Whirlpool refrigerators class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Plaintiffs Stacy Costa, Nathaniel Guerrero and Missy Robinson filed a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool Corp.
- Why: Certain Whirlpool refrigerators allegedly have defective wires that can fray or break, causing a potential safety hazard.
- Where: The Whirlpool class action lawsuit was filed in Delaware federal court.
Whirlpool Corp. faces a class action lawsuit alleging it manufactured and sold Whirlpool refrigerators with defective wiring that can pose a safety hazard.
Plaintiffs Stacy Costa, Nathaniel Guerrero and Missy Robinson filed the Whirlpool class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and others who purchased certain French-door or side-by-side-style Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Kenmore refrigerator-freezer combinations with defective wiring.
They allege the Whirlpool refrigerators contain defective wires that are intended to flex when the door is opened and closed. However, the class action lawsuit alleges, the wires are made with materials that cause them to fray or break quickly with normal use, rendering many of the refrigerators’ functions useless.
“Moreover, the broken and frayed wires create a safety hazard due to the presence of exposed, live wires,” the plaintiffs allege. They claim the refrigerators defective wires issue often manifests within a few years of purchase.
Whirlpool has known of the refrigerators defective wires problem for at least a decade, as indicated by consumer complaints on social media and public forums, the Whirlpool class action lawsuit claims.
“Those complaints also necessitated Whirlpool’s communications with repair technicians and service representatives about the [refrigerators’ defective wires], which further evidences Whirlpool’s awareness of the problems,” the plaintiffs allege.
Plaintiffs say refrigerators defective wires issue is ‘irreparable’
The alleged Whirlpool refrigerators defect is “irreparable,” according to the Whirlpool class action lawsuit. The only way to restore functionality to the refrigerators is to install replacement doors, which also contain defective wires that will fail prematurely, the plaintiffs say.
Consumers seeking replacement doors are often required to wait months for their Whirlpool refrigerators to be repaired, if the replacement doors are available at all. When new Whirlpool refrigerator doors are available, the replacement door may cost more than $1,200, the plaintiffs say.
“As a result, most consumers are forced to purchase an entirely new refrigerator,” the class action lawsuit says.
The class action lawsuit asserts claims for breach of express warranty, violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, unjust enrichment, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation and violations of California, Florida and North Carolina laws.
Last year, another class action lawsuit claimed the company sells certain Whirlpool refrigerators with a defect that renders them unable to maintain a cool temperature.
Have you purchased Whirlpool refrigerators that failed prematurely? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Scott M. Tucker, Timothy N. Matthews, Zachary P. Beatty and Marissa N. Pembroke of Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP
The Whirlpool refrigerators class action lawsuit is Stacy Costa, et al. v. Whirlpool Corp., Case No. 1:24-cv-00188-UNA, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
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291 thoughts onWhirlpool class action alleges several refrigerator brands house defective wires
The wires on my Kenmore refrigerator also broke after a few years. Model 106.51143110. The broken wires represented a shock and fire hazard. I filed a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commision and was contacted by a company representative who offered to buy my refrigerator back for 300 dollars. Not very helpful.
I have purchased two different Whirlpool side by side refrigerator freezers with built in icemakers. I did not have the first one two years. I bought my first one in 2015. I had problems with the icemaker in 2016 and then the unit went out completely. It would not cool. I purchased another Whirlpool Model: WRS325FDAM04 to replace this unit in the summer of 2016. It was not long before the inside lights would not work in the freezer and the frig. I was told that I would need to replace all three light parts at a part cost of $300.00. Next the lights on the ice/water dispenser would not light up, but the dispenser would work. a few months later the icemaker quit working the unit was not getting water. I replaced the filter early as a cost of $50.00. That did not help. Soon the frig did not cool like it should. The freezer still works OK.
I always felt confident with Whirlpool, but replaced my second side by side unit with a GE side by side refrigerator/freezer. I got tired of no inside frig/freezer lights and not having a working icemaker. I have not had any trouble with my GE unit and have had it almost two years. I am a senior citizen and cannot afford to purchase a refrigerator every three years or less. Before my side by side units, I had a standard Whirlpool refrigerator with a freezer compartment on top with a frig on the bottom. It was a 25 cubic foot unit. It lasted 18 years. I think the quality of units was better in past years.
I purchased Model No WRS970CIDE01 double door refrigerator and it has the same problem. I called a service ref and he told me the door wires were defective and could not be replaced. I had to purchase a new door. I wrote a certified letter to Whirlpool stating my age 95 and I should not have to buy a new door etc. They responded the refrigerator was out of warranty and sorry the warranty was a one year and sorry for not helping.
I have this documented formally directly to the company in a document dated 6/3/23. Where can I send it and sign up?
I have 2 side by side fridges that both 2019 models that have the same wiring issue.
Our side-by-side Kitchenaid only lasted 4 years before we had to junk it. The insulation between the freezer and refrigerator compartments completely disintegrated causing major condensation on the walls of the cold section. The repairmen said there was no way it could be repaired and also informed my of the wiring issue. He said it was a very common problem among the trade and sure enough, my wires were cut. What a piece of junk! I examined display models on showroom floors and they were suffering from the same problem. Whirlpool would do nothing about it
My side by side refrigerator ice maker stopped working about 1 yr in. I didn’t care much for it. One day I was curious and opened it and seen that the wires in the bottom are too short, and when the door is opened they stretch. Eventually the wires snapped and broke. I researched and so many people had the same problem with the wiring harness. I called to submit a warranty claim before it expires. The MF technician lied, and my warranty claim was denied. 🖕 whirlpool, I want to join in this lawsuit.
I bought a KitchenAid french door refrigerator in July of 2022. On December 30, 2023, the refrigerator stopped cooling. It is now April 13 and after multiple visits from technicians, a new compressor, and several cancelled service visits, my refrigerator still does not work. Nothing has been mentioned about the wiring and the water dispenser still functions but perhaps this is also a wiring issue.
Whirlpool fridge started to malfunction about 1 year old . Side by side with water and ice. Noticed wires on bottom if door were frayed or broken. Piece of junk.
Whirlpool 28.4 cubic ft side by side ice maker broke 2 yrs. Foods freeze towards the back of the fridge. Faulty wiring on the bottom freezer side. Everytime the freezer door opens it rubs against the wiring and eventually cuts it all according to the technician. What’s upsetting is that it’s still being sold at big box stores when Whirlpool know it has faulty wiring! I’ve had to throw food away and am currently looking for another refrigerator. Cost has only gone up with inflation so thanks a lot Whirlpool!