On August 25, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Maytag Corp. announced an expansion of an existing recall from March 2009 of 1.6 million refrigerators. The expansion includes approximately 46,000 additional refrigerators, with Maytag, Magic Chef, Performa, and Crosley brands affected by the recall. An electric failure within the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor can overheat and pose a serious fire hazard.
Since the initial recall, Maytag has received 23 additional reports of refrigerator relay ignition, with 4 reports of property damage resulting from the incidences.
The recall affects certain side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators in black, bisque, white, and stainless steel, including Maytag, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag, and Crosley brands. Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in the recall.
The defective refrigerators were sold in department and appliance stores nationwide from September 2000 through May 2004.
Consumers are advised to contact Maytag immediately at 866-533-9817 to determine if their appliance is included in the safety recall and to schedule a free repair.