The Lead Off
- Nearly 400 oven door glass shattering incidents have been reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission over the past 15 months.
- More than 40 injuries have been linked to sudden glass failures, sometimes occurring when ovens were not in use.
- Consumer Reports urges manufacturers to investigate incidents and offer free repairs to affected consumers.
NEW YORK, NY (WOWO) Hundreds of reports to federal safety regulators indicate oven door glass may shatter unexpectedly, sometimes while the appliance is cold, causing injuries and raising concerns about consumer safety.
Reports and injuries
Consumer Reports reviewed complaints submitted to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) over a 15-month period and identified nearly 400 incidents.
More than 40 people reported injuries resulting from shattered glass. Some described hearing a loud crash or small explosion, while others discovered the broken glass after entering the kitchen.
Consumers reported that in some cases, the oven was cold at the time of the incident. CR noted that similar incidents have appeared in the CPSC database for over a decade and are not limited to one manufacturer.
Manufacturer responses
Consumer Reports reached out to the five manufacturers with the most complaints.
- LG said it is aware of the reports but has not determined a basis for further action.
- Four other companies stated their ovens meet third-party safety standards.
- Samsung indicated it offers free repairs to affected consumers, regardless of warranty status.
CR experts recommend that manufacturers cooperate with the CPSC to investigate incidents and provide free repairs to affected consumers.
Safety recommendations for consumers
Consumer Reports advises consumers to:
- Take photos of the damaged oven door
- Keep repair records
- Contact the manufacturer directly
- File a report with the CPSC at saferproducts.gov
Experts note there may be no obvious warning before the glass fails, but any chips, cracks, or visible damage should be reported immediately.
Next steps in oversight
The CPSC is monitoring reported incidents and may consider further action based on incoming consumer reports. Collaboration with manufacturers could lead to repairs or recalls if additional hazards are identified.
The Takeaway
Sudden oven door glass failures pose risk of injury
Consumer Reports identified nearly 400 incidents, with more than 40 injuries, sometimes occurring when ovens were cold.
Manufacturers urged to provide repairs and investigate incidents
Samsung offers free repairs regardless of warranty, while other manufacturers are reviewing reports in coordination with the CPSC.
Consumers should document and report any damage
Photographs, repair records, and filings with the CPSC help regulators track hazards and determine if additional safety measures or recalls are necessary.
