Bosch SHE53TF5UC/02 – Product Liability Lawyer

2026-03-13 – A consumer reported to the CPSC SaferProducts.gov database that the upper rack of a Bosch dishwasher manufactured by BSH Home Appliances Corporation is dissolving into an oily substance, posing a chemical hazard. The incident report (ID 5919220) describes a manufacturing defect in the Bosch SHE53TF5UC/02 dishwasher purchased at Lowe's.

Product Details

Brand Name: Bosch
Manufacturer: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
Model: SHE53TF5UC/02
Retailer: Lowe's
Incident Report Number: 5919220
Severity Type Name: No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
Severity Type ID: 6

Incident Overview

On February 24, 2026, a consumer reported to the CPSC that the plastic component on the upper rack of their Bosch dishwasher was dissolving into an oily substance. According to the incident narrative, the consumer noticed an oily residue on dishes after each wash cycle for several weeks. The substance originated from the plastic part of the upper rack itself, which felt oily to the touch and appeared to be breaking down.

The consumer stated that the material has been melting and dripping during wash cycles, mixing with the water and covering dishes. The consumer expressed concern about ingesting the plastic over an unknown period. When the consumer contacted customer support, a representative stated that the racks have a 10-year lifespan and offered to sell a replacement rack. The incident report is publicly available on SaferProducts.gov.

Safety Concerns

Immediate Dangers: The dissolving plastic creates an oily residue that coats dishes and cookware. Direct contact with the substance may cause skin irritation or transfer to food, leading to ingestion of chemical compounds.

Long-Term Risks: Repeated ingestion of plastic-derived chemicals over weeks or months could pose unknown health risks, including potential toxicity from additives or breakdown products. The consumer reported using the dishwasher for several weeks before identifying the source.

Who Might Be Affected: Any household member using the dishwasher is at risk of exposure, particularly children and individuals with compromised immune systems who may be more vulnerable to chemical ingestion.

Warning Signs: A persistent oily film on dishes after washing, a greasy feel on plastic rack components, or visible deterioration of the rack coating are indicators that the rack may be degrading.

What Our Clients Say

What Consumers Should Do

Stop Using Immediately: Cease using the dishwasher to prevent further exposure to the dissolving plastic. Hand wash dishes until the issue is resolved.

Preserve the Product: Do not discard or repair the rack. Keep it in its current condition as evidence in case of a future claim or recall.

Document the Incident: Take photos of the oily residue and the affected rack, and save all receipts, warranty information, and communication with the manufacturer.

Contact the Manufacturer: Report the issue to BSH Home Appliances Corporation and request a free replacement or remediation. Keep records of all correspondence.

Report to the CPSC: File a report at SaferProducts.gov if you experience a similar issue to help identify broader defects.

Check for Recalls: Monitor CPSC.gov for any recall notices related to this dishwasher model.

Consumers who have suffered injury or property damage may want to speak with a product liability attorney about their options.

Manufacturer's Response

According to the incident report, when the consumer contacted BSH Home Appliances Corporation's customer support, a representative stated that the racks have a 10-year lifespan and offered to sell a replacement rack. The manufacturer's official response to this specific incident report is not publicly available at the time of this writing.

Legal Help Available

H Law Group is a California-based product liability law firm dedicated to holding manufacturers accountable for unsafe products. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. To discuss your situation and explore your legal options, call (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation. If you or a loved one was injured by Bosch SHE53TF5UC/02 or a similar product, contact H Law Group at (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation.