Frigidaire minifridge recall expanded to nearly 1 million after reports of appliances catching fire — owners urged to stop using Target units immediately
Curtis International expanded a recall in January 2026 for nearly 964,000 Frigidaire-brand minifridges, adding Target-exclusive models after reports of fires. Owners are urged to stop using recalled units immediately and register for refunds.
- Recall size: About 964,000 units now covered after adding roughly 330,000 EFMIS121 units.
- Hazard: Internal electrical shorts can ignite plastic housings, causing fire and burn risks.
- Immediate action: Stop using, unplug, cut the cord, mark the door “Recall,” and register for a refund.
- Where sold: Newly added EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively at Target (January 2020–October 2023).
What happened, and what investigators say
Curtis International informed investigators that certain Frigidaire-brand compact refrigerators include internal electrical components that can short-circuit and ignite the plastic interior or exterior. The company expanded the recall after reports that the newly added EFMIS121 model had caught fire at least six times, including incidents causing property damage.
“Investigators say the common thread is an electrical short that can rapidly ignite flammable plastic parts, creating a fast-moving fire and burn hazard.”
See the CPSC recall notice (January 2026) and CPSC recall notice (July 2024) for investigator summaries and incident details.
Which units are affected
- Newly added: Model EFMIS121, serial numbers A2001 to A2310. Look for Frigidaire printed on the front and model/serial label on the back. See the CPSC recall notice (January 2026) and Curtis International recall information.
- Previously recalled (July 2024): Models EFMIS129 (not including EFMIS129-B or EFMIS129-C for certain serials), EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 (serials A2001 to A2310). Earlier models were sold in multiple colors and at other major retailers.
Retail timeline and price
Curtis International reports the EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. Detailed sale and model information are available on the Curtis International recall page and in the CPSC announcement.
Reported incidents and risk
For the expanded EFMIS121 set, the CPSC listed at least six reports of units catching fire, some causing property damage. The earlier recalled models were linked to at least 26 incidents — including sparking, smoking, melting and fires — and two reports of smoke inhalation injuries. Property damage tied to the earlier models exceeded $700,000.
Full incident summaries are available via the CPSC recall notice (January 2026) and the CPSC recall notice (July 2024).
What consumers should do now
- Stop using the minifridge immediately.
- Unplug the unit, cut the power cord, and write “Recall” on the door with a permanent marker to prevent reuse.
- Register for a refund: register for a refund and get return instructions.
- Dispose safely: Follow local and state rules for electronics and appliance disposal.
- Contact Curtis International: Toll-free 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com.
Investigation and industry context
Investigators and consumer advocates have focused on how low-cost appliance design and electrical safeguards can fail. Industry reporting tracked the recall expansion and company response; see coverage from Fox Business, Fox26 Houston and Parade.
Implications for The Inland Empire, California
- Economic impact: High demand among students and budget shoppers means returns and refunds may affect local resale and secondhand markets across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
- Public safety: Fire departments and property managers should notify residents to unplug recalled units; treat smoking or sparking appliances as immediate dangers and call 911 if necessary.
- Political & regulatory: Local leaders may press for clearer labeling and stronger safety standards for low-cost household electronics.
- Social effects: Students, low-income households and multigenerational homes may be disproportionately affected; community groups and landlords should help with registration and disposal.
- Practical steps: Inland Empire residents should check model/serial numbers on the back of units and register for a refund. Local waste agencies can advise on disposal rules.
Sources and reporting links
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (January 2026)
- Curtis International recall information
- CPSC recall notice (July 2024)
- Registration and refund portal
- Fox Business coverage of recall expansion
- Fox26 Houston reporting
- Parade coverage
If you own a Frigidaire minifridge: check the model and serial number on the back now. If it matches the recalled models and serial ranges, immediately stop using the appliance, unplug and register for a refund. For questions, contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 or email recall@curtiscs.com.
