January 23, 2026 – A Frigidaire Side by Side refrigerator, model LGHX2636TFB, has been linked to an incident where the ice maker’s malfunction causes ice to bunch up, leading to the ice bin breaking. This defect creates a potential choking hazard from plastic fragments contaminating the ice supply. The consumer noted that despite their unit appearing identical to other recalled Frigidaire units, it is not currently included in any existing recall.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident, reported on January 5, 2026, details persistent issues with a Frigidaire Side by Side refrigerator, model LGHX2636TFB, specifically concerning its ice-making mechanism. Since its purchase, the refrigerator has experienced recurring problems where the ice produced tends to clump together excessively. This clumping puts undue stress on the ice bin, ultimately causing it to break. The consumer expressed significant concern that these broken plastic pieces could end up mixed in with the ice, creating a serious hazard. A notable point of frustration for the consumer is that their unit, despite being visually identical to other Frigidaire refrigerators that have been subject to recalls for similar issues, is not currently covered by any such recall.
Safety Concerns
The malfunction of the Frigidaire refrigerator’s ice maker presents several critical safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the potential for sharp or jagged plastic fragments from the broken ice bin to mix with the consumable ice. Ingesting these plastic pieces could lead to a severe choking hazard, especially for children or individuals with swallowing difficulties. Additionally, sharp edges could cause internal injuries to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
- Long-Term Risks: Repeated breaking of the ice bin means a continuous risk of contamination. Even if current plastic pieces are identified, there’s no guarantee that future breaks won’t introduce more fragments. This ongoing risk can lead to a sense of unease and potential accidental ingestion over time.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone who consumes ice from the affected refrigerator is at risk. This includes all household members, guests, and particularly vulnerable individuals such as young children and the elderly, who may be less able to detect or react to foreign objects in their food or drink.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond the immediate safety risks, the repeated breaking of the ice bin signifies a defect in the product, leading to the need for replacement parts and potentially causing damage to the ice maker mechanism itself, leading to costly repairs or even the premature failure of the entire appliance.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Frigidaire Side by Side refrigerator, particularly model LGHX2636TFB, should take immediate action to ensure their safety and prevent potential injury:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you observe ice bunching up, an already broken ice bin, or suspect plastic pieces in your ice, immediately stop using the ice maker. Visually inspect the ice bin and any remaining ice for fragments. Do not consume any ice that may be contaminated.
- How to Check if They Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number of your Frigidaire Side by Side refrigerator, typically found on a label inside the fresh food compartment, near the top or on the side wall, or behind the kick plate at the bottom. Check if it matches LGHX2636TFB.
- Prevention Measures: Until the issue is resolved, manually inspect all ice before use or consider temporarily discontinuing the use of the automatic ice maker. If you suspect an issue, empty and thoroughly inspect the ice bin for any damage or loose parts.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience similar issues, report the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. This helps the CPSC track incidents and assess the need for official recalls. Also, contact Electrolux/White Consolidated directly to report the defect and inquire about potential solutions or recall eligibility for your specific unit.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer’s response to this specific incident report was recorded as “Yes.” Further details regarding the nature of this response, such as whether it involved an offer of repair, replacement, or investigation, were not specified in the incident report.
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.