SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Fire / ignition

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20210813-572D9-3410323. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Product: GE JVM6175DKBB (Over the range Microwave). Incident: Caller is reporting that while he was using the microwave to bake a potato, after 5 mins into baking the unit burst into flames. He stated that he noticed flames emanating from the interior of the unit, he immediately unplugged it and use water to contain the flames. The manufacturer was contacted and a service technician was sent out to inspect the damaged unit. They informed him that they are able to give a rebate towards a purchase new unit. Caller stated that he had replaced the original unit for the current microwave. Caller feels that this microwave is a fire hazard and should be reported. Report Update: This was a replacement for the same model of a General Electric microwave oven which also was defective. The previous microwave oven turned on by itself and would not turn off until it was unplugged. Fortunately I was home when it did this because if I had not been home, it would have caught fire and destroyed my home. Even after a few minutes before I was able to unplug it, it was beginning to emit a burning smell. Thus, both General Electric microwave ovens were defective and represent potential life threatening hazards. They should be recalled and/or taken off the market.