The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·05213·Announced 2005-06-29

LG and Kenmore Elite Trio Refrigerators Recalled for Fire Hazard

LG Electronics and Sears are recalling about 20,800 three-door refrigerators because a faulty component can cause the condenser fan motor to overheat and pose a fire hazard.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

LG Electronics Inc. and Sears, Roebuck and Co. are recalling approximately 20,800 LG and Kenmore Elite Trio three-door refrigerators. The recall involves 21 to 25 cubic foot units with bottom freezers, sold from May 2004 through May 2005 for between $1,400 and $2,400. Kenmore brand units were sold exclusively at Sears stores nationwide, while LG brand units were sold at other major retailers nationwide.

The recall is due to a faulty component in the condenser fan motor that can short circuit. This failure can cause the motor to overheat, posing a potential fire hazard to consumers. LG Electronics has received 82 reports of incidents involving condenser fan motor failure, characterized by a failed capacitor arcing and smoking. Smoke damage occurred in a few incidents, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should contact Transform for Kenmore brand products or LG Electronics to arrange for a free home repair. LG can be reached toll-free at (888) 294-5782 and Transform at (800) 659-7026, both available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit http://us.lge.com for information on included models and to schedule an in-home appointment. Not all refrigerators within the listed serial number ranges are included in the recall; consumers should call to verify if their specific unit is affected.

The recalled product

Product
LG and Kenmore Elite® Trio™ Three-Door Refrigerators
Manufacturer
LG Electronics Inc., of Lincolnshire, Ill.
Category
Consumer Product — Refrigerators
Hazard
Affected units
20,800

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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