Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Expanded to Nearly 964,000 After Reports of Fires; Target Model EFMIS121 Added
Curtis International expanded its Frigidaire minifridge recall to about 964,000 units across North America after additional fire reports; the update adds roughly 330,000 Target‑sold EFMIS121 units and urges owners immediately to stop using affected fridges.
Key takeaways
- Frigidaire Minifridge Recall by Curtis International expanded to about 964,000 units in North America.
- The expansion adds roughly 330,000 EFMIS121 (6‑can) units sold exclusively at Target; serials beginning with A2001–A2310.
- Stop using recalled units immediately: unplug, cut the power cord, label the door “Recall,” and register for a refund at the recall website.
- Defect: internal electrical components can short‑circuit and ignite the plastic housing, creating fire and burn hazards; multiple fires and property damage have been reported.
What was added and why
Curtis International, the Canada‑based distributor for Frigidaire‑branded minifridges, expanded the recall after new reports of fires tied to an additional model. The recall originally covered about 634,000 units in July 2024; the expansion adds roughly 330,000 EFMIS121 units sold at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30 each.
The newly included EFMIS121 units are generally six‑can minifridges with “Frigidaire” printed on the front and the model/serial label on the back. Curtis International’s recall notice specifies serial numbers whose first five digits start with A2001 through A2310. The expansion specifically covers red units sold at Target; prior recalls included a range of colors (red, black, blue and pink).
“The expansion follows reports showing fires in an additional model, prompting immediate action to protect consumers.”
Hazards, incidents and scope
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the defect allows internal electrical components to short‑circuit, which can ignite the plastic housing and create a fire or burn hazard. The expansion adds at least six reports of fires involving EFMIS121 units that caused property damage.
The initial recall reported 26 incidents of overheating, melting or fires, two reports of smoke inhalation injuries, and more than $700,000 in property damage. Consumers may be at risk even when the appliance is turned off if internal components fail.
How to identify affected units
- Look for “Frigidaire” printed on the front; model and serial number are on the label on the back.
- Newly recalled model: EFMIS121 (6‑can minifridge); serial numbers start with A2001–A2310 (first five digits).
- Prior recalled models include EFMIS129 (excl. EFMIS129‑B/C for certain serials), EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175.
What consumers should do now
Federal safety officials and Curtis International urge owners to immediately stop using recalled fridges. The CPSC advises consumers to:
- Unplug the unit and cut the power cord to prevent accidental use.
- Write “Recall” on the front of the appliance with a permanent marker to prevent others from using it.
- Register for a refund at the recall website. Curtis International is offering full refunds for returned units.
- For assistance call Curtis International toll‑free at 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon.–Fri.) or email recall@curtiscs.com.
- Dispose of units following local or state rules for appliance disposal.
Retailer and manufacturer responsibilities
Target sold the newly recalled EFMIS121 units exclusively. The initial batch of recalled units had been sold at multiple retailers including Walmart and Amazon. Retailers and distributors are responsible for notifying customers, removing products from sale, and cooperating with the refund and return process. The CPSC monitors recall compliance and can take enforcement action where required.
Regulatory and safety context
This expansion demonstrates how ongoing incident reports can broaden a recall months after an initial action. The CPSC’s role is to alert the public and compel remediation when products pose an unreasonable risk. For households and small businesses that bought low‑cost appliances, the safety issue raises questions about testing, supply‑chain oversight, and liability for property damages and injuries.
Investigative notes
- The initial recall covered models EFMIS129 (excluding certain suffixes), EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175; the expansion adds EFMIS121 serials A2001–A2310.
- Sales window: January 2020 through October 2023; typical retail price about $30.
- Reported incidents for the expanded model include at least six fires; total tally across all recalled models includes 26 incidents and two injuries with >$700,000 in property damage.
Implications for the United States
Economic impact: Hundreds of thousands of low‑cost appliances in U.S. homes, dorms, and offices are affected. Aggregate refund and disposal costs are significant, and property damage claims may increase.
Political and regulatory consequences: The recall invites scrutiny of importers and distributors and may prompt stronger enforcement or clearer liability rules if incidents continue.
Social effects: The recall heightens safety risks in tight living spaces; families, students, landlords and small‑business owners must act promptly to remove affected units.
Sources and further reading
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice
- Curtis International recall information
- Recall registration and refund site
- Fox Business coverage
- Parade coverage
- Local reporting (Houston)
- Additional reporting
Immediate action: If you own a suspect unit, unplug it, cut the cord, label it “Recall,” and register for a refund now. For help call 888‑727‑0198 or email recall@curtiscs.com.
