Maytag recalls refrigerators over fire hazard

Maytag Canada said Tuesday it is recalling almost 200,000 refrigerators sold in Canada because of an electrical problem that could cause fires.

Maytag Canada made the announcement as part of a larger recall by its parent corporation involving 1.6 million side-by-side and top-freezer Maytag models manufactured in the United States.

The appliance maker, based in Newton, Iowa, took the action after receiving reports of 41 incidents where fire started in the device because of the electrical problem. Of these incidents, 16 resulted in extensive property damage.

Maytag said an electrical failure in the relay, a component that turns on the refrigerator's compressor, could cause overheating.

Varying product names

In Canada, Maytag is recalling approximately 193,500 devices sold under the monikers Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa and Crosley.

The Canadian subsidiary has received reports of two fires in Maytag fridges but no injuries.

The affected appliances were sold in department and appliance stores — and by homebuilders — from January 2001 through January 2004 for between about $350 US and $1,600.

Maytag is not advising consumers who have these brands to return the refrigerators to their place of purchase. Instead, the company said people should call Maytag toll-free at 866-533-9817 to schedule an in-house repair visit.