Black & Decker, Haier Chest Freezer Recall Expanded After Fires Reported

Following a 2010 recall for Haier and Black & Decker model chest freezers, dozens of additional reports have been received involving problems with freezers overheating and potentially causing fire, resulting in expansion of the recall this week to include roughly 41,000 more chest freezers.

A Black & Decker and Haier freezer recall expansion was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on April 2, following at least additional 27 reports of the capacitors in the freezers’ circuitry overheating, including at least 3 reports of fires.

Despite the high number of incidents, there have been no reported injuries associated with the recalled chest freezers.

The recall includes Haier models HNCM070E with a 7.0 cubic foot capacity, Haier ESNCM053E model with a 5.3 cubic foot capacity, and a Black & Decker model BFE53 with a 5.3 cubic foot capacity with UPC number 896603002660.

The recalled freezers have the name brand “Haier” or “Black & Decker” printed on the front upper right corner and have the name brand, model number and serial number printed on the back of the freezers in the center. The Black & Decker model also has a label with the UPC code located next to the serial number.

The freezers were manufactured in China and imported by Haier America Trading LLC, of New York, New York where all three recalled models were distributed to different vendors throughout different time frames.

The Black & Decker model was sold exclusively at Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com from September 2009 through September 2010 for about $150.

The Haier HNCM070E model was distributed for sale through regional retailers nationwide and online at Walmart.com and Amazon.com for $180 to $200 from September 2009 through October 2011, whereas the Haier ESNCM053E model was sold primarily on Amazon.com and other various online retailers from February 2010 through March 2013 for between $200 and $290.

Haier America recalled over 67,000 similar freezers in November 2010, due to similar problems with the capacitor overheating. At least 17 reports of problems had been received at that time, including at least four fires. The 27 incidents outlined in this latest recall expansion do not include those associated with the prior recall.

Consumers have been advised to immediately unplug their freezers and contact Haier America at (877) 878-7579 or visit them online at www.haieramerica.com to schedule a free repair and further recall information.