I have a side-by-side Kenmore Elite refrigerator and the middle panel has recently become extremely hot to the touch. Is this normal or is it breaking down? All sections seem to be working OK for now.

Your coils are dirty under the unit. Pull out unit from wall and remove rear cover so you can clean the coils, condenser fan blades, and drain pan with spray soap and a hose nozzle. Wash out well and use a wet-vac to get water up. When I have a hand truck handy I would always unload the unit and take it outside and wash it all out from top to bottom with bleach and water. It's the best way to get it like new again. Probably, the drain is gunked up with food and dirt. I usually find peas or something like that in the drains. Clean it all out well because a dirty unit will burn up the compressor quickly. On the inside you can remove the freezer coils cover and clean out the drain pan, too. It is supposed to be somewhat warm because the hot gas line is routed between the freezer and refrigerator section and around the freezer to keep ice from forming. When it's too hot the coils are dirty.
Manual: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Whirlpool%20Side%20x%20Side%20Refrigerators%20and% 20Freezers%20Service%20Manual.pdf

Thanks drtom4444. I will give that all a try as soon as I can.. . Smile...