Maytag recalling 1.6 million refrigerators

Maytag Corp. of Newton, Iowa, is recalling about 1.6 million refrigerators due to an electrical failure in the relay — the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor — that 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.  

The recall includes certain Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand side-by-side and top-freezer refrigerators. The affected refrigerators were manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel. They have model and serial numbers printed on a label located on the top middle or left upper side of the refrigerator liner and have the following model and serial number combinations: 

On side-by-side refrigerators, serial numbers ending in 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 and ZZ, and model numbers beginning with ARS, CS, JC, JS, MS, MZ and PS.

On top-freezer refrigerators, serial numbers ending in AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR, AT, AV, AX, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU, ZW, ZY and ZZ, and model numbers beginning with AT, CT, MT and PT.

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

Manufactured in the U.S., the recalled refrigerators were sold in department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004. They sold for between about $350 and $1600.

Consumers who think they may have a refrigerator included in the recall should contact Maytag to find out. If their refrigerator is included in the recall, they can schedule a free in-home repair; they should not return the refrigerator to where it was purchased.

For more information, consumers can call Maytag toll-free at (866) 533-9817, or visit the Web site http://www.repair.maytag.com/.

More about home and garden 14 fast fixes to help your home sell Lou Manfredini’s simple fall fix-ups Beware product recalls you may not know about Got a decorating dilemma? DIY design ideas More home and garden stories

More from TODAY Al Roker pens murder mystery | Read an excerpt Thanksgiving worries? Call the turkey hot line Largest crib recall in U.S. history announced 5 biggest Thanksgiving food myths debunked Cartoons: Thanksgiving laughs with quirky turkeys

MORE FROM HOME & GARDEN

Home & Garden Section Front

ConsumerMan: Clean clothes, stinky problem   One man’s trash is another man’s house   Simple ways to live green   High-tech homes of the future on display   Make your Thanksgiving table beautiful   Beware of hidden home dangers   How to trim your utility bills   Easy tricks to spruce up your kitchen   Easy solutions for stinky cleanups   DIY tips for decorating your Thanksgiving table Home & Garden Section Front   Add Home & Garden headlines to your news reader: