Recall of Frigidaire Minifridges Expands to Nearly 964,000 Units After Multiple Fire Reports
Curtis International has expanded a recall of Frigidaire minifridges to about 964,000 units after multiple reports of models catching fire. Owners are urged to unplug affected units immediately and register for refunds at the recall website.
- Expanded recall: About 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges recalled after fire reports — see the CPSC recall notice.
- Newly added model: Model EFMIS121 (serials A2001–A2310) sold exclusively at Target from January 2020–October 2023 was included in the January 2026 expansion (Target reporting summarized by Fox26 Houston).
- Earlier recall: In July 2024 Curtis International recalled four other models (EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, EFMIS175) that were sold at Walmart and Amazon (coverage: Fox Business).
- Action for owners: Unplug and mark units “Recall,” then register for a refund at the recall website.
What happened and why
Curtis International, the distributor of Frigidaire-branded small appliances, expanded its minifridge recall after reports that internal electrical components can fail and ignite the plastic housing. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC recall notice) warned the defect poses a serious fire and burn hazard.
Reported incidents: The notice cites at least six reports of the EFMIS121 model catching fire; earlier complaints tied to the July 2024 recall included overheating, melting and fires that resulted in smoke inhalation injuries and significant property damage.
Scope of the expanded recall
The recall expansion announced in January 2026 added roughly 330,000 units to the prior action, bringing the total to about 964,000 recalled minifridges. The newly added units are model EFMIS121, serial numbers A2001 to A2310, sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com in a red finish.
The July 2024 recall originally covered models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175, sold at Walmart and Amazon in red, black and blue finishes. All recalled units are marked “Frigidaire” on the front and have a model and serial label on the back; consumers should check those labels to determine if their unit is included.
Where and when the units were sold
EFMIS121 (expanded recall): Sold at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30 (Fox Business; Fox26 Houston).
Earlier models (July 2024 recall): Sold at Walmart and Amazon; timelines varied by seller (Fox Business).
Reports, injuries and property damage
The CPSC and Curtis International documented multiple incidents tied to overheating and fires. The July 2024 notice referenced 26 incidents of overheating, melting or catching fire — including two reports of smoke inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage. The January 2026 expansion cites at least six reports of the EFMIS121 model catching fire and causing property damage.
What consumers should do now
Curtis International and the CPSC urge owners of recalled Frigidaire minifridges to take immediate action to reduce risk:
- Unplug the minifridge immediately and cut the power cord to prevent accidental use.
- Mark the unit by writing “Recall” on the front door with a permanent marker so others do not plug it in.
- Register for a refund and follow instructions at the recall website.
- Dispose of the unit in accordance with local and state regulations to avoid environmental or safety issues.
Who to contact for more information
Consumers can contact Curtis International Ltd. for details, refunds and next steps:
- Toll-free phone: 888-727-0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday through Friday)
- Email: recall@curtiscs.com
- Online: recall website
Sources and official notices
Primary sources and reporting:
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice
- Fox Business reporting on the expanded recall and prior incidents
- Local reporting on Target sales and the updated recall (Fox26 Houston)
- Parade coverage of the recall update
- Recall registration and refund site
Investigative context: oversight, retailers and accountability
The expanded recall raises questions about manufacturing oversight, retailer diligence and consumer protection. Products that can ignite present disproportionate risks in rental housing, college dorms and other settings where small refrigerators are common.
Retailers — specifically Target, Walmart and Amazon — have roles in notifying customers and facilitating refunds or returns. Consumer advocates expect swift action to remove recalled items from sale and to notify buyers. The CPSC’s public notice and coordination illustrate federal oversight in action and may prompt further regulatory or legal scrutiny.
Implications and practical effects
Economic costs may include refunds, returns and handling fees for retailers and distributors, plus indirect costs from property damage and replacement appliances. The July 2024 incidents already accounted for over $700,000 in property damage. For households, unplugging recalled units can disrupt access to refrigerated medicines or food, creating practical challenges.
Safety steps for institutions and landlords
Property managers, college housing officials and landlords should inventory appliances, check model and serial numbers, and follow the recall instructions to remove or disable affected units promptly to reduce fire risk and potential liability.
