WASHINGTON – Whirlpool Corp. is recalling 162,000 dishwashers because a wiring defect poses risks of overheating and fire, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.

The Benton Harbor, Mich.-based company has received three reports of overheating in its Whirlpool and Kenmore brand under-the-counter plastic tall tub dishwashers, CPSC said.

The electrical defect is in the wash motor wiring of the dishwashers, which were sold nationwide by department and appliance stores and homebuilders from June 2004 to January 2005 for $350 to $600.

The recalled Whirlpool dishwashers have model numbers beginning with DU1, DUL, GU1, GU2 and GU6 and serial numbers ranging from FR2200000 to FR2499999. Recalled Kenmore dishwashers have model numbers 665.143, 665.160, 665.163, 665.170 and 665.173 and serial numbers ranging from FR2200000 to FR4599999.

Consumers are urged to stop using the dishwashers and disconnect the electric supply. Information about free, in-home repairs is available by visiting www.repair.whirlpool.com or calling Whirlpool Corp. at (866) 769-7260.