CPSC recall 05-279, announced September 27, 2005, covers Automatic Defrost Upright Freezers and All-Refrigerators (about 112,000 units). The defrost heater coil can become exposed inside the units, which poses a potential shock hazard to consumers. The notice cites 45 incident reports. Consumers should contact Whirlpool to arrange for a free in-home repair for Amana, Maytag or Whirlpool freezers. Recall contact: call (866) 580-9177.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
Affected model numbers
The manufacturer label with the model number and date of manufacture is located on the inside of the cabinet.
Which products are included?
The recalled single-door freezers and refrigerators are 15-, 17- and 20-cubic-foot Automatic Defrost Upright Freezers and 17-cubic-foot Automatic Defrost All-Refrigerators that can be converted into freezers. They were sold under the brand names Amana, Crosley, Danby, Maytag, Whirlpool and Wood's, which is written on the front of the unit. The manufacturer label with the model number and date of manufacture is located on the inside of the cabinet. A list of model numbers and dates of manufacture included in the recall follows: Brand Model Numbers Date of Manufacture Amana AFU1567*, AFU1767*, AFU2067* 200209(September 2002)through200402(February 2004) Crosley FFCR17*, WCF15*, WCF17*, WCF20* Danby DUF1700*, DFF1708* Maytag MQU1556*, MQU2057* Whirlpool EV150NXM*, EV170NYL*, EV171NYM*, EV200NXK*, EV201NXM*, EL7ATRRK*, EL7ATRRM*, EL7JWKLM*, EL7JWKRM* Wood's F15*, F17*, F20*, F42*, F47*, F55*, WFF15*, WFF17*, WFF20*,RFA17*, RFC17*, R47F* *there are additional letters or numbers following the model numbers above
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The defrost heater coil can become exposed inside the units, which poses a potential shock hazard to consumers. In some cases, the exposed heater wire can also melt, or burn the unit's interior plastic food liner.
Incidents and injuries
W.C. Woods has received 45 reports of incidents of the defrost heater coil becoming exposed. Nine of those incidents resulted in an electrical short. The others melted and burned the unit's interior plastic liner. No injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should contact Whirlpool to arrange for a free in-home repair for Amana, Maytag or Whirlpool freezers. There is no remedy available for unrepaired Crosley, Danby and Wood's freezers. Unplug and discontinue use of unrepaired units.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Automatic Defrost Upright
- Manufacturer
- W.C. Wood Company Inc., of Ottawa, Ohio
- Product type
- Refrigerators, Freezers
- Recall number
- 05-279
- Units
- About 112,000
- Manufactured in
- Canada, United States
- Sold at / sales period
- Home improvement and appliance stores, from September 2002 through February 2005, for between $400 and $1,000.
Automatic Defrost Upright Freezers and All-Refrigerators
CPSC product type: Freezers
Recall contact information
Contact Whirlpool Corp. toll-free at (866) 580-9177 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
