Published by If your home had a gable- or roof-mounted attic fan with an affected electric motor that overheated or caused a fire, you may be entitled to compensation through a defective product lawsuit.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we help homeowners harmed by unsafe building products. Our legal team will guide you through every step and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem?
The recall involves electric motors for gable- and roof-mounted attic fans distributed by Air Vent that carry a risk of fire due to a faulty safety cutoff that may short circuit during use.
About 2.9 million units sold from August 2003 through December 2013 across ABC Supply, Lowe’s, Beacon, and other retailers are affected. The CPSC has received 159 reports of burning or fire incidents, though fortunately no injuries have been reported.
While there are no known lawsuits against Air Vent at this time, we are actively investigating potential claims involving fire damage, property loss, and emotional distress linked to the defective attic fan motors.
Latest Gable-Mounted Attic Fan Updates
- August 28, 2025 – CPSC issues the recall for the defective electric motors used in gable- and roof-mounted attic fans [1].
Gable-Mounted Attic Fan Statistics
- Units recalled – Approximately 2.9 million electric motors distributed across the U.S. between 2003 and 2013.
- Reported incidents – 159 incidents of burning or fire tied to the recalled motors.
- Injuries – No injuries reported to date.
Homeowners who experienced property damage due to attic fan fires may have legal claims even if no injuries occurred.
Attic Fan Motor Injuries
While no physical injuries have been reported, homeowners face significant risks from fire damage including:
- Fire property damage – Smoke, scorched framing, and structure fire.
- Electrical hazard – Short circuits that may ignite house wiring.
- Emotional distress – Anxiety and trauma from fire incidents or near-misses.
Do You Qualify for a Gable-Mounted Attic Fan Lawsuit?
You may be eligible if:
- You owned or installed an attic fan motor with the distinctive vent pattern sold between August 2003 and December 2013.
- You experienced home or property damage, electrical issues, or smoke due to motor failure.
- You can provide proof of purchase or installation, incident photos, or utility records.
- You can document communications with Air Vent or insurance providers regarding fire or smoke damage.
Evidence Required for a Gable-Mounted Attic Fan Lawsuit
- Photos of the recalled motor’s vent pattern and any visible damage.
- Receipts, invoices, or installation records for the attic fan motor.
- Fire or smoke incident documentation—incident photos, fire department/insurance reports.
- Communications with Air Vent about the recall, refund, or claims.
Damages You Can Recover
- Repair or replacement costs for the attic fan and damaged property.
- Costs for smoke or fire restoration and mitigation.
- Loss of use or relocation expenses during repairs.
- Emotional distress and inconvenience.
- Punitive damages may apply if negligence is proven.
Recall Information
- Recall Date – August 28, 2025
- Product – Electric motors for gable- and roof-mounted attic fans with specific vent patterns.
- Units – About 2.9 million sold nationwide.
- Hazard – Faulty safety cutoff can cause short circuit and fire hazard.
- Remedy – Refund upon online registration and photo verification.
- Distributor – Air Vent Inc., Dallas, Texas
- Recall Number – 25-451
Statute of Limitations for Attic Fan Lawsuits
Time limits for filing vary by state, generally ranging from two to four years from the date of property damage discovery. Some states permit extensions for latent defects. Acting swiftly is critical to preserving your legal rights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my motor is affected? – Compare the vent pattern to the CPSC images; only motors sold 2003–2013 with that pattern are included.
- What should I do if my motor overheats? – Cease use immediately, document visible damage or smoke, and request your refund.
- Do I need proof of purchase? – No, but installation or homeownership documentation helps support a claim.
- Can I claim emotional distress? – Yes, homeowners suffering trauma or disruption may seek such damages.
- Is there a class action? – None currently; claims are filed individually though may consolidate later.
- How much could I recover? – Compensation depends on the scope of damage and quality of documentation.
References
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Electric-Motors-for-Gable-and-Roof-Mounted-Attic-Fans-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Distributed-by-Air-Vent