Maytag Recalls 1.6 Million Refrigerators

Fridge fires prompt recall

In these difficult economic times, we need all the help that we can get. Limited financial options create a spiderweb of sinkholes that can cause real trouble. The last thing you want to worry about is a defective refrigerator burning down your beautiful over-mortgaged home.

But that’s just what can happen, and you’d have an American commercial icon to thank – the Maytag Repairman!

The Associate Press reports that Maytag Corp. (purchased by Whirlpool in 2006) has voluntarily recalled about 1.6 million refrigerators due to an electrical problem that could create a fire hazard.

Now the Repairman has something to do

According to a Maytag press release, the electrical problem “has led to 16 incidents ranging from smoke damage to major kitchen damage.” Maytag, a unit of the Whirlpool Corp., has said that 41 refrigerator ignition incidents have been reported. Sixteen have resulted in damage.

“An electrical failure in the relay component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard,” reports the Associated Press.

Maytag and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have issued a joint statement in which it revealed that this recall will include Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Maytag, Performa by Maytag and Crosley side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators. The units in question were sold between January 2001 and January 2004 by both department/appliance stores and homebuilders. Those with bottom freezers are not included in the recall. Prices ranged from $350 to $1,600.

But can’t the Repairman fix it?

Yes – finally! Consumers should contact Maytag to find out if their refrigerator is included in the recall. Free in-home repair will be made available. Maytag can be contacted at (866) 533-9817 and via http://www.repair.maytag.com. The company has said that refrigerators should NOT be returned to the stores where they were purchased.

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