LG class action claims refrigerators contain defective linear compressors

LG refrigerators class action overview: 

• Who: A group of refrigerator consumers are suing LG.
• Why: The plaintiffs say the company sold them faulty fridges that fail to keep food cool.
• Where: The LG class action was filed in a New Jersey federal court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges that LG Electronics knowingly sold defective refrigerators with a faulty part that failed to keep them cold.

A group of more than 40 plaintiffs from around the country filed the class action complaint against LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc. on Nov. 8 in a New Jersey federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws. 

The lawsuit claims the allegedly defective LG refrigerators were sold with faulty linear compressors, leaving them unable to perform their primary function of keeping food, medicine, and other perishables at safe temperatures, posing risks of foodborne illnesses and property damage.

The class action targets all LG-brand refrigerators manufactured since Jan. 1, 2018, and sold nationwide through major retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Costco, as well as online. 

The refrigerators are priced between $1,800 and $7,500, with most models in the $1,800–$3,500 range. Despite the price tag, the plaintiffs allege that the refrigerators often break down after a short period of use.

LG misleads consumers into believing refrigerators are reliable, lawsuit claims

LG has long been aware of the defective compressors but has neither adequately disclosed the issue to consumers nor provided effective solutions under its warranties, the plaintiffs claim.

“A refrigerator that fails to keep food at a safe temperature has no value because it cannot be used safely,” the lawsuit says, arguing that the defect fundamentally undermines the product’s purpose.

According to the LG refrigerators lawsuit, LG has reportedly already settled at least three prior class action lawsuits over similar issues but continues to market and sell the allegedly defective refrigerators. The plaintiffs claim that LG’s advertising misleads customers into believing its products are high-quality and durable, despite their known flaws.

Plaintiff Irma Armour, who purchased her LG refrigerator from Best Buy in 2022, says her fridge failed in September this year, spoiling hundreds of dollars’ worth of food. Armour and other plaintiffs allege that they would not have purchased LG refrigerators — or would have demanded refunds — had they known about the defects.

As a result, the plaintiffs are looking to represent anyone who bought an LG-branded fridge from LG or any other authorized retailer that was manufactured between Jan. 1, 2018, and now.

They are suing for breach of warranty and violations of state consumer laws and are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

In 2022, LG was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging it knowingly sells refrigerators with defective “craft ice” makers that cease to operate within months of use. 

What do you think of the allegations in this LG class action? Let us know in the comments. 

The plaintiffs are represented by James E. Cecchi of Carella, Byrne, Cecchi, Brody & Agnello P.C. and Nilofar Nouri of Beverly Hills Trial Attorneys P.C.

The LG class action is Irma Armour et al. v. LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc, Case No. 2:24-cv-10387 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

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