Frigidaire Mini Fridge Recall Class Action Lawsuit

• Curtis International 6-can Minifridge Model EFMIS121 – red color; “Frigidaire” printed on front; serial numbers between A2001 to A2310; model and serial numbers on label on back of minifridge.

Curtis International Ltd. of Canada recalled approximately 330,000 additional Frigidaire-brand minifridges on January 15, 2026 (CPSC Recall No. 26-199) [1]. Curtis International previously recalled 634,000 minifridges in July 2024 involving models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, and EFMIS175. Sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for around $30. Manufactured by ShangYu North Electron Manufacture Co. Ltd. of China.

The minifridges’ internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing, posing fire and burn hazards.

Health Risks and Property Damage

• Fire from ignited plastic housing.
• Burns from flames and heat.
• Property damage from minifridge fires.
• Smoke inhalation injuries.
• Total loss of dwelling from uncontrolled fires.
• Injuries to occupants and firefighters.

What Consumers Should Do

1. Stop using recalled Frigidaire minifridges immediately—these units pose fire hazards.
2. Check label on back of minifridge for model number EFMIS121.
3. Verify serial number is between A2001 to A2310.
4. Unplug the minifridge immediately.
5. Cut the power cord.
6. Write “Recall” using permanent marker on front door.
7. Register for refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
8. Dispose of minifridge according to local and state regulations.
9. Contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET Monday-Friday) or recall@curtiscs.com.

Six Fire Incidents with Property Damage

Curtis International received at least six reports of model EFMIS121 minifridges catching fire, all resulting in property damage. These fires occurred despite the minifridges being used normally in homes, dorm rooms, offices, and other locations where compact refrigeration is common.

The pattern of multiple fires across different locations indicates a systematic defect in the model EFMIS121 electrical components rather than isolated manufacturing errors or user misuse. When electrical components short circuit inside the plastic housing, the surrounding materials ignite, creating fires that can spread rapidly.

Expanded Recall Following July 2024 Action

This January 2026 recall expansion adds 330,000 units of model EFMIS121 to the 634,000 minifridges Curtis International recalled in July 2024. The original recall covered models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, and EFMIS175, bringing the total recalled units to approximately 964,000 Frigidaire-brand minifridges.

The expansion suggests Curtis International and regulators identified additional models with the same electrical short circuit defect after the initial recall. The fact that model EFMIS121 was sold during the same general timeframe (January 2020 through October 2023) as other recalled models but was not included in the July 2024 recall raises questions about when the company became aware of fires involving this specific model.

Nearly Four-Year Sale Period at Target

The recalled EFMIS121 minifridges were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023—nearly four years. This extended sale period through a major national retailer meant hundreds of thousands of consumers purchased these fire-prone appliances for use in homes, college dormitories, offices, break rooms, and other spaces.

The exclusive Target distribution also means the retailer sold defective appliances for years. Target has a responsibility to ensure products sold in its stores meet safety standards. The prolonged sale of minifridges with electrical components prone to short-circuiting and igniting represents a failure of product safety oversight.

Low Price Point Increased Distribution

At approximately $30, the recalled minifridges represented an affordable refrigeration option for consumers. This low price point likely increased sales volume, putting more defective units into circulation. Budget-conscious consumers—including college students, renters, and those furnishing small spaces—purchased these minifridges believing they were getting safe, functional appliances.

The affordability also means many units may still be in use years after purchase. Unlike expensive appliances that are more carefully maintained and monitored, inexpensive minifridges are often placed in locations where they run continuously without close supervision, increasing fire risk.

Electrical Short Circuit and Ignition Mechanism

The fire hazard stems from internal electrical components that can short circuit during normal operation. When short circuits occur, electrical current flows through unintended paths, generating excessive heat. This heat can ignite the surrounding plastic housing materials, which are highly flammable.

Once the plastic housing ignites, the fire can spread rapidly throughout the minifridge and to nearby combustible materials. Minifridges are often placed in enclosed spaces like dorm rooms, bedrooms, offices, and break rooms where fires can escalate quickly. The combination of electrical failure, flammable housing materials, and common placement locations creates severe fire hazards.

Serial Number Range A2001 to A2310

Only model EFMIS121 minifridges with serial numbers between A2001 to A2310 are included in this recall expansion. The limited serial number range suggests the defect affects a specific production run rather than all EFMIS121 units ever manufactured.

Consumers must check both the model number and serial number on the label on the back of their minifridge to determine if their unit is recalled. EFMIS121 minifridges with serial numbers outside this range are not included in the current recall, though consumers should remain vigilant for any signs of electrical problems.

Destruction and Refund Process

The recall remedy requires consumers to destroy the minifridges before receiving refunds. This destruction process—unplugging the unit, cutting the power cord, and marking “Recall” on the front door—ensures the defective appliances cannot be resold or transferred to other users.

After completing the destruction steps, consumers register at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge to receive refunds. The website provides instructions and processes refund payments. Curtis International can be reached at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET Monday-Friday) or recall@curtiscs.com for assistance.

Potential for a Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Lawsuit

Consumers affected by these recalled minifridges may be entitled to compensation through class action litigation. Potential claims include:

• Sale of defective minifridges with electrical components that short circuit and ignite.
• Design defects allowing internal components to catch fire during normal use.
• Manufacturing defects in electrical components causing short circuits.
• Failure to use non-flammable housing materials that could contain electrical failures.
• Property damage from minifridge fires (six incidents reported).
• Economic losses from purchasing dangerous appliances.
• Costs associated with property repairs from fire damage.
• Loss of personal belongings destroyed in fires.
• Diminished property value from fire damage.
• Temporary housing costs during repairs.

Potential compensation may cover property damage from fires, repair and restoration costs, replacement of destroyed belongings, temporary housing expenses, smoke remediation costs, medical expenses for burn injuries or smoke inhalation, product purchase costs, and damages for emotional distress. Six fires with property damage have been reported involving model EFMIS121, and consumers whose property was damaged may be entitled to significant compensation.

Federal Law Prohibits Resale

Federal law makes it illegal to sell, resell, or distribute recalled products. Consumers who own recalled EFMIS121 minifridges must destroy them according to recall instructions rather than selling them online, donating them, or giving them to others. The required destruction process prevents these fire-prone appliances from reaching secondary markets where unsuspecting buyers might use them.

Do I Have a Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Lawsuit?

Our law firm represents consumers nationwide in product liability and recall cases involving defective appliances. We are accepting new claims involving Frigidaire-brand minifridges that caught fire due to electrical defects.

Free Case Review: If you purchased a Frigidaire minifridge model EFMIS121 (serial numbers A2001 to A2310) from Target between January 2020 and October 2023, or if you suffered property damage, injuries, or losses from a minifridge fire, contact us today for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation through a Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Lawsuit.

References

1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Curtis-International-Expands-Recall-of-Frigidaire-brand-Minifridges-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards