Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Expanded to 964,000 Units After New Fire Reports; Target Sold Affected Models
Curtis International expanded a recall of Frigidaire‑branded minifridges to 964,000 units after new reports that internal electrical components can short‑circuit and ignite the plastic housing, causing fires, property damage and reported injuries; owners should stop use immediately.
Key takeaways
- Recall expanded to 964,000 units: Curtis International and the CPSC posted the latest expansion.
- Newly included model: 330,000 additional red 6‑can units, model EFMIS121, serial numbers A2001–A2310, sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from Jan. 2020–Oct. 2023.
- What owners must do: Immediately unplug recalled units, write “Recall” on the door, cut the power cord to prevent reuse, and register for a refund at the recall registration portal.
What happened and what products are affected
Curtis International originally issued a recall in July 2024 covering five Frigidaire‑branded minifridge models after reports of overheating, melting and fires. The company has now expanded that recall by 330,000 additional units of the 6‑can model EFMIS121, bringing the total to approximately 964,000 minifridges. Sources include the CPSC and reporting from Fox Business.
“The minifridges contain electrical components that can short‑circuit and ignite the plastic housing,” the CPSC said in its recall notice, citing multiple incidents and property damage.
Incidents, injuries and damages
The agency reports at least six additional incidents involving the newly recalled EFMIS121 catching fire with property damage. The initial recall incidents included 26 reports of overheating, melting or fires; two consumers reported smoke inhalation injuries and combined reported property damage exceeded $700,000. See the CPSC recall details for the official incident summary.
How to identify affected units
The expanded recall covers the Frigidaire‑branded 6‑can minifridge model EFMIS121 with serial numbers A2001 through A2310. Affected units are red, have “Frigidaire” printed on the front, and show model and serial numbers on a label on the back. The newly included units were sold only at Target stores and on Target.com between January 2020 and October 2023 for about $30.
Consumer safety steps and refund process
Federal and company guidance is clear: stop using recalled minifridges at once. The CPSC and news reports advise consumers to:
- Unplug the unit immediately and cut or remove the power cord to prevent accidental use.
- Write “Recall” on the door with a permanent marker to alert others.
- Register for a full refund through Curtis International’s recall portal at the recall registration site and follow disposal guidance.
- Contact Curtis International consumer support at 888‑727‑0198 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. ET) or email recall@curtiscs.com for next steps.
Investigation and background
The expansion followed additional incident reports and CPSC review, which found that certain internal electrical parts can short and ignite the surrounding plastic shell. The initial July 2024 recall already covered four other models — EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 — which remain part of the earlier action (see the CPSC notice).
Media coverage
National and local outlets have highlighted the scale of the recall and the low price point that likely drove high sales through a major national retailer. Reporting from Fox Business and local stations such as Fox26 Houston relayed CPSC statements and consumer guidance.
Accountability and consumer protection concerns
The recall raises questions about quality control for low‑cost, mass‑market appliances and the responsibilities of importers and retailers. Target was the exclusive retailer for the affected red Frigidaire minifridges; consumers who purchased through the chain should follow recall steps for refunds and safe disposal. The action highlights the role of the CPSC in tracking dangerous consumer products and coordinating recalls.
Implications for Redding, California
Economic: Redding households and small businesses may have purchased inexpensive minifridges for garages, bedrooms, RVs or short‑term needs; replacement costs and insurance claims could affect local small claims activity in Shasta County.
Political: The recall may prompt local calls for greater oversight of imports and retailer vetting — a potential issue for area representatives and municipal leaders concerned with consumer protection.
Social and cultural: The fire and burn hazard poses direct safety risks to families, seniors and renters. Community groups, landlords and neighborhood associations can help spread the recall notice — checking basements, garages, storage units, rental properties and RVs for recalled units.
Practical steps for Redding residents: locate the model and serial number on the back label to verify whether a unit is part of the A2001–A2310 range for EFMIS121 or one of the previously recalled models. If recalled, unplug, cut or remove the power cord, mark the door “Recall”, and register for a refund at the recall registration portal. Contact Curtis International at 888‑727‑0198 or recall@curtiscs.com for assistance.
Safe disposal note: Dispose of recalled units following local and state regulations. Redding residents can contact Shasta County or the City of Redding public works or local waste management providers for appliance disposal and recycling guidance to remain compliant and keep damaged units out of circulation.
Where to get more information
- CPSC recall notice and details
- Curtis International recall registration and refund portal
- Fox Business reporting on the recall expansion
- Local coverage from Fox26 Houston
If you own a Frigidaire minifridge that might be affected: check the model and serial number now and follow the CPSC and Curtis International guidance to protect your household and property.
