Recall Radar

A. O. Smith Recalls Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters Due to Fire Hazard

Recall 19-029 · November 8, 2018 · A. O. Smith

What to doConsumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A. O. Smith to determine if a free repair is necessary.

Read the official CPSC notice

Recall at a glance

Recall number
19-029 (CPSC)
Recall date
November 8, 2018
Brand
A. O. Smith
Category
Heaters, fans and air conditioners
Products
Ultra-Low NOx water heaters
Hazard
Fire Hazard
Hazard type
Fire and burn
Remedy
Repair
Units
About 616,000
Made in
United States, Mexico
Last updated by CPSC
November 8, 2018

What was recalled

This recall includes 30, 40 and 50 gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission gas water heaters. They are designed to comply with regulations in certain air quality districts in California, and were sold primarily in California. They were sold under the American, A. O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Craftsmaster and Whirlpool brand names and manufactured from April 8, 2011 through August 1, 2016. Only water heaters with the first four digit serial numbers between 1115 and 1631, where the first four digits represent the year and week of production, are included in the recall. The brand name, model number and serial number can be found on the data plate on the product located next to the gas control valve/thermostat. The brand name is printed near the top of the water heater. Consumers can look up their water heater's serial number to see if it is affected by this recall at www.waterheaterrecall.com.

Is my product affected?

Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.

  • Ultra-Low NOx water heaters · About 616,000 units

Photos from the recall notice

Ultra-Low NOx Water Heater
Ultra-Low NOx Water Heater
Sample rating plate
Sample rating plate

Where it was sold

Companies named in the notice: Independent contractors, plumbers, plumbing supply vendors and at various home improvement and hardware stores primarily in California from April 2011 through December 2016 for between $500 and $1,000.; A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis..

Injuries or incidents reported

A. O. Smith has received six reports of fires occurring from a water heater installed directly on a combustible surface. No injuries have been reported.

Consumer contact

Consumers should go to www.waterheaterrecall.com, input their model and serial number and complete the form to determine if their water heater is subject to this recall. Consumers with Whirlpool, U.S. Craftmaster or American Water Heater brand water heaters can call toll-free 866-854-2793 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Consumers with Reliance, State, A. O. Smith, and Kenmore brand water heaters can call toll-free 866-880-4661 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday for more information.

Recall history and context

A. O. Smith appears in 6 CPSC recalls on record. See all A. O. Smith recalls.

Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 75 recalls in the heaters, fans and air conditioners category, 17 recalls of them in the past 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What was recalled?

Ultra-Low NOx water heaters (About 616,000 units). This recall includes 30, 40 and 50 gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission gas water heaters.

Why was it recalled?

CPSC lists the reason as: Fire Hazard.

What should I do if I own one?

Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A. O. Smith to determine if a free repair is necessary.

More recalls from A. O. Smith

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    November 8, 2018 · A. O. Smith · Heaters, fans and air conditioners

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  • A.O. Smith Recalls John Wood Brand Oil-Fired Water Heaters
    June 2, 2015 · A.O. Smith · Heaters, fans and air conditioners

    This recall involves John Wood brand 50- and 70-gallon oil-fired water heaters. The 50-gallon water heaters have model number JW517 and serial numbers from 1349A021678…

  • A. O. Smith Recalls Water Pump Motors
    June 24, 2008 · A. O. Smith · Other consumer products

    The recall involves motors included with lawn sprinkler pumps and jet pumps manufactured by F. E. Myers Co. The recall also includes replacement pump motors that were…

  • A.O. Smith Recalls Gas Water Heaters
    April 3, 2008 · A.O. Smith · Heaters, fans and air conditioners

    This recall involves 75-gallon natural and propane gas water heaters. "A.O. Smith" or "State" is printed on the side of the unit. A.O. Smith and State model and serial…

  • A.O. Smith Recalls Exhaust Fan Electric Motors
    January 10, 2008 · A.O. Smith · Heaters, fans and air conditioners

    The recalled electric motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typically mounted on the floor of an attic. The shutters of the fan are visible on…

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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on November 8, 2018. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.