NEW YORK (AP) -- Haier America is announcing a recall of 41,000 chest freezers because a capacitor in the freezer can overheat and start a fire.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says consumers should immediately unplug the freezer and contact Haier to schedule an appointment for free repair. The company and the agency say they have received 27 reports about incidents related to the freezers. Those reports include three fires that caused substantial property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The recall covers three models: Haier model HNCM070E, which was sold around the U.S. and over the Internet between September 2009 and October 2011; Haier model ESNCM053E, which was sold primarily on Amazon.com and other online retailers between Feb. 2010 and March 2013; and Black & Decker model BFE53, which was sold by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. at retail locations and the Walmart.com website from September 2009 through September 2010.
The Haier model HNCM070E was priced at $180 to $200 and the model ESNCM053E was sold for $200 to $290. The Black & Decker freezer retailed for about $150. The freezers were made in China, where home appliance giant Haier Group is based. They were imported by Haier America Trading LLC.
Haier recalled another 67,500 chest freezers in November 2010 because of the capacitor problem. A total of 18 incidents were reported in that recall, including four fires that caused minor property damage.
Haier America may be reached at 877-878-7579 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Consumers may also visit the company's website at www.haieramerica.com and click on "product recalls" for more information.
