GE Recalls 1.3 Million Dishwashers For Fire Hazard

General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) is recalling about 1.3 million of its dishwashers after receiving reports of heating element failures that led to fires, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

Shares of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) rose 0.17 percent, to $21.05 apiece, in Thursday's early afternoon trading.

GE has received 15 reports of dishwasher heating element failures, including seven reports of fires, three of which caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile and Hotpoint brand dishwashers. The machines were sold in black, white, bisque, stainless steel and what GE calls "CleanSteel" exterior colors and finishes. The model and serial numbers can be found on a metallic plate on the left tub wall visible when the door is opened.

Model and serial numbers will start with one of the following sequences:

The dishwashers were made in the U.S. and sold at appliance dealers, authorized builder distributors and other stores nationwide from March 2006 through August 2009 for between $350 and $850.

GE advises consumers to stop using recalled products immediately, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire.

The company said consumers could contact GE for free in-home repair or to receive a GE rebate of $75 toward the purchase of a new GE front-control plastic tub dishwasher, or a rebate of $100 toward the purchase of a new GE front-control stainless tub dishwasher or GE Profile top control dishwasher.

GE noted that consumers shouldn't return the recalled dishwashers to the retailers where they purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the units back.

Click here to find out if your dishwasher is included in the recall.