December 10, 2025 – A consumer has reported a fire incident involving their Samsung NE63T8511SS range, occurring after they had installed manufacturer-provided knob locks as part of an active recall. The incident highlights potential concerns regarding the effectiveness of the recall remedy, as the range reportedly ignited a pizza box despite the safety locks being in place.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On November 21, 2025, a consumer received an email notification from Samsung regarding a recall on their Samsung NE63T8511SS range. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, the consumer ordered and installed the provided knob locks on their appliance. Later that day, the consumer discovered a pizza box placed on the range had caught fire. According to the report, the knob locks were installed at the time of the incident, yet a knob was still able to be accidentally activated, leading to the fire. The consumer noted that the range had not been used at all that day, as evidenced by the takeout pizza box being on the cooktop.
Upon discovering the fire, the consumer contacted Samsung via text and email, providing a video demonstrating that the knob could still be easily turned even with the “lock” installed. Despite the clear connection to an open recall and the reported ineffectiveness of the provided safety remedy, Samsung reportedly informed the consumer that they would have to pay to have a technician address the issue.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises significant safety concerns, particularly regarding the efficacy of the recall remedy provided by the manufacturer.
- Immediate Fire Hazard: The primary and most severe risk is an uncontrolled fire. Accidental activation of a burner, especially when flammable materials (like a pizza box, towels, or other kitchen items) are placed on or near the cooktop, can quickly escalate into a household fire, endangering occupants and causing extensive property damage.
- Ineffective Recall Remedy: The core concern is that the installed knob locks, intended to prevent accidental activation, reportedly failed to do so. If the recall remedy itself is not adequately preventing the hazard it was designed to address, consumers may have a false sense of security, believing their appliance is safe when it is not.
- Risk to Occupants: Fires can lead to smoke inhalation, burns, and other injuries. If a fire starts unexpectedly, especially when residents are asleep or away from the immediate area, the risk of serious injury or fatality increases dramatically.
- Property Damage Potential: Even a small kitchen fire can cause significant damage to the range, countertops, cabinets, walls, and ceiling, potentially leading to thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement costs. The smoke and soot damage can affect the entire home.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Samsung NE63T8511SS range or a similar Samsung model that has been subject to a recall for accidental burner activation, take the following steps:
- Immediately Check Your Range: Even if you have installed knob locks, visually inspect your range knobs to ensure they cannot be easily turned or activated with light contact. If you can turn a knob with minimal effort while the lock is supposedly engaged, or if the lock feels loose or ineffective, discontinue use of the range immediately.
- Prevent Accidental Activation:
* Keep Cooktop Clear: Never place flammable items (such as paper products, plastic containers, towels, or food packaging) on the range top when it is not in active use.
* Child Safety: If you have children, ensure they cannot reach or manipulate the knobs. Consider additional childproofing measures.
* Unplug if Possible (for electric ranges): If you are concerned about accidental activation and do not plan to use the range, consider unplugging it from the wall outlet if it is an electric model and safely accessible. For gas ranges, this is not an option, making other precautions even more critical.
- Verify Recall Information: Check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or Samsung’s official recall page for details on your specific model and the recommended remedy.
- Report Incidents: If you experience accidental activation, a near-miss, or a fire, even with recall remedies in place, report it immediately to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to Samsung. Document the incident with photos or videos if possible.
- Contact Samsung (Again): If you have installed the recall remedy and still experience issues, reiterate to Samsung that the recall remedy appears ineffective and poses an ongoing safety risk. Refer to any recall documentation that states the manufacturer is responsible for providing an effective solution.
Manufacturer’s Response
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS AMERICA, INC. (SEA) had previously issued a recall for certain range models due to the risk of accidental burner activation. In this specific incident, the manufacturer provided knob locks as a remedy. However, despite the consumer installing these locks, the reported incident indicates they were ineffective in preventing accidental activation and subsequent fire. When the consumer contacted Samsung regarding the issue, even with an open recall and video evidence of the knob’s continued easy activation with the lock installed, Samsung reportedly stated that the consumer would have to pay for a service call to fix the problem. This stance, requiring payment for an issue linked to an active recall and a failed remedy, raises serious concerns about the manufacturer’s responsibility post-recall.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.