Thousands Of GE-Branded Refrigerators Recalled, 37 Injuries Reported

Thousands of GE refrigerators are being recalled because of a possible fall hazard. So far, 37 injuries have been reported.

The problem with the GE-branded Free-Standing French Door Refrigerators is that the handle of the freezer can detach while a user is trying to open it. This poses a fall hazard to users, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

"In some products, an improperly installed freezer handle could become loose," GE Appliances, a Haier company, noted in its recall announcement. "As part of our commitment to product safety and loyalty to our consumers, we are voluntarily recalling affected units to provide a free in-home repair."

As for the recall announcement, there have been 71 instances wherein the freezer drawer detached. As mentioned, this has resulted in 37 injuries, three of which were considered "serious fall injuries."

Consumers may contact GE to find out if their unit is affected and to schedule a free repair. But the company noted that they should locate the model and the serial number of their unit before contacting the company.

The recall affects six models of GE-branded French door refrigerators with bottom freezers: GFE26JYMKFFS, GFE26JYMNFFS, GNE27EYMKFFS, GNE27EYMNFFS, GNE27JYMKFFS, and GNE27JYMNFFS.

Both the CPSC and GE announcements also provide the two-letter combinations at the start of affected serial numbers. The brand, model and serial number information can be located on a label "on the top of the left side of the interior of the refrigerator compartment," noted CPSC.

Consumers may call the recall hotline at 1-888-345-4671 or input the model and serial numbers on the company website.

"Consumers can continue using their refrigerators. If the handle is loose, a consumer can open the freezer by gripping the edge of the freezer door where the flexible rubber sealing gasket meets the metal freezer door," the company noted.

"Service technicians will remove the existing freezer handle, replace the attachment fasteners, and properly install the original handle," it added.

About 155,000 units are affected by the recall. These were sold at stores such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, and other home improvement stores nationwide. They were also sold online via Lowes.com and BestBuy.com. Some 2,300 units were also sold in Canada.