Maytag Recalls Over 1 Million Refrigerators

March 2009

Maytag has recalled 1.6 million of its refrigerators because they pose a fire hazard. The company has received 41 reports of refrigerator malfunction, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

The problem has been identified as an electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator's compressor. The recall includes certain Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag, and Crosley brand side by side and top freezer refrigerators. They were manufactured in black, bisque, white, and stainless steel. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's website has a complete list of affected model and serial numbers.

The defective units were sold at department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004. Consumers should contact Maytag to find out if their refrigerator is included in the recall and to schedule a free in-home repair. The refrigerator should not be returned to the retailer where it was purchased.