The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·94130·Announced 1994-09-19

Sub-Zero Built-In Refrigerators Recalled for Tip-Over Risk

Sub-Zero is offering free inspections for built-in refrigerators that can tip over if not secured, causing nine injuries.

What this means for you

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 (tip-over) where injury has been reported (nine injuries), but no fatalities or structural vehicle defects are present, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Sub-Zero Freezer Company Inc. is voluntarily offering to inspect, at no cost, its model 550 and 501 built-in refrigerators/freezers installed between June 1989 and December 1992. The company has received 30 reports of these units tipping forward, resulting in nine injuries. All reported tipovers involved refrigerators that were not properly secured during installation.

Approximately 61,000 of these refrigerators/freezers were sold nationwide through kitchen dealers and appliance stores. The units are 36 inches wide and feature the name "Sub-Zero" on the ventilating grill. Model 501 units have a single door with the motor on the bottom, while Model 550 units have a drawer on the bottom, a single refrigerator door, and the motor on top. The model number is located on a sticker attached to the interior door frame.

These appliances are intended to be secured to wall studs or solidly attached surrounding cabinets. Failure to secure them during installation could allow them to fall forward during use. Owners of Models 501 and 550 installed between June 1989 and December 1992 should contact Sub-Zero to arrange for a free installation inspection and, if necessary, correction by calling 1-800-222-7820 or sending their name, address, and telephone number to Sub-Zero Freezer Company Inc., P.O. Box 44130, Madison, WI 53744-4130.

The recalled product

Product
Sub-Zero built-in refrigerators/freezers
Manufacturer
Sub-Zero
Category
Consumer Product — Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · tip over

See all →