Maytag Recalling 1.6 Million Refrigerators

Beacause we sell a lot of Maytag-branded refrigerators (Maytag, Jenn Air, Amana, Magic Chef), we wanted to keep our customers informed of a recall on some side-by-side and top-mount refrigerators issued by corporate yesterday.

If you purchased one of these refrigerators from Feder’s Distributors, please see the following message…

*****

March 10, 2009

Dear Valued Trade Customer:

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Maytag Corporation is voluntarily recalling about 1.6 million Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley® brand side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators.

An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard. Maytag has received 41 reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

We are asking for your help in locating sales information for consumers who purchased an affected refrigerator. Your cooperation is essential for us to reach potentially at-risk consumers.

The affected units were sold at department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004 for between $350 and $1600. They were manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel and have model and serial numbers with the following combinations:

Serial Numbers ENDING with

AND Model Numbers

BEGINNING with

Side-by-Side

Refrigerators

AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR, AT, AV, AX, CA, CC, CE, CG, CJ, CL, ZB, ZD, ZF, ZH, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU, ZW, ZY, ZZ

ARS, CS, JC, JS, MS, MZ, PS

Top Freezer

Refrigerators

AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR, AT, AV, AX, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU, ZW, ZY, ZZ

AT, CT, MT, PT

NOTE: Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this recall.

In accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Act, you are required to respond to this request. If you have questions or are having difficulties finding this data, please contact the Maytag Recall Team at 1-877-329-3304.

Please Take the Following Action Immediately:

  • Builders and Retailers: Using the tools described above, please provide sales information for consumers who purchased an affected unit. Please submit this information within 7 days of the receipt of this letter.

If you have questions about this process, please contact your account representative or the Maytag Recall Team immediately at 1-877-329-3304. Thank you for your cooperation and prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Maytag Corporation