December 23, 2025 – An incident report details a sudden and complete cooling failure in a Frigidaire FFTR1835VW refrigerator, leading to rapid food spoilage and potential health risks. The malfunction, which occurred without warning, left perishable items unsafe for consumption and highlights the critical importance of reliable appliance performance.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On November 29, 2025, a consumer reported that their Frigidaire refrigerator, model FFTR1835VW, suddenly ceased cooling without any prior indication of malfunction. The incident occurred while the appliance was being used normally in the consumer’s kitchen. Despite no power issues being reported in the home, the refrigerator’s internal temperature rose rapidly, rendering stored food unsafe. Concurrently, the freezer compartment also failed to maintain safe temperatures, leading to the spoilage of frozen goods. The incident was reported on December 4, 2025, after the consumer discovered the extent of the food spoilage.
Safety Concerns
The sudden and complete failure of a refrigerator to maintain safe temperatures poses several significant safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of foodborne illness. Perishable foods (meats, dairy, cooked leftovers, certain produce) that are not kept below 40°F (4°C) can quickly enter the “danger zone,” where bacteria multiply rapidly. Consuming such food can lead to symptoms ranging from mild digestive upset to severe food poisoning requiring medical attention.
- Long-Term Risks: Repeated exposure to foodborne pathogens due to unreliable refrigeration can have cumulative health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone consuming food stored in a malfunctioning refrigerator is at risk. This includes all household members and guests.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond the health risks, the incident resulted in significant property damage in the form of spoiled food, representing a financial loss to the consumer. In some cases, leaking defrost water from a malfunctioning freezer could also cause damage to flooring or cabinetry, though not reported in this specific incident.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Frigidaire FFTR1835VW refrigerator or any refrigerator model experiencing similar cooling issues, follow these steps:
- Immediate Steps to Take:
* Do Not Consume Spoiled Food: If your refrigerator has failed to maintain safe temperatures, immediately discard all perishable food items that may have been affected. “When in doubt, throw it out.”
* Check Internal Temperatures: Use an appliance thermometer to verify if your refrigerator and freezer are maintaining appropriate temperatures (below 40°F for the refrigerator, 0°F or below for the freezer).
* Minimize Door Openings: If the unit is still partially cooling, avoid opening the doors to help maintain existing temperatures as long as possible.
- How to Check if They Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number on a label inside your refrigerator, typically on the interior wall or ceiling of the fresh food compartment, or along the frame of the door. Verify it matches FFTR1835VW.
- Prevention Measures: While sudden failures can occur, regular cleaning of condenser coils can help maintain efficiency. If you notice any unusual noises, fluctuations in temperature, or difficulty maintaining settings, address them promptly. Consider having a reliable appliance thermometer inside your refrigerator to monitor temperatures constantly.
- Reporting Procedures: If your Frigidaire FFTR1835VW or any other appliance experiences a similar safety incident, report it immediately to the manufacturer. Additionally, consider filing a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov to contribute to a broader understanding of product safety issues.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED, has acknowledged receipt of the incident report. Further details regarding their investigation or proposed solutions are not available at this time.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.