Automatic Defrost Upright Freezers and All-Refrigerators
CPSC Recall #05-279 — September 26, 2005
Product
Automatic Defrost Upright Freezers and All-Refrigerators
Description
The recalled single door freezers and refrigerators are 15, 17 and 20-cubic foot Automatic Defrost Upright Freezers and 17-cubic foot Automatic Defrost All-Refrigerators that can be converted into freezers. They were sold under the brand names Amana, Crosley, Danby, Maytag, Whirlpool and Wood's, which is written on the front of the unit. The manufacturer label with the model number and date of manufacture is located on the inside of the cabinet. A list of model numbers and dates of manufacture included in the recall is listed below. BrandModel NumbersDate of ManufactureAmanaAFU1567*, AFU1767*, AFU2067*200209(September 2002)through200402(February 2004)CrosleyFFCR17*, WCF15*, WCF17*, WCF20*DanbyDUF1700*, DFF1708*MaytagMQU1556*, MQU2057*WhirlpoolEV150NXM*, EV170NYL*, EV171NYM*, EV200NXK*, EV201NXM*, EL7ATRRK*, EL7ATRRM*, EL7JWKLM*, EL7JWKRM*Wood'sF15*, F17*, F20*, F42*, F47*, F55*, WFF15*, WFF17*, WFF20*, RFA17*, RFC17*, R47F** there are additional letters or numbers following the model numbers above
Hazard
The defrost heater coil can become exposed inside the units, which poses a potential shock hazard to consumers. In some cases, the exposed heater wire can also melt or burn the unit's interior plastic food liner.
Incidents / Injuries
W.C. Woods has received 45 reports of incidents of the defrost heater coil becoming exposed. Nine of those incidents resulted in an electrical short. The others melted and burned the unit's interior plastic liner. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy
Consumers should contact Whirlpool to arrange for a free in-home repair for Amana, Maytag or Whirlpool freezers. There is no remedy available for unrepaired Crosley, Danby and Wood's freezers. Unplug and discontinue use of unrepaired units.
Units Affected
About 112,000
Sold At
Home improvement and appliance stores from September 2002 through February 2005 for between $400 and $1,000.
Manufacturer
W.C. Wood Company Inc., of Ottawa, Ohio
Manufactured In
Canada and United States