Consumer Reports warns of rising complaints about exploding oven doors

Updated 2 hours ago
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Glass oven doors are shattering without warning, according to a renewed alert from Consumer Reports, which says hundreds of consumers have filed complaints about sudden explosions even when their ovens were turned off.

The Action News Troubleshooters first reported similar incidents in 2015, when a couple said their oven door burst an hour after they had baked a pizza and switched the appliance off.

"I hear this crash.. I couldn't believe what I saw.... so the whole front of the oven just exploded out ... all of the glass just shattered out.. This is the height of my toddler.. Yes, it's terrifying.. It's terrifying," the family said at the time.

Consumer Reports recently reviewed complaints submitted to the Consumer Product Safety Commission over a 15month period.

The organization found nearly 400 incidents and more than 40 injuries, including cases in which the oven was cold.



"Some were asleep in bed. They went downstairs. They touched the oven. It was cold to the touch, but there was glass all over the floor," said Gabe Knight of Consumer Reports.

The group also found similar complaints in the CPSC's public database dating back more than a decade, involving multiple manufacturers.

Consumer Reports contacted the five companies with the most complaints. LG said it is aware of the reports but "has not identified a basis at this time for additional action."

The other four companies said their ovens meet thirdparty safety standards.

According to Consumer Reports, Samsung was the only company to say it offers free repairs regardless of warranty status.



"We're calling on these companies to work with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, dig into the incidents, and offer free repairs to consumers," Knight said.

Consumer Reports noted that warning signs may not be obvious.

"There's nothing clear besides possibly if there's a chip, or a crack, or damage in the glass. And if that was to happen, I would contact the manufacturer immediately," said Kenneth Sutton of Consumer Reports.

If an oven door does shatter, Consumer Reports advises consumers to take photos, keep repair records, contact the manufacturer, and file a report with the CPSC.

In the 2015 case, the affected consumers had a Kenmore oven from Sears.



At the time, Sears said it "uses safety glass that is specifically designed to 'pebble' into small pieces with rounded edges to help prevent injury" and that "since this situation is not a defect or safety issue, any repair or replacement would be at the consumer's expense."

Experts also recommend avoiding overtightening screws on the oven door handle and not slamming the door, which may reduce the risk of glass failure.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.