Steps to Take When Your Appliance is Recalled

Protect your home by knowing what to do when an appliance poses a safety risk

Did you know that 50% of homes are likely to have at least one product that’s been part of a recall? Over the past five years alone, more than 15 million appliances have been recalled. That’s a staggering number! If you ever find yourself in this situation, knowing what to do next is essential—especially if the recall is related to a safety issue. Let’s walk through the steps you should take if an appliance in your home has been recalled.

Why Are Appliances Recalled?

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Recalls usually happen for one of two reasons: either a design flaw prevents the appliance from working properly, or the defect makes the appliance downright dangerous to use. These issues could range from something as minor as a faulty part to something as serious as a fire risk. Once a recall is issued, the appliance in question can no longer be sold and should not be used until it’s been repaired, replaced, or refunded.

What’s the Impact of a Recall?

The impact depends on the nature of the recall. In some cases, it’s a minor fix. Other times, it’s a serious safety concern that requires you to stop using the appliance immediately. Either way, a recall can cause some disruption, but it’s always done with your safety in mind. Addressing it promptly could help prevent potential accidents in your home.

Who Handles Recalls?

There are six different agencies in the U.S. responsible for managing recalls, each overseeing different types of products:

1. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – The main agency for home appliances and general consumer products.

2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Oversees food, drugs, and medical devices.

3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Handles motor vehicle safety.

4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Regulates things like pesticides and hazardous chemicals.

5. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Manages recalls for meat, poultry, and eggs.

6. Coast Guard – Deals with boats and watercraft safety.

Courtesy of Cyber Rabbit.

As you can see, although they all handle ‘recalls’ only one of them deals specifically with home appliances. We point this out so that if you hear of a recall that isn’t coming from them, you should know to do more research. 

I Heard About a Recall—What Should I Do?

Let’s use a recent example: imagine you’ve just heard about a recall for Frigidaire appliances. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check the CPSC Website
   Head over to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website and look up the recall. You’ll need the model and serial number of your appliance to confirm whether it’s part of the recall. They will always tell you where you should look to find your model number. 

2. Contact the Manufacturer
   Once you’ve confirmed that your appliance is included, get in touch with the manufacturer. They’ll give you instructions on what to do next. Depending on the recall, they may offer you a repair, replacement, refund, or rebate.

3. Refund vs. Rebate: What’s the Difference?

• Refund: You get your money back.

• Rebate: You get a partial refund or credit toward another product from the same company.

4. Keep Detailed Records
   Be sure to document everything! This includes dates, names of people you speak to, reference numbers, and any communication you have with the manufacturer. Keeping track of these details will help you if any issues arise.

5. Discuss the Recall with Your Household
   It’s important to talk with everyone in the house about the recall. Here’s why:

• Awareness: Make sure everyone knows not to use the appliance.

• Assess the Risk: Decide whether the issue is minor or major based on your needs. A broken oven light might be one thing, but a fire hazard is another.

• Make a Plan: Depending on the situation, you may need to change your routine. This could be as simple as planning alternative meals while waiting on a repair, or keeping a close eye on the appliance if you continue to use it.

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Prioritize Safety When Dealing with a Recalled Appliance

Once you’ve confirmed that your appliance is part of a recall, the most important step is to stop using it immediately. Even if the issue seems minor—like a malfunctioning light or a door that doesn’t seal properly—there could be hidden risks that aren’t immediately obvious. Unplug the appliance or turn off its circuit breaker to prevent any accidental use while you wait for the repair or replacement. Safety should always come first, especially when it involves risks like overheating, electrical malfunctions, or potential fire hazards.

While waiting for a solution, consider the impact of the recalled appliance on your household. For example, if the issue is with your refrigerator or oven, you’ll need to find safe alternatives for storing food or preparing meals until the appliance is fixed. In cases where the recall affects something more critical, like a washing machine with a potential water leak, it’s essential to prevent further damage by keeping the appliance unplugged and notifying all household members about the issue.

Finally, take extra precautions if the appliance is located in a high-traffic area or is used frequently. If the recall notice mentions fire risks or electrical hazards, make sure the area around the appliance is clear of any flammable materials. Stay vigilant and check for any additional signs of malfunction, such as strange smells, sparks, or unusual noises. Acting swiftly and staying informed are the best ways to protect your home and loved ones while you wait for the manufacturer to address the issue.

Be Proactive: Register Your Appliances

Even if none of your current appliances are on recall, it’s a good idea to register them now. That way, if something does come up, you’ll be notified right away. Registering appliances takes just a few minutes but can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.

Appliance recalls can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps will ensure your home stays safe. While Appliance Rescue Service doesn’t handle recalls directly, we’re here to help keep your appliances running smoothly. Whether it’s routine maintenance or handling repairs after a recall, our technicians are just a call or click away. Visit our website to schedule an appointment or give us a call if you need assistance with your appliances.

Website
Call ((214) 599-0055) 

Examples of Appliance Recalls

• Maytag Dishwasher Recall (2010): Maytag recalled over 1.7 million dishwashers after discovering that the heating element could overheat and pose a fire risk.

• Frigidaire Stove Recall (2023): A recall was issued for certain Frigidaire stove models due to a malfunction that caused ovens to overheat, creating a potential fire hazard.

• Whirlpool Wall Ovens Recall (2016): Whirlpool recalled certain models of its wall ovens due to the potential for the oven racks to fall when they were in use. While this didn’t pose a fire hazard, it could cause burns or injuries from hot dishes falling. The recall was minor, involving a fix to adjust the placement of the racks.

Additional Reading
Navigating the Frigidaire Refrigerator Recall

Kitchen Safety 101: Protecting Your Little Ones at Home
Kitchen Hazards Unveiled

Navigating the Frigidaire Refrigerator Recall: What You Need to Know

An Inside Look: Understanding the Frigidaire Recall

Understanding Recalls: What They Are and What Happens

Before delving into the specifics of the Frigidaire refrigerator recall, it's essential to understand what a recall entails and the processes involved. A recall occurs when a manufacturer or regulatory authority determines that a product poses a safety risk or fails to meet regulatory standards. This action is taken to protect consumers from potential harm and ensure the integrity of the product.

Recalls can be initiated for various reasons, including defects in design or manufacturing, safety concerns, or failure to meet regulatory requirements. In the case of appliances like refrigerators, recalls may be issued due to issues with components such as ice makers, electrical systems, or structural integrity.

When a recall is initiated, the manufacturer typically works with relevant regulatory agencies to notify consumers of the issue and provide instructions on how to address it. This often involves contacting affected consumers directly, issuing public announcements through various channels, and coordinating efforts to repair or replace the affected products.

For consumers, being informed about recalls is crucial for your safety and well-being. It allows you to take appropriate actions to mitigate risks and ensure the continued safe use of your appliances. In the case of the Frigidaire refrigerator recall, understanding the nature of the issue and how to respond is essential for protecting both individuals and families from potential harm.

Recall Announcement: Frigidaire Refrigerator Recall

In February of 2024, Frigidaire issued a recall for nearly 400,000 refrigerators due to a critical issue with an ice bucket component. This recall affects Frigidaire's side-by-side refrigerators equipped with slim ice buckets, which were sold between November 2015 and September 2019. These refrigerators were distributed through major retailers such as Lowe's, Home Depot, Frigidaire.com, and other authorized dealers across the United States and Canada. The models ranged in price from 1,400 to $2,400.

Incidents and Previous Recalls

The recall was initiated due to a specific piece of plastic within the ice bucket assembly that is prone to breakage. This breakage can result in plastic fragments falling into the ice dispenser, posing a significant choking hazard and risk of laceration injuries, particularly to children. As of the current date, Frigidaire has received at least 343 reports of incidents related to this issue, prompting the comprehensive recall of all affected refrigerators sold within the specified time frame.

It is noteworthy that this is not the first instance of Electrolux, Frigidaire's parent company, recalling refrigerators due to issues with their ice makers. In 2022, over 370,000 Electrolux and Frigidaire refrigerators were recalled following nearly 200 reports of the ice-level arm breaking into pieces and falling into the ice bucket, posing choking hazards. These recalls affected various refrigerator models, including side-by-side, top-freezer, and French door configurations. The recurrence of such issues underscores concerns regarding the efficacy of the frost protection measures implemented by Frigidaire in their freezers.

What Can Consumers Do?

For consumers who may be unsure whether their refrigerator is affected by the recall, it is essential to perform a quick check. If you purchased a Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator with a slim ice bucket between 2015 and 2019, and your model matches one of the following:

[DGHK2355TF, DGHX2655TF, FFSC2323TS, FGSC2335TD, FGSC2335TF, FGSS2635TD, FGSS2635TE, FGSS2635TF, FGSS2635TP, FPSC2277RF, FPSC2278UF, FPSS2677RF, LFSC2324VF, LGHK2336TD, LGHK2336TF, LGHX2636TD, LGHX2636TF]

It is recommended to cease using the ice maker immediately until the issue is resolved. Even if it hasn’t broken yet, there’s no guarantee that it won’t if the model numbers match. 

Taking Action

Affected consumers are encouraged to contact Frigidaire or the Electrolux Group to request a free replacement of the defective ice bucket assembly piece. Additionally, individuals may wish to explore options regarding a potential class-action lawsuit. Schmidt Law is currently in the early stages of organizing such a lawsuit.

Prioritizing Safety: Appliance Rescue Service

At Appliance Rescue Service, we prioritize the safety of your home and family. Whether it's addressing broken appliances or informing you about critical recalls like this one, we are dedicated to ensuring your peace of mind. We understand that appliance issues can arise for various reasons, not just due to faulty components. If your appliances break or malfunction, regardless of the cause, we're here to help.

Please visit our website or contact us at (214) 599-0055 today to schedule a maintenance appointment for your appliances. Our team will work with you to set up a convenient date and time that fits your schedule. With our expertise and dedication to quality service, you can trust us to keep your appliances running smoothly and your home safe.