A.O. Smith recalls John Wood 50- and 70-gallon oil-fired water heaters due to fire and burn risks from misaligned combustion chambers. Consumers must stop using and contact for free inspection/replacement.
The water heater's combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater instead of the water. Combustible material near the outside of the water heater can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.
A.O. Smith is recalling John Wood brand oil-fired water heaters because their combustion chambers can misalign, causing heat to the exterior walls. This poses fire and burn hazards if combustible materials near the heater catch fire.
The water heater's combustion chamber can become misaligned, heating the exterior walls instead of the water. This can cause combustible materials nearby to catch fire, leading to fire and burn hazards.
Owners of John Wood 50- or 70-gallon oil-fired water heaters with specific model numbers and serial ranges are affected. Anyone using these heaters is at risk of fire or burns if the combustion chamber misaligns.
Check for John Wood brand water heaters with model numbers JW517 (50-gallon) or JW717 (70-gallon). Serial numbers for 50-gallon units range from 1349A021678 to 1503A016643, and for 70-gallon units from 1421M001517 to 436M000040. The heaters are gray with "John Wood" printed in blue and white near the top.
Immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters to prevent fire or burn hazards.
Contact A.O. Smith for a free inspection to determine if your water heater needs replacement.
Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A.O. Smith for a free inspection and free replacement of misaligned water heaters.
50-gallon models: JW517 with serial numbers 1349A021678 to 1503A016643. 70-gallon models: JW717 with serial numbers 1421M001517 to 436M000040.
Check for John Wood brand water heaters that are gray with "John Wood" printed in blue and white near the top. Look for model numbers JW517 or JW717 and the specific serial number ranges.
Yes, if the inspection finds misalignment, A.O. Smith will provide a free replacement. Otherwise, no action is needed.
We’ve drafted a message you can send A.O. Smith to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 6410 — A.O. Smith John Wood oil-fired water heaters Hello, I own a John Wood oil-fired water heaters that is covered by recall 6410 from A.O. Smith. The official recall notice states: Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A.O. Smith for a free inspection and free replacement of misaligned water heaters. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official CPSC recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
