Buzz
When it comes to kitchen appliances, we usually don’t consider refrigerators as major safety hazards. (We’re looking at you, stove.) However, recent issues with a faulty freezer handle detaching on six GE refrigerator models have proven otherwise.
As you may expect, Haier—the parent company of GE Appliances—has initiated a recall for these refrigerators, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Here’s the essential information you need.
What’s the reason behind the recall of GE refrigerators?
Several models of GE's Free-Standing French Door Refrigerators are being recalled due to a potential safety hazard. The freezer handle can detach when someone attempts to open the freezer drawer, posing a risk of falling. As of April 14, Haier has received 71 reports of the handle coming off, with 37 reported injuries, including three serious cases, as per the CPSC.
The affected refrigerators were sold between February 2020 and January 2022 at major retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, and other home appliance stores nationwide, as well as online through Lowes.com and BestBuy.com. Prices for these refrigerators ranged from $1,900 to $2,500, depending on the model.
Which refrigerator models are included in the recall?
The recall affects approximately 155,000 GE refrigerators sold across the United States, in addition to about 2,300 units sold in Canada.
All six recalled models of GE French Door Refrigerators feature bottom freezers, are 36 inches wide, come with fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, and were manufactured between February 2020 and August 2021.
You can find the brand name, model, and serial number for each refrigerator unit on a label located at the top left corner of the refrigerator's interior compartment.
The list of model numbers for the refrigerators being recalled includes:
GNE27EYMKFFS
GNE27EYMNFFS
GNE27JYMKFFS
GNE27JYMNFFS
GFE26JYMKFFS
GFE26JYMNFFS
The serial numbers for these refrigerators begin with one of the following two-letter combinations: DR, FR, GR, HR, LR, MR, RR, SR, TR, VR, ZR, AS, DS, FS, GS, HS, LS, MS.
If you own one of the recalled GE refrigerators, here is what you should do:
If you happen to own one of the GE refrigerators currently involved in a recall (or if you're unsure whether yours is affected), it's recommended that you reach out to GE Appliances at 1-888-345-4671 (available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET) or check their recall website. Be sure to have your refrigerator's model and serial numbers available when contacting them.
Although GE is reaching out directly to all known buyers, they haven't specified a timeline for when this will occur, meaning it may be quicker to contact them yourself. After confirming that your refrigerator is part of the recall, GE will arrange a complimentary in-home service visit to replace the freezer's handle mounting fasteners and reinstall the handle.
