AMERICANS could claim up to $300 from a settlement involving defective refrigerators sold by three different companies.
Whirlpool is paying up after it was found that some of its fridges – sold under three different brands – can develop frost build-up that interferes with cooling.
Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Maytag are appliance brands owned by Whirlpool Corporation, all of which manufacture refrigerators and other home appliances.
The Michigan-based manufacturer agreed to a settlement to resolve claims its refrigerators are defective.
The lawsuit alleges that certain Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag refrigerators sold between 2012 and 2019 have a manufacturing defect that causes excessive frost to accumulate on the evaporator.
This frost buildup allegedly prevents the refrigerator from properly cooling food and leads to other damage.
The settlement benefits consumers who bought a Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag refrigerator within that seven-year window.
Consumers have been told to check whether their appliance is eligible for searching for its serial number on the settlement website.
Whirlpool has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum.
Class members can receive up to $300 for past refrigerator repairs and replacements, under the settlement terms.
The amount depends on the age of the refrigerator at the time of the repairs.
For example, class members can receive up to $300 for repairs and 75 percent of the original price if it’s 1–3 years old.
Class members who experience frost build-up after January 31, 2025, are still eligible for the same benefits as those who had issues earlier.
The deadline for submitting a valid claim form is June 18.
The deadline for exclusion and objection was March 21.
The final approval hearing took place on May 13.
Meanwhile, there are four other settlements open for claims in June, each with approaching deadlines.
A $4,429,180 settlement involves Defendants Designer Brands and DSW Shoe Warehouse, Inc. (“DSW”).
This settlement covers shoppers who received unwanted promotional texts from DSW between September 1, 2018, and September 1, 2024 – even after asking to stop.
Claimants can expect around $70 each.
Shoppers must file their claim online by June 30, 2025.
