Expanded Frigidaire minifridge recall hits nearly 1 million units after reports of fires; Target minifridges among those affected
Curtis International expanded a recall of nearly 964,000 Frigidaire-brand minifridges after reports of short-circuiting and fires. Target-sold EFMIS121 units are included; consumers are urged to stop using affected models and register for refunds immediately online.
Key takeaways
- Scope: Curtis International expanded the recall to about 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges; details are posted on the CPSC recall page.
- New model added: Model EFMIS121 (6-can, red), serial numbers A2001–A2310, sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020–October 2023.
- Hazard: Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing; consumers should stop using affected units and register for a refund at the recall registration page.
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Why the recall expanded
The recall originally began in July 2024 when Curtis International recalled roughly 634,000 units of several Frigidaire models after reports that units smoked, sparked, overheated, melted or caught fire. That earlier action covered models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 with certain serial ranges; background is available on the earlier CPSC recall page.
What prompted the expansion
On Thursday, Curtis and the CPSC added model EFMIS121 to the recall list after investigators identified similar internal electrical failures in that model. The updated recall increases the total affected units to about 964,000, according to the CPSC announcement.
What the CPSC and Curtis say about the hazard
“Internal electrical components can short-circuit. If that occurs, the plastic housing can ignite, creating a fire and burn hazard.”
The CPSC and Curtis say investigators found at least six incidents involving EFMIS121 units that caught fire and caused property damage (no injuries reported for those six incidents). Earlier models had at least 26 reports of smoking, sparking, burning, melting or overheating, including two smoke-inhalation injuries; recorded property damage exceeded $700,000.
Affected models and serial ranges
Newly added:
- EFMIS121 — 6-can minifridge (red), serial numbers A2001–A2310. “Frigidaire” is printed on the front and the model/serial label is on the back; see Curtis details at the Curtis International recall information.
Previously recalled models and ranges:
- EFMIS129: serials A2001–A2308 (excludes EFMIS129-B and EFMIS129-C)
- EFMIS137: serials A2001–A2312
- EFMIS149: serials A2001–A2308
- EFMIS175: serials A2001–A2310
Where and when the recalled Target minifridges were sold
The EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively at Target stores and at Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. Earlier models were sold at other national retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. Local buyers should check the model and serial number on the label on the back before using the unit; a local news summary is available from local coverage and broader reporting from Fox Business.
What consumers should do now
The CPSC and Curtis recommend immediate action to avoid fire or burn hazards:
- Stop using the minifridge immediately.
- Unplug the unit and cut the power cord to prevent accidental use.
- Write “Recall” on the front with a permanent marker so others won’t use it.
- Register for a refund at the recall registration page and follow disposal guidance.
- Dispose according to local electronic-waste rules; contact local waste-management or hazardous-waste programs for guidance.
- Contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or by email at recall@curtiscs.com with questions.
Regulatory context and reporting
Federal law prohibits selling or renting recalled products. Consumers can report problems on SaferProducts.gov and review the full CPSC announcement at the CPSC recall page. Additional corporate information is at the Curtis International recall information.
Implications for Sonoma, California
Economic impact: Many students, renters and homeowners in Sonoma County use small, inexpensive minifridges in dorms, in-law units, or for extra food storage. Local thrift stores and donation centers should check incoming donations and stop accepting affected Frigidaire minifridges. Residents who purchased Target EFMIS121 units for about $30 may be eligible for refunds via the recall registration page, but they could face short-term replacement costs for medication or food storage.
Fire and safety services: Sonoma County Fire and volunteer departments are stretched during wildfire season; local officials and the county Office of Emergency Services may want to publicize recall steps at community centers and multiunit dwellings where these minifridges are common.
Public health and vulnerable groups: Clinics, senior centers and home-health providers should check clients’ appliances, especially if units are used to store insulin, baby formula or other perishable medical supplies. Arrange temporary refrigeration until safe replacements are obtained.
Local resale markets: Resale shops and online marketplaces in Sonoma should remove listings for recalled Target minifridges and verify serial numbers before accepting or reselling similar products; federal law bans sale or rental of recalled units.
Practical steps for Sonoma households
- Check the label on the back of any Frigidaire minifridge for model and serial number before use; see Curtis International recall information for guidance.
- If you find an affected model, unplug it, cut the cord, label it “Recall,” and register for a refund at the recall registration page.
- Contact community centers, schools and senior programs for help transporting or disposing of a recalled unit safely.
Where to get official information and to report problems
- CPSC recall page (2026 expansion)
- CPSC recall background (2025)
- Curtis International recall information
- Register for a refund (recall registration page)
- File safety reports at SaferProducts.gov
- Press coverage and context: local coverage, Fox Business, AOL summary
Contact
For questions, consumers may contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or email recall@curtiscs.com. For recall registration and refunds, use the recall registration page.
