Frigidaire minifridge recall expanded to nearly 1 million units after reports of fires; Target-sold red model added
Curtis International expanded a recall of nearly 1 million Frigidaire minifridges after reports of fires and property damage; the addition includes about 330,000 red EFMIS121 units sold at Target—owners should stop use and seek refunds immediately.
Key takeaways
- Curtis International expanded the recall to include ~330,000 red Frigidaire EFMIS121 minifridges sold at Target; total recalled now about 964,000 units.
- Reported hazards include multiple fires, property damage and smoke-inhalation injuries; the issue stems from internal electrical short-circuits that can ignite the plastic housing.
- Owners should immediately unplug and stop using affected units, cut the power cord, label the unit “Recall” and register for a refund.
- Photos, model and serial-number details, and official guidance are available on the CPSC recall page.
The expanded recall — what was added
What was added: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the expansion to include about 330,000 small, 6-can Frigidaire minifridges, model EFMIS121. These units are red, have “Frigidaire” printed on the front, and carry serial numbers between A2001 and A2310 on a label on the back.
Where sold: The newly added EFMIS121 red minifridges were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 to October 2023 for about $30. Earlier recalled models (EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175) were sold through Walmart, Amazon and other retailers.
Recall history and totals
This expansion follows an earlier recall announced in July 2024 that covered about 634,000 units of other Frigidaire models (EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175). Combined, the two recall phases bring the total to approximately 964,000 minifridges.
Reports of fires, injuries and damage
The CPSC reports at least six incidents involving the red EFMIS121 units catching fire, including reports of property damage. For the earlier July 2024 batch, investigators received 26 reports of overheating, melting or fire, along with two reports of smoke inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage.
“Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing,” the agency said, creating both a fire and burn hazard to consumers and property.
How the hazard occurs
Investigators determined the risk stems from internal electrical components that can short-circuit. If a short circuit occurs, it can ignite the surrounding plastic housing and start a fire, posing a serious fire and burn hazard.
What consumers should do now
The CPSC and Curtis International urge owners to immediately stop using recalled Frigidaire minifridges. The agency recommends these steps:
- Unplug the unit.
- Cut the power cord to render it inoperable.
- Write “Recall” on the front door with a permanent marker.
- Register for a refund at the official recall website.
- Dispose of the unit according to local and state rules for electronics and plastics.
You can also report hazards or file a consumer safety complaint at SaferProducts.gov.
Owners who need help can contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com. The CPSC recall page includes photos to help consumers identify affected units.
Legal and retail notes
Federal law prohibits the sale of recalled products; retailers must remove recalled items from shelves. The expanded recall covers only the red EFMIS121 units sold at Target; other recalled models from 2024 were distributed through Walmart, Amazon and other stores. Consumers who see recalled units for sale should report them to the CPSC.
Sources and further reporting
This article draws on the official recall and reporting from national outlets. Key sources include the CPSC recall page, coverage from Fox13 Seattle, Fox Business, and reporting at Parade. The official recall registration site is recallrtr.com/minifridge.
Implications for San Luis Obispo, California
Economic impact
Local shoppers: Target operates stores in and near San Luis Obispo County. Residents who purchased the red EFMIS121 Frigidaire minifridge at Target between January 2020 and October 2023 may be affected; they should register for refunds and follow CPSC safety steps.
Retail and resale: Secondhand and online resale markets in San Luis Obispo could carry recalled units. Buyers and sellers on local platforms and flea markets should confirm model and serial numbers before completing a sale; federal rules bar the sale of recalled items.
Political and regulatory consequences
City and county consumer protection offices may be asked to share recall notices and disposal guidance with residents, especially in rental and college housing. Local fire departments and consumer protection agencies could coordinate to spread safety messages about unplugging and disposing of recalled units.
Social effects
Students and renters: Small minifridges are common in dorms and rental units around San Luis Obispo, including Cal Poly students. Tenants and landlords should check units in rental properties and shared housing; landlords may want to survey units and inform tenants of recall and refund steps.
Vulnerable households: Households with limited resources that use inexpensive minifridges may face inconvenience while waiting for refunds. Local nonprofits that assist low-income residents could help spread information on safe disposal and refund registration.
Cultural relevance and practical steps
Local news outlets, neighborhood groups, rental associations and social media pages for San Luis Obispo neighborhoods should post recall details and a link to the CPSC page so residents can quickly identify affected units. Residents should unplug and label the unit “Recall” to prevent accidental use.
Contact information
Curtis International: 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday); recall@curtiscs.com.
Official recall and consumer reporting: CPSC recall page; register for a refund; SaferProducts.gov to report hazards or file complaints.
