In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Maytag Corporation is voluntarily recalling about 1.6 million Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley® brand side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators. 

An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard. Maytag has received 41 reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

The affected units were sold at department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004 for between $350 and $1600. They were manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel and have model and serial numbers with the following combinations: 

NOTE:  Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this recall.

If your refrigerator matches the above combination of a model and serial number and you live in Southern California, you must immediately call for service 800-544-9640 or you may use an online form to schedule service appointment.