SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Fire / ignition

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20251223-49389-2147325286. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Product: Maytag MVWB765FW0 (Maytag Washing Machine Top Loading High Efficiency Washer). Incident: Product: 2017 Maytag Washing Machine Model: Top Loading High Efficiency Washer Model #: MVWB765FW0 The washing machine experienced a catastrophic internal failure involving the motor assembly. An internal gearcase/seal failure allowed fluids to leak into the motor area, causing the stator and rotor to overheat and burn. The motor components were visibly scorched, and the rotor coating melted. The incident produced smoke and an intense burning odor inside my home. The washer is completely destroyed and unrepairable. The inside of the machine is burnt and the motor destroyed. Had I not been home at the time, the damage could have been significantly worse. This was not due to misuse or lack of maintenance. The washer was professionally serviced, and there were no gearcase, seal, or bearing issues identified at that time. This failure involved fluid intrusion into electrical components and represents a potential fire hazard. The manufacturer acknowledged the issue was safety-related but refused to repair or replace the washer, offering only a partial discount of 30% toward a new unit. They were not concerned with this issue, and a fire occurred within the washing machine. Thankfully, we were home, smelled the fire, and were able to stop it. If we were not home, I'm afraid of what could have happened. This occurred out of nowhere, and I am still shocked that a gearcase could cause a fire like this. I am concerned about the safety issues this machine has that are not being addressed and how they could affect other owners with the same machine.