My oven has worked fine for several years, manufacture date is Oct 2005. Friday, after using speedcook option, I removed the food and closed the door. A few minutes later the distinct smell of burning plastic caused me to return to the kitchen and I saw that the inside of the oven was lit as though I had left the door open, but smoke was coming out of the top :eek: . I opened it and found that even though the oven was off, anytime the door was closed, the top heating element came on and remained on and no cooling fan came on.

I have since unplugged it.

I would love to know what the problem was. I do not have the means to replace this right now, but if I have to, I am afraid of Kenmore (or is it GE) due to this terribly frightening failure. Is this something that others have seen? Has there been a recall or other action? Should I be wary of all speedcook/convection ovens now? Sears is of no help.