Lawsuit Investigation into Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid Dishwasher Leaks
Last Updated on March 2, 2022
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates and take a look at our open investigations here. The information on this page is for reference only.
Case Update
- March 1, 2022 – Settlement Site Is Live
- The official settlement website for the deal described below is live and can be found here. To submit your claim, visit this page. Also available on the website are answers to frequently asked questions, a table of qualifying model numbers and contact information for the settlement administrator.
The deadline for filing claims is currently set as July 26, 2022 for repairs or replacements that occurred prior to receipt of the settlement notice. For repairs or replacements occurring after receipt of the notice, the deadline by which to file a claim is within 90 days following the repair. - December 17, 2021 – Settlement Receives Preliminary Approval, Notices to Be Sent
- The settlement resolving four lawsuits alleging that the motor diverter shaft seal in a handful of Whirlpool-manufactured dishwashers is defective and could cause leaks has received preliminary approval. Those eligible to file claims under the deal, which covers certain Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Ikea, Amana and Whirlpool dishwashers, should expect to receive notice of the settlement via regular mail or email within 42 days with information on how to claim their piece. A settlement website is also expected to be established during this time frame.
You can find more details on the settlement over on our blog. Also be sure to sign up for our newsletter for the latest in class action settlement news. - November 4, 2021 – Settlement Proposed
- A settlement has been proposed to resolve allegations that a defect related to the diverter shaft seal in certain dishwashers can cause the appliances to leak. For more information on the deal, head on over to our blog.
- August 5, 2021 – Class Action Settlement Expected
- A proposed class action settlement is forthcoming and expected to resolve a handful of lawsuits that alleged certain Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag and Kenmore dishwashers suffered a “uniform defect” related to the diverter shaft seal that caused the appliances to leak, court documents say. No further information was available at the time of this update.
Check back to this page for updates on the deal or sign up for our free newsletter for the latest in class action news and settlements. - July 29, 2021 – Investigation Closed
- Thank you to everyone who reached out to us in regard to their dishwasher. At this point, attorneys working with ClassAction.org have decided to close their investigation into this matter, meaning they no longer need to speak with people who experienced leaking with their dishwashers.
Our open list of investigations can be found here. The information below remains for reference only.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who owns a Whirlpool Gold Series, KitchenAid, Kenmore, GE or Maytag dishwasher and had problems with the appliance’s diverter motor, including water leaks.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defective seal is causing the dishwashers to leak and damage surrounding cabinets and flooring. If so, they may be able to get a class action lawsuit on file.
- How Could a Class Action Help?
- A class action lawsuit, if filed and successful, could provide a fix for the problem and help consumers get money back for repair costs, damaged property and more.
- What’s the Catch?
- There is none. Attorneys working with ClassAction.org believe that certain dishwashers may suffer from a defect that causes leaking and property damage and are interested in learning more about the problem to see if a class action is viable.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defect in certain dishwashers is causing the appliances to leak and damage surrounding property, including flooring and cabinets.
As part of their investigation, they would like to hear from anyone who had issues with the “diverter motor” – a part responsible for directing water – in dishwashers sold under the following brand names:
- Whirlpool (Gold Series)
- Kenmore and Kenmore Elite
- KitchenAid
- Maytag
- GE
If you had issues with your dishwasher’s diverter motor, including leaks from the bottom of the appliance, we want to hear about it. The more people the attorneys speak with, the better chance they have at getting a class action lawsuit on file.
What’s the Problem Exactly?
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a design defect in the seal between the sump and diverter motor in certain dishwashers is causing water to leak from underneath the appliances. It’s believed that these issues can develop four to six years after manufacture – and in some cases, even earlier.
Consumer Complaints: Dishwasher Leaks from the Bottom, Diverter Motor
The following is an example of complaints posted online from consumers who had issues with their dishwasher’s diverter motor [sic throughout]:
I guess I am one of the lucky ones who didn't have his Kenmore 665.12762K310 start leaking until it was nearly 5 years old. However, I am one of the unlucky ones who got the version with the grommet permanently affixed to the sump. Replaced the sump, replaced the diverter motor. Still leaks, and it's not just a trickle. What an abomination of design this thing is.”
— J_H, AppliancePartsPros.com
I have a rather newish Kenmore Elite 665.13922K010. It has been leaking from the diverter motor, W10056349, which has been replaced by W10155344. The problem is the seal that the diverter motor rests against, which basically a 3/4" rubber washer with a spring behind it.”
— Rmsmith, AppliancePartsPros.com
My dishwasher was leaking right around the diverter motor. I replaced the diverter motor thinking that was the problem but when I got in there, I saw the rubber grommet and I figured that was the problem. I went ahead and replaced the motor but the leak continued. The manufacturer discontinued selling the $5 grommet because they are evil :-) and instead only sold the entire sump which was a pain to replace and $50 to boot.”
— tdietz, AppliancePartsPros.com
Kenmore Elite Dishwasher model 665.13942K010. Sears repairman replaced Diverter Valve Motor W10056349 on 5/21/12 due to water leaking through it. Today (9/23/13) same leak is occurring again (this time resulting in water damage to surrounding area). Unfortunately, this time the leak also damaged one of the electrical connectors (on harness) that connects to the Diverter.”
— ShopYourWay.com
My Whirlpool Dishwasher was leaking from the bottom center and I had a technician who diagnosed and said that the Diverter Motor, part number W10537869, needs to be replaced. He just opened the bottom cover, ran the dishwasher cycle and saw water leaking but didn't remove any of the parts to confirm. I looked at the forum here, ordered and fixed that part and the dishwasher is still leaking in the same place near the diverter motor.”
— Arpanshah, AppliancePartsPros.com
If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit could potentially provide consumers with money back for repairs, property damage and part of the cost of their appliance.
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