What You Need to Know About the Haier Top Mounted Refrigerator Recall

Refrigerators are one of the most commonly purchased appliances by consumers in the United States, so it is a big deal when a manufacturer announces a recall on even one of their models. If you have purchased a Haier Top Mounted Refrigerator at any point in the last four years, you might want to pay attention to this notice.

Read on for more information about whether or not your refrigerator is one of the models Haier America is recalling, and what steps you need to take if your model is on the list.

When was this recall issued?

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Haier America announced this recall on October 25, 2018.

Which Top Mounted Refrigerators are affected by the recall?

Three of Haier’s Top Mounted Refrigerator models are on the recall list. On this list are models HA10TG31SB, HA10TG31SS, and HA10TG31SW, with specific serial numbers noted on the Haier America recall website. These models were manufactured in China and sold at Lowe’s Home Improvement and independent appliance retailers across the United States. They were sold between September of 2014 and October of 2018. Consumers purchased these refrigerators for somewhere between $400 and $500. In total, 137,000 refrigerator units are being recalled.This recall only affects the specified models of Haier’s Top Mounted Refrigerators. It does not involve chest freezers or other types of refrigerators manufactured by Haier America.

Why are these models being recalled?

Haier America is recalling these three models because of a short circuit in one of the refrigerator’s electrical components. This short circuit has the potential to create a fire hazard.

How many incidents have been reported with these refrigerators?

Only three incidents have been reported so far, according to the U.S. CPSC. Reports include smoke, fire, and property damage associated with the fire.

Have there been any injuries due to this potential hazard?

The U.S. CPSC and Harbor America have both stated that there have been no injuries stemming from the incidents reported to them so far.

Are there any similar recalls consumers should be aware of?

Viking recalled its Built-In Side By Side Refrigerator Freezer with In-door Dispensers in November of 2013 They did so because of a potential fire hazard caused by electrical connectors in the refrigerator wiring harness overheating. Like with the current Haier America recall, there were no injuries associated with the incidences reported to the U.S. CPSC.

You can find more information on the Viking recall here – Viking Recalls Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator Freezers with In-Door Dispensers Due to Fire Hazard

Besides the Viking recall in the fall of 2013, Haier America issued a recall in 2010 on the Haier and Black & Decker Chest Freezers due to potential fire hazard. This recall was expanded in April of 2013. The recall was due to a capacitor in the freezer’s circuitry overheating and creating a potential fire hazard. Substantial property damage did occur from at least one incident reported, although there were no associated injuries.

For more information on the 2010 Black & Decker/Haier Recall – Haier America Recalls Chest Freezers Due to Fire HazardFor more information on the 2013 Black & Decker/Haier Recall Expansion – Haier America Expands Recall of Chest Freezers Due to Fire Hazard

How do I verify the status of my refrigerator?

There are two ways you can check on the status of your Haier Top Mounted Refrigerator.

First, you can visit Haier America’s recall website here: https://www.haierappliances.com/recalls/haier-top-Mounted-refrigerator-recall.

The manufacturer has incorporated a search tool into the page which will allow you to enter your refrigerator’s model and serial numbers. This is a quick and easy way to verify that your refrigerator is or is not involved in the recall. If it is, you can get more information about possible remedies and decide which one to pursue.

Second, check the recall notice on the CPSC website. Their notice includes the model and serial numbers affected. Once you have checked your model and serial numbers against this list, call the Haier America recall hotline to verify your refrigerator’s status and learn more about the available remedies.

For the current Haier recall notice on the U.S. CPSC website – Haier America Recalls Top-Mounted Refrigerators Due to Fire HazardThe Haier America recall hotline number is: 1-888-364-2989. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM Eastern. Call this number with any questions you may have related to the recall. 

Where do I find the model and serial numbers on my refrigerator so I can check their status?

Look for the model and serial numbers near the upper left-hand corner of the upper rear panel. The model number will be at the top of the list and the serial number at the bottom. 

What remedies is Haier America offering?

As part of the recall program, Haier America is offering two remedies for consumers who have purchased these models. 

1. Free in-home repair. Haier America will provide a free in-home repair of your refrigerator unit.
2. Refund. Haier America will provide a refund in the form of a $150 rebate on the purchase of a qualified new Haier refrigerator.

Contact Haier America on their recall hotline number to verify that your refrigerator is on the recall list, then make arrangements for whichever remedy you decide to take them up on. If you choose the repair option, this is when you would set up your appointment. If you choose the rebate option, take the time to ask which Haier refrigerators qualify for the rebate so you can purchase the right one. 

Conclusion

Refrigerators are just one of the many types of appliances we repair for our customers in New York City – including refrigerators made by Haier America. We would love to talk more about how we can help you with any problem your refrigerator may be having.

That said, if you believe your refrigerator is affected by this recent recall, we strongly recommend that you unplug your refrigerator, then follow the steps outlines above and connect with the manufacturer before doing anything else.