. I had already stopped using the machine before contacting Electrolux for fear of fire.”

“I have now received some legal advice and am told that the original contract is with the shop and therefore the responsibility for this dangerous machine is theirs and that in “Law” it is up to them to reimburse me and for them to take the matter up with the suppliers/manufacturers, Electrolux.” said Chris.

“I am out of pocket $780.00 plus $55.00 to assist me in getting the new machine to the second floor of my house and helping with the installation. I am also out of pocket as far as two months interest on the $780.00 since I had to purchased a new machine. The old Electrolux machine is taking up space in my bathroom. There are a range of machines from Electrolux, Dishlex and Westinghouse that can set fire to your home and are subject to a product recall. You should check if you have recently purchased a machine. I now have a Bosch and it’s a great machine.”

“The model I have is D/DX303WK/W” said Chris from WA.

The models affected are:

• Electrolux EX401ISB Dishwasher
• Electrolux ESL6163 Dishwasher
• Dishlex DX303SK Dishwasher
• Dishlex DX303WK Dishwasher
• Westinghouse SB908WK Dishwasher
• Westinghouse SB908SK Dishwasher
• Westinghouse SB916SK Dishwasher
• Westinghouse SB926SK Dishwasher
• Westinghouse SB926WK Dishwasher

Chris also mentioned his experience with dealing with Electrolux about the problem, “I am totally disgusted in this company. They have done nothing but give me the runaround. I purchased in good faith and I believe the shop sold to me not knowing that there was a problem. Electrolux on the other hand have put lives at risk and I have had to threaten the shop with legal action before getting any response from Electrolux. The recall is on the Government site http://www.recalls.gov.au. I think that Electrolux is a GE company.”

Here are some more details if you think you have one of the dishwashing machines affected:

Electrolux, Electrolux Dishlex and Westinghouse Dishwashers

Date: 03/12/2007

Supplier Name: Electrolux Home Products Pty Ltd

Product Info: Two Electrolux models - EX401ISB and ESL6163. Two Electrolux Dishlex models - DX303SK and DX303WK. Six Westinghouse models - SB908WK, SB908SK, SB916WK,SB916SK, SB926WK, SB926SK. Serial number range 70700000 - 72400000. The dishwashers were sold after 1 April 2007.

Defect Details: A wire connector within the appliance may, in extreme cases, overheat and cause a small self-contained fire or melting of plastic components within the control panel. Product failure will result.

Consumer action: If you own one of these dishwashers, please have the model and serial number ready and the toll free number 1800 001 218 to register your details during the following hours: Monday to Friday: 9am and 6pm EST and weekends 8am and 1pm EST. Electrolux will make arrangements for a service technician to call and check your appliance free of charge.

Market Coverage: National

Recall Coverage: National

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