Whirlpool Corporation has agreed to a $1.16 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging that certain Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag three-door refrigerators suffered from frost and ice buildup, affecting their ability to properly cool food. Consumers who purchased, received, or owned one of these refrigerators between 2012 and 2019 may be eligible for compensation.
The lawsuit claims that a defect in the defrost heating system caused excessive frost accumulation, blocking airflow to the cooling system. This impacted the refrigerator’s performance, leading to spoiled food and costly repairs.
If you have experienced these issues, you may be eligible for a cash payment of up to $300 as part of the settlement. Here’s everything you need to know about the lawsuit, who qualifies, and how to file a claim.
What’s the Lawsuit About?
The class action lawsuit alleged that Whirlpool knowingly sold refrigerators with a cooling defect that caused frost and ice buildup in the evaporator section of the refrigeration unit.
- This restricted airflow over the cooling coils, making it difficult for the refrigerator to maintain safe food storage temperatures.
- Consumers reported having to manually defrost their refrigerators or pay for repeated repairs.
- The lawsuit claimed Whirlpool failed to properly disclose this defect, leaving customers with unexpected repair costs and food spoilage losses.
Whirlpool denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the $1.16 million settlement to resolve the dispute.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
To be eligible, consumers must meet at least one of the following criteria:
✔️ Purchased a new Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag three-door refrigerator between 2012 and 2019.
✔️ Received the refrigerator as part of a home purchase or remodel.
✔️ Received the refrigerator as a gift.
Even if you no longer own the refrigerator, you may still qualify if you have proof of ownership or purchase. (Settlement Information)
How Much Compensation Can Consumers Get?
Reimbursement for Repairs:
Eligible consumers who paid for repairs due to frost buildup can get:
- Up to $300 for repairs within 1-3 years of manufacture date.
- Up to $225 for repairs within 4-6 years of manufacture date.
- Up to $150 for repairs within 7-8 years of manufacture date.
Reimbursement for Replacements:
If a refrigerator was replaced after two or more repairs, consumers can receive:
- 75% of the purchase price (if Whirlpool was contacted first).
- 50% of the purchase price (if Whirlpool was NOT contacted first).
These percentages decrease after six years of ownership.
Consumers who previously received reimbursement from Whirlpool for similar issues will have their settlement reduced by that amount. (Settlement Payout Details)
How to File a Claim
Documents Required:
To receive compensation, consumers must provide:
📌 Model and serial number of the refrigerator.
📌 Proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, or appliance registration).
📌 Proof of repairs and/or replacement costs (if applicable).
If you no longer have these documents, you may still be able to file a claim—check the official settlement website for more details.
Claim Submission Deadlines:
📅 For repairs or replacements completed before January 31, 2025: Submit by June 18, 2025.
📅 For future repairs/replacements: Submit within 90 days of repair or replacement but no later than December 31, 2028.
Claims can be submitted online at www.coolingsettlement.com.
Whirlpool’s Response and Legal Implications
While Whirlpool denies any wrongdoing, this settlement highlights the importance of corporate accountability in consumer product manufacturing.
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received numerous complaints regarding refrigerator defects, though no formal recall was issued. (CPSC Complaint Database)
- This case serves as a warning to appliance manufacturers to ensure transparency in product defect disclosures.
Legal experts say this settlement could encourage future lawsuits against manufacturers who fail to address known defects.
What Happens Next?
✅ A Fairness Hearing will be held on May 13, 2025, to finalize the settlement.
✅ If approved, payments will be distributed in late 2025.
✅ Consumers must file claims before the deadline to receive compensation.
If you own a Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag refrigerator and have experienced frost build-up issues, filing a claim could help you recover repair or replacement costs.
For the latest updates and to submit your claim, visit: www.coolingsettlement.com
Final Thoughts
This class action lawsuit and settlement serve as a reminder to consumers to report defective products and seek legal remedies when necessary.
- If you have a Whirlpool-manufactured refrigerator that experienced frost buildup issues, you may be eligible for compensation.
- Check your eligibility and file your claim before the deadline to avoid missing out.
Stay informed about consumer rights and product settlements by following Consumer Reports and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Have you experienced issues with your refrigerator? Let us know in the comments!
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for SKC News, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin