A. O. Smith Recalls Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters Due to Fire Hazard
Recalled 2018-11-08. Fire and burn hazard. Here is what the CPSC published, and what you are owed.
About 616,000Units
2018-11-08Recall date
YesInjuries
The text below is quoted from the CPSC notice word for word.
- 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.
- The hazard
- The water heater's gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater's burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor.
- Injuries
- 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.
- The remedy
- 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.
The details
What a recall entitles you to
A refund, a repair or a replacement. The notice says which. It costs you
nothing and there is usually no receipt requirement.
Stop using the product first. Recalls do not expire. An old one still counts.
The full CPSC notice, including photographs, is at cpsc.gov.
Source: CPSC SaferProducts recall feed, retrieved 2026-08-06. Newest recall on file 2026-07-30.
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