Maytag recalls 1.6 million refrigerators over fire hazard

Maytag Corp. said Tuesday that it had voluntarily recalled about 1.6 million refrigerators because of an electrical problem that could create a fire hazard.

The problem has led to 16 incidents ranging from smoke damage to major kitchen damage, Maytag said.

The Newton, Iowa, company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission said the recall involved some Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Maytag, Performa by Maytag and Crosley side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators. They were sold from January 2001 through January 2004 at department and appliance stores and by home builders.

The recall notice said an electrical failure in the relay component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor could cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard.

Consumers were advised to contact Maytag at (866) 533-9817.