MI Windows and Doors Recalls Vinyl Single-Hung Impact Windows Due to Fall and Serious Injury Hazards (Recall Alert)

MI is conducting this recall to keep consumers safe and to prevent potential injuries.

We are sending technicians to consumers’ homes to replace the current WOCDs with new WOCDs, at no cost to the consumer. The window does not have to be removed from the house in order to complete the repair.

The window has a window opening control device, which is intended to prevent the window sash from opening more than four inches unless it is intentionally bypassed. The purpose of a WOCD is to lessen the risk of accidental window falls. The tilt latch on the window can potentially cause the WOCD to malfunction and allow the window sash to open more than four inches without being intentionally bypassed, posing a risk of fall and serious injury. MI is not aware of any instances of this happening, but we have initiated this voluntary recall to replace the WOCDs out of an abundance of caution.

No. Even though your window appears to operate safely, we are asking consumers to keep the window closed and locked until the WOCDs are replaced.

MI has manufactured the 1620 impact window since 2017. All 1620 impact windows with WOCDs manufactured between 2017 and November 3, 2022 are part of the recall. The window must be a 1620 series, an impact window (not standard), and have WOCDs to be part of the recall.

The easiest way is if you have the order number. Look for a label at the top of your window that has a 10 digit number, comprised of 9 numbers, a period, and one number after the period. It may say ORD before the numbers. If the window does not have an order number, there may be one on other MI windows in your home. If you do not have the order number, see the next three FAQ to determine if your window is part of the recall.

The 1620 is a vinyl single-hung window with a lower sash that moves up and down. MI makes two types of 1620 window; one is the standard window and the other an impact window. Look at the head of your window for an AAMA label. If the label says “MI Windows Series 1620” then you have a 1620 window. If it identifies a different series number, your window is not part of the recall.

Impact windows are typically only used in areas close to the coast. There are two ways to determine if your 1620 is an impact or standard window.

One way is to look at the AAMA label, which should be found at the head of the window. If the AAMA label says, “Missile Level D, Wind Zone 3, Conforms to ASTM E1186 & E1996,” your window is an impact window. If that language is not on your AAMA label, your window is not part of the recall.

The second way is to look at the tilt latches. The tilt latches are found on the top of the lower (operable) sash of your window. There are two, one on the left and one on the right side on the top of the sash frame. The tilt latches on the 1620 impact window are surface mounted, meaning they sit on top of the sash frame, and attach to a metal hook in the balance pocket. The tilt latches on the standard, non-impact 1620 window are recessed, meaning they sit inside the sash frame, and are not attached to a hook in the balance pocket. If your tilt latch is mounted to the top of the sash frame, meaning it sits on the surface of the sash frame, and is attached to a hook in the balance pocket you have an impact window. If you do not, your window is not part of the recall.

A WOCD, or window opening control device, is designed to stop the window sash from opening more than four inches unless the device is first bypassed. The purpose of a WOCD is to lessen the risk of accidental window falls. WOCDs are not standard features for the 1620 window but are available as an option. 1620 impact windows ordered with this option will have two WOCDs, one on the left window frame jamb and one on the right window frame jamb. Each WOCD has a lever that sticks out from the frame and an orange dot. If you have devices on each jamb but the lever does not stick out and they do not have an orange dot, they are not WOCDs and your window is not part of the recall.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on this recall webpage, email your question to Recall2022@miwd.com or call 800-276-0408 and leave a message to receive a call back from an MI representative.

To make a request for replacement of the WOCDs, clink on the “Submit A Claim” button on this webpage. If you are unable to do that, email Recall2022@miwd.com or call 800-276-0408 to leave a message and an MI representative will call you back.

We will review your claim to confirm you have the 1620 impact window with WOCDs, and once confirmed we will contact you to schedule an appointment to have a technician come to your home to replace the WOCDs. The appointment should take no longer than 30 minutes per window, unless unexpected circumstances arise. The WOCDs will be replaced at no cost to you. The two things we ask of you are to be home at the time of the appointment and to move furnishings or other obstacles that may impede access to the window prior to the arrival of the technician.