Target Mini Fridge Recall Lawsuit Investigation

Frigidaire-brand mini fridges sold by Curtis International were recalled after reports that internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing. The recall involves about 634,000 mini fridges, with at least 26 reports of smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, or catching fire and more than $700,000 in reported property damage.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt

Next Review: July 8, 2026

Key Facts

  • Curtis International recalled Frigidaire-brand mini fridges on July 24, 2025.
  • The recall involves about 634,000 units.
  • Affected model numbers include EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, and EFMIS175.
  • The mini fridges’ internal electrical components can short circuit.
  • The short circuit can ignite the surrounding plastic housing, creating fire and burn hazards.
  • Curtis International received at least 26 incident reports and two smoke inhalation injury reports.

Latest News & Updates

July 2025

The CPSC announced Curtis International’s recall of Frigidaire-brand mini fridges because internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing, creating fire and burn hazards. Consumers were instructed to stop using the recalled mini fridges immediately and follow refund instructions [1].

What Is the Target Mini Fridge?

The recalled products are Curtis International Frigidaire-brand mini fridges sold in 6-can and 9-can sizes. “Frigidaire” is printed on the front of the units, and the model and serial numbers appear on a label on the back.

The affected models include EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, and EFMIS175. Recalled units were sold in several colors, including black, blue, green, white, yellow, red, pink, and silver.

The recall includes only certain serial number ranges. Model EFMIS129 is affected for serial numbers A2001 to A2308, except model numbers containing EFMIS129-B or EFMIS129-C; model EFMIS137 is affected for A2001 to A2312; model EFMIS149 for A2001 to A2308; and model EFMIS175 for A2001 to A2310.

Reported Risks or Injuries

  • Smoking, sparking, burning, melting, or overheating
  • Mini fridge fires
  • Smoke inhalation injuries
  • Property damage to homes, dorm rooms, offices, or vehicles
  • Burn injuries or emergency response costs in serious incidents

How Does the Problem Occur?

The hazard can occur when internal electrical components short circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing. Because mini fridges are often placed on counters, desks, shelves, nightstands, or near other household items, a fire can spread to nearby surfaces or belongings.

The recalled units were sold at Walmart and other stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com and Amazon.com from January 2020 through December 2023 for about $36 to $40.

Who May Be Affected?

  • Consumers who purchased recalled Frigidaire-brand mini fridges
  • Households, students, workers, or renters who experienced smoke, fire, or property damage
  • People who suffered smoke inhalation, burns, evacuation costs, or other losses

Who May Be Liable?

  • Curtis International Ltd., the importer identified in the recall
  • ShangYu North Electron Manufacture Co. Ltd., the manufacturer identified by the CPSC
  • Retailers or online sellers, where legally applicable
  • Other parties involved in design, testing, warnings, distribution, or recall response

Do I Qualify?

  • Did you purchase a Frigidaire-brand mini fridge?
  • Does the model number match EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, or EFMIS175?
  • Does the serial number fall within a recalled range?
  • Did the mini fridge smoke, spark, melt, overheat, or catch fire?
  • Did you suffer smoke inhalation, burns, property damage, or financial losses?
  • Do you still have the mini fridge, receipt, photos, fire report, or medical records?

Get a Free Case Review →

Event Year Type Status Notes
Frigidaire-brand Mini Fridge Recall 2025 CPSC Recall Refund About 634,000 units recalled after 26 reports and more than $700,000 in property damage

Potential Compensation

  • Medical bills for smoke inhalation or burns
  • Property damage repair or replacement costs
  • Temporary housing, cleanup, or fire restoration expenses
  • Lost wages or business interruption losses
  • Pain and suffering in injury cases

Results vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.

  1. Consultation: A legal team reviews the mini fridge model, incident facts, and losses.
  2. Investigation: Photos, receipts, model labels, fire reports, and medical records are gathered.
  3. Filing: A claim may be filed if the evidence supports liability and damages.
  4. Discovery: The parties exchange evidence about electrical components, warnings, testing, and incident history.
  5. Resolution: The claim may resolve through settlement or further litigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What mini fridges were recalled?

A: The recall involves Frigidaire-brand mini fridges, models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, and EFMIS175, limited to specific serial number ranges.

Q: Why were the Frigidaire mini fridges recalled?

A: They were recalled because internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing.

Q: How many mini fridges were recalled?

A: About 634,000 units were recalled.

Q: Were injuries reported?

A: Yes. Curtis International received two smoke inhalation injury reports, along with at least 26 reports of smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, or fire.

Q: What should consumers do now?

A: Consumers should stop using the recalled mini fridges, unplug them, cut the power cord, mark the front door with “Recall,” and follow refund instructions.

Q: Can I file a lawsuit after a mini fridge fire?

A: You may have a claim if a recalled mini fridge caused documented smoke inhalation, burns, property damage, medical bills, or other financial losses.

References

  • https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Curtis-International-Recalls-Frigidaire-brand-Minifridges-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-More-Than-700-000-Reported-in-Property-Damage
  • https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education
  • https://www.saferproducts.gov/

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