February 18, 2026 — A recent incident report highlights a serious malfunction with a Sears Kenmore Elite electric range/oven, where a burner reportedly failed to turn off. This incident raises significant safety concerns for consumers owning similar models.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On February 1, 2026, an incident was reported concerning a Kenmore Elite electric range/oven, model 790.99123403. The core of the complaint details that one of the unit’s electric burners would not turn off, even after the control knob was set to the “off” position. This critical malfunction suggests a potential electrical or mechanical failure within the appliance’s control system. The specific circumstances surrounding the discovery of the fault, such as whether the burner was left unattended or what actions were taken by the consumer to address the issue, are not detailed in the report. However, the inability to shut off a heating element in a cooking appliance presents an immediate and substantial safety risk.
Safety Concerns
The inability to turn off an electric range burner poses a severe and multifaceted safety risk to consumers and their property:
- Immediate Fire Hazard: An continuously active heating element can quickly overheat cookware, ignite food items, cooking oils, or nearby combustible materials such as paper towels, curtains, or cabinet components. This can lead to a kitchen fire and potentially spread to the rest of the home.
- Burn Injuries: Anyone interacting with the stove, unaware that the burner is still active, could suffer severe contact burns by touching the hot surface or an overheated pot/pan. Children, the elderly, or individuals with impaired judgment are particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries.
- Electrical Shock Risk: While less common with this specific type of failure, a fundamental electrical malfunction that causes a burner to remain on could, in rare circumstances, indicate broader wiring issues that might present an electrical shock hazard if internal components are compromised.
- Property Damage: Beyond the risk of fire, prolonged overheating can scorch countertops, cabinets, and flooring, leading to extensive property damage even without an uncontrolled fire. Cookware itself can be damaged beyond repair.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (Indirect): Although this is an electric range, if a fire were to occur due to overheating, the combustion of household materials would produce smoke and carbon monoxide, posing a risk of inhalation injury and poisoning to occupants.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Kenmore Elite electric range, model 790.99123403, or any similar appliance exhibiting this behavior, immediate action is crucial:
- Immediately Disconnect Power: If a burner fails to turn off, the very first and most critical step is to cut power to the appliance. This can be done by unplugging the range if accessible, or by turning off the corresponding circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel. Do not attempt to use the appliance until it has been professionally inspected and repaired.
- Stay Vigilant for Signs of Malfunction: Pay close attention to your range. If a burner remains hot after being turned off, if control knobs feel loose or unresponsive, or if you notice any unusual smells (like burning plastic) or sounds, discontinue use immediately.
- Check Your Model: Locate the model number on your range, typically found around the oven door frame, on the side of a drawer, or on the back panel. Compare it to the reported model number 790.99123403.
- Contact the Manufacturer or a Qualified Service Technician: Contact Sears Holdings Management Corporation or a certified appliance repair service to arrange for an inspection and repair. Do not attempt to repair the appliance yourself, as this can be dangerous and may void warranties.
- Report the Incident: If you experience a similar malfunction, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify hazardous products and protect other consumers.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
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. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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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.