Galanz is recalling about 121,680 retro-style top-freezer refrigerators in the U.S. The CPSC says internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite; 34 fires and one death have been reported. Affected units (five models in black, blue, red and white) carry date codes from 201812 through 202012 and were sold at Home Depot and Amazon between January 2019 and September 2022. Owners should unplug affected refrigerators immediately and contact Galanz for a free in-home repair (Recall No. 26-649).
Galanz Recalls 121,680 Retro-Style Refrigerators After 34 Fires and One Death
Photo Credit: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Galanz is recalling approximately 121,680 retro-style top-freezer refrigerators in the U.S. Federal safety officials linked the units to 34 reported fires, including one fatality. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says certain internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards.
What Happened
The CPSC reports 34 fires involving these Galanz refrigerators, one of which resulted in a death. Retailers including Home Depot and Amazon sold the affected models nationwide between January 2019 and September 2022, according to Consumer Reports citing CPSC data.
Which Models Are Affected
- Models: BCD-215V-62H, GLR76TRDER, GLR76TBKER, GLR76TBEER, GLR76TWEER
- Colors: Black, Blue, Red, White
- Date Codes: Units with date codes from 201812 (December 2018) through 202012 (December 2020). Date codes use the YYYYMM format and are printed on the nameplate on the back of the refrigerator (upper-left corner).
Why This Is Dangerous
Refrigerators run continuously and are often unattended, so a short-circuit can start a fire at any time — including overnight when occupants may not notice smoke until it is too late. A refrigerator fire can destroy a kitchen, spoil food, displace families, raise insurance costs, and in the worst cases cause severe injury or death.
What Owners Should Do Now
- Stop using the unit immediately: Unplug the refrigerator and do not plug it back in.
- Check your model and date code: Locate the nameplate on the back (upper-left) to confirm the model number and the YYYYMM date code.
- Register for free repair: Galanz is offering a free in-home repair for matching models and date codes.
- Contact Galanz for service: Call Galanz Americas at 888-462-0579 (8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday), email [email protected], or register on the company's recall website. Provide the CPSC recall number 26-649.
- If you have experienced a fire or injury: Contact your local emergency services and your insurer, and report the incident to the CPSC.
Bottom line: If you own one of the listed Galanz retro-style refrigerators and its date code falls between 201812 and 202012, unplug it now and arrange the free repair through Galanz.
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