American Standard Water Heater Recalls
American Standard recall history at a glance
American Standard water heaters appear in 2 CPSC recalls on record, spanning 1980 to 2016. All 2 cite a fire or burn hazard.
The largest single action, recall 16171 from May 2016, covered about 14,400 units. The remedies offered were a free repair or retrofit kit, a free replacement part or unit, and a free inspection, at no cost to the owner.
1 of these 2 recalls covered A.O. Smith, Sears, State Water Heaters, and Rheem units as well, because the same factory built them under more than one badge. Checking the American Standard name alone is not enough if your unit was rebadged.
How to find your American Standard model and serial number
American Standard water heaters carry the rating plate on the upper third of the tank, labeled SER NO. The water heater line is a licensed brand currently run by a division of Ariston Group - it is not connected to the plumbing fixture company and is not built by A.O. Smith or Rheem. The serial has its own distinctive format: a letter, two digits, then a hyphen and a sequence number.
Once you have the serial number, you can look up your American Standard water heater's age to pin down the exact manufacture date and compare it against the affected ranges above.
What to do if your American Standard water heater is affected
- Match the model and serial number on your rating plate against the affected ranges in the 2 recalls above.
- The American Standard recalls involve fire or burn hazards, so if your unit is in range, shut off the gas or power at the source rather than continuing to run it while you wait for the remedy.
- Call the hotline listed in the recall notice. For recall 16171, CPSC published: Water Heating Technologies toll-free at 888-883-0788 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.americanstandardwaterheaters.com and click on "Recall Information" for more information.
- Ask for the published remedy, which for these recalls is a free repair or retrofit kit, a free replacement part or unit, and a free inspection. Recall remedies are free by law, including labor in most cases.
- Keep your model number, serial number, and the recall number handy, since the hotline will ask for all three.
American Standard recall FAQ
How do I know if my American Standard water heater is recalled?
American Standard water heaters carry the rating plate on the upper third of the tank, labeled SER NO. The water heater line is a licensed brand currently run by a division of Ariston Group - it is not connected to the plumbing fixture company and is not built by A.O. Smith or Rheem. The serial has its own distinctive format: a letter, two digits, then a hyphen and a sequence number. Compare what you find against the 2 recalls issued between 1980 and 2016 on this page. If your serial is not printed clearly, decode it with our free age checker first, because most of these recalls are defined by a build date range rather than by model alone.
When was the most recent American Standard water heater recall?
Recall 16171, announced May 2016: Water Heating Technologies Recalls Gas Water Heaters Due to Fire Hazard. About 14,400 units were covered. A recall stays open indefinitely, so an older action still applies to a unit that was never remedied.
Which American Standard recalls involve a fire or burn hazard?
2 recalls on this page cite a fire or burn hazard: 16171 (May 2016) and 80042 (December 1980). Read the affected ranges closely, since these actions usually target one component such as a gas control valve rather than a whole product line.
Do these recalls also cover A.O. Smith, Sears, State Water Heaters, and Rheem?
Yes. 1 recall listed here was issued across more than one badge, covering A.O. Smith, Sears, State Water Heaters, and Rheem alongside American Standard. The units came off the same line, so the affected model and serial ranges are what decide whether yours is included, not the name on the jacket.
Does a American Standard recall mean I have to replace the water heater?
Not necessarily. For these recalls the published remedy is a free repair or retrofit kit, a free replacement part or unit, and a free inspection, and the manufacturer covers the cost. Replacement of the whole unit is only required when the notice says so.
Check your American Standard warranty coverage
See how long American Standard water heaters are covered and what the warranty includes.