Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Expanded to Nearly 1 Million Units After New Fire Reports; Target Customers Urged to Stop Using Models Now
Curtis International expanded a Frigidaire minifridge recall to about 964,000 units after new fire reports, adding the retro-style EFMIS121 sold at Target. Owners must stop using affected units immediately and register for refunds.
Key takeaways
- Recall total: ~964,000 Frigidaire-branded minifridges recalled.
- New addition: ~330,000 EFMIS121 units (serial A2001–A2310) sold at Target.
- Hazard: Internal electrical shorts can ignite the plastic housing, causing fires and burns.
- Action: Unplug units, label the door “Recall,” and register for a refund at the refund and return portal.
What changed in the recall
Curtis International, the Canada-based importer, expanded a recall first announced in July 2024. The earlier recall covered 634,000 units (models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, EFMIS175). In January 2026 the company added about 330,000 retro-style red EFMIS121 units, bringing the total to roughly 964,000 units (see the CPSC recall announcement).
EFMIS121 details and sales
The newly added EFMIS121 units are red, display the Frigidaire name on the front, and were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. Check the label on the back for the model and serial numbers A2001–A2310 if you suspect you own one (reporting and the CPSC notice).
Why the recall was expanded
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that internal electrical parts can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing. For the EFMIS121 expansion, the CPSC cites at least six fires, including incidents causing property damage. Earlier models had 26 incidents of overheating, melting or fire, with two reported smoke-inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage (see the CPSC recall announcement and Fox Business coverage).
Consumer safety steps you must take
The CPSC and Curtis International advise owners to:
- Immediately stop using the recalled minifridge. Unplug it and disable the power cord.
- Mark the door with a permanent marker reading “Recall” so household members know it is unsafe.
- Do not attempt repairs. Dispose of the unit per local rules and register for a refund at the refund and return portal.
- Report incidents or injuries at SaferProducts.gov or call 800-638-2772.
Where the minifridges were sold and retailer implications
Earlier models were sold at multiple retailers, including Walmart and on Amazon. The expanded EFMIS121 units were sold only at Target stores and Target.com. Federal law bars sales of recalled consumer products; retailers found selling recalled units may face enforcement actions (see the CPSC recall announcement).
Investigative questions for regulators and manufacturers
This expansion raises questions that regulators, manufacturers and retailers should address publicly:
- How did nearly 1 million units with the same defect reach the market before a fix?
- Were design or supplier changes introduced that increased risk?
- What testing and quality control did Curtis International and suppliers use before import and sale?
- How quickly did Target and other retailers respond to 2024 reports, and were any units sold after warning signs?
Consumers and watchdogs deserve clear answers; the CPSC recall page and Curtis International communications are the official sources for updates.
Costs and damages tied to the incidents
Reports show more than $700,000 in property damage from earlier models and smoke-inhalation injuries. Even appliances sold for roughly $30 can trigger major losses when a fire affects homes, outbuildings, RVs or rentals. This underscores how product-safety failures impose outsized costs on families and public responders (reporting).
Where to get more information and how to report
Official sources and reporting:
If a unit caused damage or injury, file a report at SaferProducts.gov or call 800-638-2772 (CPSC).
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Economic impact
Homeowners and small businesses in Paso Robles should note:
- Homeowners: Even low-cost appliances can spark costly fires; register recalled units to avoid replacement and liability costs.
- Local businesses: Shops, ranch offices and vineyard tasting rooms using mini-fridges must check inventory and unplug affected models to prevent operational disruption.
Political consequences
Local leaders may face questions about enforcement and consumer protection. Constituents often demand accountability and transparent corrective steps from manufacturers and retailers.
Social effects
Fire departments—especially volunteer services—may see added strain if appliance-related fires increase. Landlords with furnished rentals and student housing should verify appliances to avoid tenant harm and liability.
Practical applications for residents
- Check the back label for model EFMIS121 and serial numbers A2001–A2310, or the other recalled models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, EFMIS175.
- If you own one: unplug it, write “Recall” on the door, and register at the recall portal.
- Follow San Luis Obispo County and Paso Robles disposal rules for appliances; contact local public works or waste management to avoid fines.
- Report damage or injury at SaferProducts.gov or call 800-638-2772.
Contact and updates
For refunds and next steps contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or email recall@curtiscs.com. For ongoing information, check the CPSC recall page, Curtis International communications, and the recall portal. News coverage includes Fox Business and Parade.
“If you own a recalled unit, stop using it immediately — unplug it, label it ‘Recall,’ and register for a refund.” — CPSC/Curtis International guidance
