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Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaner

April 14, 2005

Hoover • Hoover Fined for Failing to Report Vacuum Cleaner Fire Hazard • Whirlpool Spins Off Hoover • Hoover Recalls Self-Propelled Vacuum Cleaners --- • Consumer Complaints

Maytag Corp. is recalling about 636,000 Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners. The recalled vacuums have defective on-off switches that can overheat the handle and toolholder areas of the vacuum, resulting in a fire hazard.

Maytag has received 249 reports of vacuums overheating, which caused the handle area to smoke, melt or catch fire. One minor burn injury requiring no medical attention was reported.

Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners are plastic, upright vacuums with the brand name “Hoover” and words “Self Propelled” printed on the front of the product. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the back of the vacuum.

The following model numbers are included in the recall:

• U6423-900
• U6425-900
• U6425-950
• U6445-900
• U6445-960
• U6449-900
• U6450-900
• U6451-900
• U6455-900

Only those Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners manufactured between May 1998 and November 1999 are included in this recall. The recalled models include serial numbers 0598xxxxxxxx through 1199xxxxxxxx, with the first four digits of the serial number indicating the month and year of production (e.g., 0598xxxxxxxx is May 1998).

The vacuum cleaners were sold at household appliance and floorcare retailers nationwide from May 1998 through July 2000 for between $259 and $279.

Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact Maytag to obtain the name and address of the nearest Hoover repair center to schedule a free repair. Consumers should not return their vacuum cleaners to retailers.

Consumer Contact: Call Maytag Corp. toll-free at (800) 250-6075 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms’ Web sites at www.maytag.com or www.hoover.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

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