In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Haier America has expanded its recall of chest freezers to a total of 108,500 units. The recall was recently expanded to include 41,000 additional units after more models were discovered to be at risk of short circuiting and catching on fire.
The capacitor in the circuitry of the freezer could overheat. As a result, a fire may occur in the unit, posing injury and property damage hazards.
While units were recalled in November 2010 after 18 incidents of fires, 27 additional incidents were reported after the recall. In total, four reports of minor property damage and three reports of substantial property damage have been reported.
The freezer recall affects three different models:
- Haier Model HNCM070E, 7.0 cubic foot capacity, with serial numbers that begin with 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0911, 0912, 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004.
- Haier Model ESNCM053E, 5.3 cubic foot capacity, with serial numbers beginning with 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0911, 0912, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, and 1007.
- Black & Decker Model BFE53, 5.3 cubic foot capacity, with UPC896603002660, with serial numbers 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0911, 0912, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, and 1007.
Consumers can find more information regarding this recall from the CPSC at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Haier-America-Expands-Recall-of-Chest-Freezers ; the recall number with the CPSC is 13-160; and/or can contact Haier America by calling (877) 878-7578.
If you have been injured by a defective product, get in touch with the team of New Jersey defective household product lawyers at Blume Forte. We can be reached at 973-845-4421 and offer a no-cost consultation for you to learn more about your rights and to help you determine what potential legal action may be right for you.