Frigidaire refrigerators

The reports, as CPSC published them

301. No one hurt

     Made Jun 13, 2012 · , sent to the company Jun 22, 2012 · , published by CPSC Jul 9, 2012

     The product, in the report: Frigidaire Stainless Steel side-by-side full size refrigerator Model FRS6L9EFSS3 Serial 4A63409032 Manufactured 8/06

     My Frigidaire refrigerator started on fire on Sunday 6/10/12...from the inside...

     Model number FRS6L9EFSS3 Serial 4A63409032 Manufactured 8/06

     I’m not a fire expert, but it certainly looks to me like the electronic thermostat adjustments shorted out -- repeatedly, creating a burning, boiling blob of plastic refrigerator lava.

     I can’t get anywhere with the company, and they aren’t taking me seriously -- I realize this isn’t life-and-death at this point, but as you can see from the photos, I was a rubber seal away from my house burning down. I returned from a trip to the east coast on Sunday night to an extremely upset pregnant wife, a fridge on my front patio full of boiled food, and a house full of black burnt plastic smoke.

     My wife called me Sunday morning to tell me the refrigerator quit. I told her that I’d take care of it when I got home, and she headed to work. I called my dad to see if he knew the measurements, so I could shop online for a replacement while at the airport. Fortunately for our home, dog, and cat, my father and brother-in-law stopped by the house and smelled the burnt plastic. Some quick thinking, the removal my house’s front door, and some muscles saved the day!

     Since that time however, I’ve been getting the runaround from Frigidaire. They say they require a report from the fire department or a Frigidaire authorized service rep to confirm the fire... Scottsdale Fire was helpful to a point, but since no other damage was done to the house, the refrigerator was moved outside, and no emergency call was placed -- they won’t write a report. Frigidaire service hasn’t returned my calls. The local numbers have all told me that they don’t service appliances over a year old, or that I have to pay $79 for a service call -- requiring a day off from work to wait for a two-hour window because they need me physically present to look at the burned refrigerator in the front yard. They aren’t coming to address the safety concerns, nor to fix it, just confirming a fire. But again, the runaround...

     I have my communications all documented, as well as photos of everything right down to a bottle of 2011 [REDACTED] that I was planning to opening in celebration of my son’s birth this coming October.

     The fridge is still on my front walkway -- until the homeowners association sees it or Frigidaire takes action.

     Model

     FRS6L9EFSS3

     Serial number

     4A63409032

     Where

     Scottsdale, Arizona: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     No Relationship

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

302. No one hurt

     Made May 31, 2012 · , sent to the company Jun 7, 2012 · , published by CPSC Jun 21, 2012

     The product, in the report: Frigidaire White side by side refrigerator. the starter switch is black approximately 2” wide x1 1/2” tall x 3/4” thick. it jump starts the compressor.

     Frigidaire refrigerator model#FRS6R4EW7 the compressor starter switch part#241524605 shorted out and caught on fire. There were no exposed wires. The switch shorted out internally and melted from the inside out catching the foam insulation under the compressor on fire. My wife heard the spark and smelled the burning plastic. I returned home and removed the back cover and the compressor came on and within seconds the sparks ignited and I saw flames. I immediately unplugged the unit and pulled the part. On the under side of the starter there is a large portion of melted plastic gone. Had my wife not been home there is no doubt in my mind my house would have burned down and I would have lost everything I own.

     Model

     FRS6R4EW7

     Serial number

     4A63914116

     Bought from

     Conn’s, Texas

     Bought

     Nov 11, 2006, about then

     Where

     Richardson, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

303. No one hurt

     Made Apr 30, 2012 · , sent to the company May 8, 2012 · , published by CPSC May 22, 2012

     The product, in the report: Model #FRS6HR5HB1 - Side by side Frigidaire Refrigerator

     Model# FRS6HR5HB1 - Frigidaire Refrigerator (side by side) Purchased ~July/Aug 2007.

     This unit caught fire 4/28/2012. I noticed a burning smell in my kitchen and eventually tracked it to the vent at the base of the refrigerator. I proceeded to slide the refrigerator from the wall and observed a flickering light emanating from the rear bottom of the unit which I quickly realized was a fire. The fire went out on its own. I unplugged the unit and noticed that the device which connects directly to the compressor had been burned and the resulting smell was pretty bad.

     I punched the model number of the unit in to Sears Parts Direct to identify the burned components. Sears Link: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Frigidaire-Parts/Refrigerator-Parts/Model-FRS6HR5HB1/1428/0165000/R0702017/00006?blt=06&prst=0&shdMod=FRS6HR5HB1

     The parts are a part of the “System” assembly and those which caught fire appear to be: 30: Starter, PART NUMBER: 241707701 55: Capacitor, PART NUMBER: 218909913, Substitution: 5304464438 32: Clamp, PART NUMBER: 241650901

     A google search revealed that this type of malfunction, a “compressor relay fire”, is not uncommon with refrigerators, though I found no existing fire reports for this model online. I visited the Frigidaire’s website and found no recalls for this product.

     I have a licensed technician coming to investigate the issue, but I am greatly concerned about the overall safety of this product and its performance even if the faulty parts are replaced. Had I not been present during the malfunction, a very damaging fire would likely have resulted.

     Model

     FRS6HR5HB1

     Serial number

     4A71400781

     Bought from

     Best Buy

     Bought

     Jul 31, 2007, about then

     Where

     Huntsville, Alabama: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

304. No one hurt

     Made Apr 19, 2012 · , sent to the company Apr 27, 2012 · , published by CPSC May 11, 2012

     The product, in the report: refrigeator / freezer

     I purchased a new model # FRS6LF7J53 FRIGIDARE side by side with crushed and cubed ice through the door. From the first week the ice dispenser has accumulated ice until it is clogged up completely, spilling crushed ice onto the floor of the kitchen. This creates a serious “slip and fall hazard”. This flaw was reported to FRIGIDARE within the factory warranty, attempts were made to fix the issue to no remedy.

     HELP

     [REDACTED]

     Model

     FRS6LF7JS3

     Serial number

     4A94100455

     Bought from

     Lowe’s

     Bought

     Jan 29, 2010

     Where

     Fort Valley, Georgia: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand FRIGIDAIR, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

305. No one hurt

     Made Apr 9, 2012 · , sent to the company Aug 8, 2012 · , published by CPSC Aug 22, 2012

     The product, in the report: Refrigerator (Side by Side)

     The consumer stated that the refrigerator was not operating properly. There is a cardboard plate that covers the lower part of the refrigerator where the compressor and fan is located which had caused the insulation to deteriorate.

     The consumer started experiencing problems with the unit not keeping a cold temperature around the first week of March. There was also a clicking noise. She discovered that the insulation had turned into dust particles which was on the fan and could have caused a fire.

     3/2012 The consumer contacted the manufacturer through email but had not receive any response as yet.

     The consumer feels that this refrigerator is a safety hazard due to the faulty design and should be recalled.

     UPDATE: The insulation that covers the back cardboard panel of the refrigerator turns/disintegrates into fine powder. This powdery dust covers the compressor fan motor as well as the evaporator pan, in which was full of this material. The combination of dust and water along with the clogged compressor fan poses a serious risk of fire, injury and possible death, as the insulation dust prevents the compressor fan from operating properly. There are several wires that became covered with (insulation) dust and water because the fan was running sporadically. This product is dangerous. I have enclosed a speciman/sample in order to illustrate the decomposition of the insulation material. The sample is from the left side. The right side of the panel was too fine to bag.

     Model

     frs24wnfw1

     UPC

     n/a

     Serial number

     la72313668

     Bought from

     montgomery ward, Louisiana

     Bought

     Dec 1, 1997

     Where

     Baton Rogue, Louisiana: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

306. Hurt, no treatment

     Made Mar 2, 2012 · , sent to the company Mar 12, 2012 · , published by CPSC Mar 26, 2012

     The product, in the report: Referigerator shelf

     Cleaned glass shelf in Fridigaire, model FRT21IL4FW4. Glass shattered and hand cut. Suggest label indicating: Clean on flat surface only. Glass can shatter if not on flat surface. [REDACTED].

     Model

     FRT21IL4FW4

     Serial number

     4A81922555

     Bought from

     Lowes

     Bought

     Mar 1, 2008, about then

     Where

     Cary, North Carolina: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 56, Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

307. No one hurt

     Made Feb 15, 2012 · , sent to the company Feb 24, 2012 · , published by CPSC Mar 9, 2012

     The product, in the report: 18.2 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator with 2 Sliding Spill Safe Shelves, 2 Humidity Controlled Crisper Drawers, Store-More Gallon Door Storage and Cool Zone Drawer: Black

     My safety concern is a Frigidaire refrigerator I brought about a year ago. The defrosting system, from the freezer, leaks down the middle of the refrigeration to the floor, creating a black streak of unhealthy and nasty in appearance mold buildup. The refrigerator is manufactured so, that it cannot be cleaned, unless the compartment’s [REDACTED] inside is completely removed. This method PARTIALLY reduces the mold build up, but does not completely or does not prevent the defrosting system from generating future mold build ups (like shown in the attached picture). This compartment is connected to an electrical cord that controls the light and refrigerator control, and possible shock injury. Please note: This manufacturing defect was noticed, approximately three months after purchase date.

     Model

     FFHT1826LB

     Bought from

     AJ Madison

     Bought

     Feb 7, 2011

     Where

     Detroit, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

308. No one hurt

     Made Jan 9, 2012 · , sent to the company Mar 2, 2012 · , published by CPSC Mar 16, 2012

     The product, in the report: Refrigerator

     Consumer stated that while attempting to pack the refrigerator he noticed that the light fixture didnot have a safety lens (bulb cover) covering it. The light is located about 5 inches above the shelf if broken this bulb could be discharged in his food or it could cause harm to his children.

     1/9/12 Consumer contacted the manufacturer and was advised that they do not manufacture that kind of refrigerator with a safety lens only the more expensive refrigerator. Also in the manual the instruction refers to the changing of the bulb covering.

     Consumer is concerned that this refrigerator is a safety hazard and should be reported.

     Model

     FFHT2126LW3

     UPC

     n/a

     Serial number

     4a14611067

     Bought from

     All inc, Minnesota

     Bought

     Jan 5, 2012

     Where

     St Paul, Minnesota: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

309. No one hurt

     Made Dec 31, 2011 · , sent to the company Jan 10, 2012 · , published by CPSC Jan 25, 2012

     The product, in the report: Fridgidaire Gallery Refrigerator Side by side Model FGUS2632LE0

     We currently have a Frigidaire Gallery Refrigerator(model FGUS2632LE0). We have had 2 door bins break off the door after closing the door with a drawer still open. The pressure was minimal for everyday use. The last time (Dec. 20, 2011) 2 glass jars hit the floor broke resulting glass shards and liquid all over the floor. Luckily everyone had shoes on. Otherwise it would have been easy to step on the glass.

     These bins should be more durable, in order to prevent injuries.

     This issue is probably not limited to this refrigerator model. I have scene the same problems at work, where the dorr shelves or bins easily break

     Model

     FGUS2632LE0

     Where

     Clovis, Unspecified: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 62, Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand Fridgidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

310. Hurt, care not known

     Made Dec 1, 2011 · , sent to the company Dec 21, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jan 6, 2012

     The product, in the report: Refrigerator with PureSource2 Water Filter

     Text of consumer complaint

     I just experienced a serious problem with my refrigerator and wanted to enquire as to whether this is a known issue. I had just replaced the water filter today and checked that it was secure in place, flush with the panel. It didn’t seem to be working, so I pushed the release knob on the epanel and it shot out of its slot with so much force that it knocked me down. i now have a swollen and split lip. Please let me know if this issue has been reported before.

     Here’s the information:

     Frigidaire model number FLSC238DS1 Frigidaire serial number LA43303618 Manufacture date 08/04 PureSource2 Water Filter

     Model

     FLSC238DS1

     Serial number

     LA43303618

     Where

     Unspecified: Unspecified

     Who was involved

     Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Injury, Level of care not known

311. No one hurt

     Made Oct 30, 2011 · , sent to the company Nov 7, 2011 · , published by CPSC Nov 22, 2011

     The product, in the report: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS - Frigedaire model FRS6LF7JBO - SERIAL 4A81718146 - MANUFACTURED 05-08, MADE IN MEXICO

     Frigedaire model # FRS6LF7JBO serial # 4A81718146. Two major issues: Ice maker and water dispenser started shooting out water and would not stop. We called a locally owned technician and he said it was a “mother board” issue and never came back. The inside of the refrigerator wall (wall that seperates the freezer from the refrigerator) got very hot (so hot you couldn’t touch it) and we could smell something burning so we unplugged it. Bought from Lowes 3 years ago for around $1000.

     Model

     FRS6LF7JBO

     Serial number

     4A81718146

     Bought from

     LOWES

     Bought

     Jun 1, 2008, about then

     Where

     Mustang, Oklahoma: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand FRIGEDAIRE, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

312. No one hurt

     Made Oct 3, 2011 · , sent to the company Oct 12, 2011 · , published by CPSC Oct 26, 2011

     The product, in the report: Frigidaire side by side fridge/freezer. Stainless steel front. Freezer side has ice cube/water dispenser.

     Our fridge started filling the room with smoke and a nasty burning smell. We unplugged it immediately. Later I opened the back panel, vacuumed out the dust and plugged it in again. I could see where it was sparking and igniting a small flame, probably burning the plastic housing near the wiring.

     Model

     PLHS239ZDBR

     Serial number

     LA54207654

     Bought from

     Sears

     Bought

     Jul 1, 2006, about then

     Where

     San Jose, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

313. No one hurt

     Made Oct 2, 2011 · , sent to the company Oct 11, 2011 · , published by CPSC Oct 25, 2011

     The product, in the report: White 26 cu. side by side Frigidaire Refrigerator with ice maker. Ice and water in the door.

     Frigidaire Side by side refrigerator model FRS6LR5EW6, serial number 4A70605549. Saturday, October 1, 2011, my husband started smelling something like electric burning or hot wires. After several hours we narrowed it down to the kitchen. We started checking first with the light fixture because it was put in last week.Then we checked the microwave and stove which is electric. We checked the attic. Finally we decided it was the small freezer of my mother in laws. We disconnected and emptied the small freezer. We went to bed. After about an hour I started coughing as I have lung issues. I came into the kitchen area and the smell was strong. So I sat down and watched the kitchen in the dark and within 5 minutes, I heard the refrigerator cycle on and a small light appeared... then it dimmed and came back very strong. It appeared on the wall and floor as if it was a flame. The freezer was thawing towards the back of the freezer area. We lost approximately $200 in food. The refrigerator was purchased at Lowe’s in Tulsa, OK, on or after August 2007. I believe it was in the spring of 2008. I have reported it to Frigidaire. And was told to contact their recall center at 888-360-8556.

     Model

     FRS6LR5EW6

     Serial number

     4A70605549

     Bought from

     Lowe’s Tulsa, OK

     Bought

     Apr 15, 2008, about then

     Where

     SAPULPA, Oklahoma: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

314. No one hurt

     Made Sep 14, 2011 · , sent to the company Sep 22, 2011 · , published by CPSC Oct 6, 2011

     The product, in the report: Frigidaire Gallery Series with Ultra Ice Dispenser, Model FRS24ZGG

     I own a Frigidaire refrigerator/freezer Model # FRS24ZGG with an ice dispenser in the freezer door. Last evening I smelled smoke somewhere in my kitchen and realized it was coming from the refrigerator. Upon closer inspection, smoke was coming from the ice dispenser. I quickly disassembled the front cover on the ice dispenser and saw that a wire inside was on fire, but smoltering slowly. I am not sure if the wire had a bare spot and was touching the cabinet or just what had happened. I carefully pulled the wire out and taped wire nuts to the ends and re-energized the refirg without further incidents. I feel that if I had not smelled the smoke, it could have resulted in a major fire.

     Model

     Frigidaire Gallery Series FRS24ZGG

     Serial number

     cannot find it

     Where

     Moundsville, West Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 63, Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     My Spouse

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

315. No one hurt

     Made Aug 31, 2011 · , published by CPSC Sep 26, 2011

     The product, in the report: Frigidaire Refrigerator (standard with freezer on top) Model FRT8B6EB6, Serial BA55011945

     My Frigidaire refrigerator tripped our GFI outlet in the kitchen while I was away on a business trip. My wife returned home to find the refrigerator off and everything in the kitchen not working. I had her unplug everything in the kitchen to determine what was blowing the circuit. The instant that she plugged the fridge back in the GFI outlet (a separate outlet near... not the same outlet as the fridge) tripped. I’m very thankful for the protection that GFI outlet provided - without it my wife probably would have been seriously injured. With the fridge unplugged she was able to have everything else in the kitchen work properly - the electrical wiring in the kitchen has not been modified any time recently and is working properly.

     I’m very concerned that this could seriously shock one of my family members or even cause a fire. We make a point not to run any appliances when we’re not at home because a fire could start and kill our dog - we count on our refrigerator to be safe and operate safely while we are not in the home - I’m concerned for the safety of my family (and dog) due to the problems with this Frigidaire appliance.

     Clearly there is a short in the wiring or a component of the fridge. I called customer service and they didn’t seem to care that this was a safety issue - they just wanted to sell me an extended warranty.

     I’d recommend steering clear of Frigidaire products as they don’t stand behind the safety of their products and have some quality issues.

     Model

     FRT8B6EB6

     Serial number

     BA55011945

     Bought

     Mar 1, 2006, about then

     Where

     Indianapolis, Indiana: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 28, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     My Spouse

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

316. No one hurt

     Made Aug 11, 2011 · , published by CPSC Sep 26, 2011

     The product, in the report: Side by Side Refrigerator

     The consumer says that if she left the refrigerator open for more than a minute, she noticed it would smell hot and smelled a burning smell. The consumer contacted the repair man who asked her to check if the light bulb was loose. She unscrewed the light bulb out and found a great big hole where it melted the inside of the refrigerator above where the light bulb was. The manufacturer offered her 30% discount towards a new unit or offered to repair the unit. The consumer says her concern is that there is no shield to protect the unit from the bulb. She asked the manufacturer what type of bulb she should have which is a 40 watt appliance bulb which is exactly what she had on it. She is concerned that the unit may pose a fire hazard. She says the longer the unit is open the stronger the burning smell coming from it. A new offer by the manufacturer was 40% or repair.

     Model

     FRS3HR5JW2

     Serial number

     4A83405554

     Bought from

     Orville’s

     Bought

     Jan 15, 2008, about then

     Where

     Niagara Falls, New York: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

317. No one hurt

     Made Jul 26, 2011 · , published by CPSC Aug 17, 2011

     The product, in the report: Frigidaire Refrigerator

     Our Frigidaire refrigerator caught on fire yesterday! We smelled burning plastic in the house, so went to the kitchen to find flames shooting out from under the refrigerator. I put out the fire, there was no damage to my home thankfully. I keep wondering, What if we werent home? My house may have burned down, or worse my wife or daughter may have been harmed.. I called Frigidaire to report the problem, and they didn’t seem very concerned. I wanted to make sure their wasn’t a recall on this product, or to see if this has happened to anyone else. The refrigerator is less than 5 years old. Here are the model and Serial numbers... I would appreciate any feedback that you have.

     M/N- FRS6LR5EB3

     Serial # 4A63815887

     Sincerley,

     [REDACTED]

     Model

     FRS6LR5EB3

     Serial number

     4A63815887

     Where

     Austin, Unspecified: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

318. Hurt, care not known

     Made Jun 1, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jun 22, 2011

     The product, in the report: Refrigerator- side by side

     My mother purchased me a Frigidaire side by side refrigerator on 4-28-2011. The refrigerator began omitting strong, noxious fumes on 5-22-2011. It smelled like burnt plastic and we thought that there was an electrical fire. We soon determined that the smell was coming from the refrigerator, especially the freezer. We became nauseated, disoriented, lightheaded, and experienced a sensation that is similar to exposure to paint fumes without ventilation. The next day food, water, and ice we consumed had an unnatural metallic, burnt taste and we had to stop using the refrigerator. We called to schedule a service repair with Conn’s Service. They did not inform us that we had the option of going straight to Frigidaire for service and they did not tell us that we could get food loss reimbursed by them sending out a form. (These facts would come out over the next several days.) They scheduled a service date for two days later, however, the tech called to cancel and we were rescheduled for 5-31-2011. During that time we waited, seven days, and we were constantly exposed to the fumes and odor. We also had to purchase food and drinks on a daily basis, unable to use the refrigerator. I called Sand K Appliance Repair and was advised that we would likely need a new product, as it would be almost impossible to get the smell out of it. When [redacted], the tech came over, I advised him of this. I called Conn’s and spoke to the manager,[redacted]. he told me that the tech could submit the product for exchange. He then spoke to him on the phone. [redacted] advised him that he was required to contact the manufacturer and follow their directions. He did so and he was told that the likely source of the fumes was melting Styrofoam blocks within the freezer paneling that the defrosting heater was melting. He checked and found that this was the case. He was then advised to move the melted styrofoam over and to tell me to use baking soda to remove the smell. I told him that we were not comfortable with this as a solution and were not satisfied. He told me to call the service department. I did so and left a message with manager [redacted], with whom I’ve dealt with extensively and has not been forthcoming, honest, or helpful. She told me that [“redacted”]would call me back.I then called Conn’s and left a message for [redacted] to call me. Neither called me, so I called Customer Resolutions for Conn’s. I was advised to call Frigidaire. I did so, but they were closed, so I left an online complaint. I received a message from them stating that there policy is to make three repairs before replacement review. The suggested I call Conn’s and ask [redacted] to replace the unit. I called Frigidaire and I was advised by the person I spoke to that this is a manufacturer defect where the defrost heater becomes hotter than it should and spreads heat further up than it should. She said that the tech should have been advised to replace the heater and styrofoam and dispose of both. I asked her if she or Frigidaire could tell me that the product is safe and safe to contain food. She said she could not. I advised her that the day before I had became ill for a few hours after the tech had the refrigerator open to service it. She told me that she would have to send me the parts and a service tech and they had to try to fix it three times before submitting it for an exchange. I advised her that this policy does not take into account what should happen if a design flaw deems the product unsafe. Styrofoam omits toxic fumes, benzine gas, and carcinogens when burnt and there are even special procedures to follow when disposing of melted Styrofoam. To suggest that a product that had contained melting styrofoam for over a week would be safe for human use after putting baking soda in it, was absurd and risky. Furthermore, the manufacturers of baking soda do not make claims that their product absorbs toxic fumes, residue from burning hazardous material, or decontaminates food services that were exposed to such chemicals. After making the call I was surprised to learn that my mother was told by [redacted] that “We would not leave an unsafe product in your home. Two of my technicians told me it would be safe after cleaning....” At this point I am waiting to hear back from Conn’s Customer Resolutions or to see if the service company that comes out deems the refrigerator unrepairable. I have multiple emails documenting my correspondence with Conn’s.

     Bought from

     Conn’s, Texas

     Bought

     Apr 28, 2011

     Where

     Clute, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 30, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Injury, Level of care not known

319. No one hurt

     Made May 28, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jun 30, 2011

     The product, in the report: Refrigerator/Freezer

     Frigidaire/Electrolux Model: FRS6LR5EM2 Report of Burning Plastic Refrigerator Light Bulb Area

     Our Frigidaire refrigerator began to catch fire as a result of either a possible defective intermittent door light switch and or door seal not allowing the light switch to shut off the interior light after the door is closed. The end result was that the interior light stayed on for an undetermined amount of time resulting in the interior plastic casing to overheat and catch fire.

     On 5/23/2011 at approximately 10:57 p.m. while our children slept upstairs, my wife detected a burning smell in our house. We followed the burning smell to our kitchen refrigerator, the Frigidaire model as listed above. This unit was installed new in 2006 after our new house was built.

     Opening the refrigerator right door, we observed smoke, charred plastic dripping from above the light bulb at the top of the enclosure. We immediately observed that the interior enclosure had burned through the interior shell into the exterior casing insulation. There was no flame visible to us at this point. We did not reinstall the light bulb into the socket and continued to check for heat around the refrigerator. Nothing further was found. We also removed the freezer light bulb.

     We contacted Frigidaire explaining the problem, was directed to their Liability Department who called us back. Per their instructions, we contracted with an authorized service tech who documented the damage and paid a fee of $89.04. We asked Frigidaire/Electrolux for a replacement refrigerator with a safer light assembly.. They responded thus far that maybe a buy back would be in order but is yet to be determined.

     The technician and I recommended to Electrolux b=via my enclosed email that either a heat shield to dissipate the heat be designed for use above the light bulb, a thermal limiter be placed in the interior in to prevent light bulb fires and or the door switch be redesigned with a fail safe device. This is a serious fire hazard that must be eliminated.

     Model

     FRS6LR5EM2

     Serial number

     4A62804165

     Bought from

     LOWES Home Center, Pennsylvania

     Bought

     Oct 1, 2006, about then

     Where

     Sinking Spring, Unspecified: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

320. No one hurt

     Made May 20, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jul 18, 2011

     The product, in the report: Side by Side Refrigerator

     She noticed that the light bulb went out and had melted through its plastic housing and through the insulation of the top of the refrigerator. She removed the bulb from the refrigerator and now the wiring is exposed. She fears that it could potentially statr a fire so she refuses to put the bulb back inside of the refrigerator.

     She contacted the firm the week of May 8,2011 and the retailer offered a $65.00 credit towards a repair and she will contact third party repair company to see what the fees are involved and have it repaired. Consumer stated that Frigidaire would not repay her for the service call required to prove the defect. They would give her a 40% discount to purchase another freezer/refrigerator or 40% on the origibal purchase price from years ago. Consumer purchased all her appliances to replace those ruined during Hurricane Katrina.

     Model

     frs26kf6m5

     Serial number

     4a70515309

     Bought from

     Sears, AL

     Bought

     Feb 15, 2007

     Where

     Mobile, Alabama: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 50, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand Frigidaire, made or sold by ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources