Frigidaire minifridge recall expanded to nearly 964,000 units after fire reports, CPSC says
Curtis International expanded its urgent recall of Frigidaire minifridges to about 964,000 units after reports of fires and burn hazards, including the Target-exclusive EFMIS121 model; consumers are urged to stop use and register for refunds.
- Recall now covers roughly 964,000 units, including the newly added EFMIS121 Target-exclusive model.
- Electrical short risks can ignite the plastic housing; incidents include multiple fires and injuries with more than $700,000 in property damage.
- Owners should immediately unplug, cut the cord, mark “Recall,” and register for a full refund.
- Registration and more information are available from Curtis International and the CPSC recall notices.
Recall details
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Curtis International expanded the recall to include about 330,000 additional Frigidaire minifridges, bringing the total to roughly 964,000 units. See the CPSC recall notice for the official expansion and details.
What led to the expanded recall
Investigators determined that internal electrical components can short-circuit, producing sparks that may heat or ignite the plastic casing. The expansion followed reports tying at least six new fires to the EFMIS121 model and earlier reports across several models that included smoking, sparking, burning, melting and overheating. The original 2025 action and follow-up findings are summarized in the CPSC 2025 recall notice.
Which models and serial numbers are affected
Owners should check the label on the back of the unit (with “Frigidaire” on the front) to confirm model and serial number.
- EFMIS121 — serial numbers A2001 to A2310 (new expansion; red 6-can model; Target exclusive). See the CPSC recall notice.
- EFMIS129 — serial numbers A2001 to A2308 (excludes suffixes -B and -C). See the Curtis International recall information and the CPSC 2025 notice.
- EFMIS137 — serial numbers A2001 to A2312. See the CPSC 2025 notice.
- EFMIS149 — serial numbers A2001 to A2308. See the CPSC 2025 notice.
- EFMIS175 — serial numbers A2001 to A2310. See the CPSC 2025 notice.
Where the minifridges were sold
The EFMIS121 model was sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. Earlier models were sold at multiple retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. Federal law prohibits the sale of recalled products; retailers must stop sales once a recall is issued. See the CPSC recall notice for details.
Consumer steps: how to stay safe and get a refund
The CPSC and Curtis International advise owners to take the following steps immediately to reduce risk and obtain a remedy:
- Stop using the minifridge immediately.
- Unplug the appliance and then cut the power cord so it cannot be plugged in again by mistake.
- Mark the front door “Recall” with a permanent marker.
- Register for a full refund at the recall remedy site: recall registration.
- Dispose of the unit following local and state rules for appliance disposal.
Contact, reporting and additional resources
Curtis International’s recall information and contact options are posted online; owners can call toll-free 888-727-0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com. See the Curtis International recall information page for details.
Report incidents to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov or call the CPSC Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
Investigative context
Regulators are focused on how the electrical components interact with the plastic housing and why failures occurred across multiple models and retail channels. The pattern of incidents prompted the widened action; public notices by the CPSC list smoking, sparking and fire incidents that led to property damage and injuries. See the CPSC 2025 notice and the CPSC recall expansion.
Implications for San Diego
Economic impact
San Diegans who purchased these low-cost units at local Target stores may face inconvenience despite eligibility for full refunds. Replacement needs could affect small businesses, student housing, rentals and offices. Local stores should prevent resale and coordinate refunds with Curtis or Target as applicable.
Political and regulatory consequences
The expanded recall may spur local and state interest in product safety enforcement, testing rules for small appliances, clearer labeling and faster retailer compliance with nationwide recalls.
Social effects
Students, renters and low-income households relying on inexpensive minifridges are particularly vulnerable. Dense living situations common near campuses and military housing increase the importance of prompt removal and notification by landlords and housing offices.
Cultural relevance and outreach
Neighborhood groups, tenant associations and community centers can help spread recall information—especially to Spanish-speaking and other non-English-speaking residents—reducing the risk for households that may not follow national news.
Practical advice for San Diegans
Check the label on the back for model and serial numbers before use. If you own a recalled unit, unplug it immediately, cut the cord, label it “Recall”, and register for a refund. For disposal rules in San Diego, contact the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services or the county household hazardous waste program. Report incidents to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov or by calling 800-638-2772.
Sources and further reading
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall expansion
- CPSC original 2025 recall notice
- Curtis International recall information
- Recall registration and remedy site
- Consumer reporting: SaferProducts.gov
- Coverage of the expansion: Fox Business report
Assistance: Curtis International can be reached at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or recall@curtiscs.com. The CPSC Hotline is 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
