February 28, 2026 – A recent incident report details a consumer’s experience with a newly purchased Frigidaire FGSS2635TF refrigerator, where the ice maker repeatedly dispensed broken plastic fragments. The consumer reported these issues occurring immediately after purchase and continuing despite attempts to troubleshoot, raising concerns about product safety and consumer support.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident, reported on February 26, 2025, describes a consumer’s immediate problems with a Frigidaire FGSS2635TF refrigerator purchased from Home Depot. Upon installation and initial use, the ice maker began dispensing broken pieces of plastic. This was not an isolated occurrence, as the consumer noted the problem happened “several times.” Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a direct result of ingesting or encountering these plastic fragments.
The consumer promptly contacted ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED multiple times to report the issue. During these communications, the consumer was reportedly advised to “reset the refrigerator,” a measure they undertook themselves. Despite resetting the appliance, the problem with the ice maker continued, with broken plastic still being dispensed. The report indicates that the manufacturer never offered to send a technician to inspect the faulty unit or cover any repair costs, leaving the consumer with a malfunctioning and potentially unsafe product.
Safety Concerns
The repeated dispensing of broken plastic pieces from an ice maker presents several significant safety concerns:
- Ingestion Hazard: The primary and most immediate danger is the potential for consumers, particularly children, to unknowingly ingest plastic fragments along with ice. Depending on the size and sharpness of the pieces, this could lead to choking, internal cuts, punctures, or other gastrointestinal injuries requiring medical intervention.
- Mechanical Failure: The presence of broken plastic indicates a potential internal defect or degradation within the ice maker assembly. Such a malfunction could worsen over time, leading to complete ice maker failure, water leaks, or potentially other electrical or mechanical issues within the refrigerator.
- Food Contamination: While not directly mentioned, a malfunctioning ice maker with breaking parts could also pose a risk of contaminating the ice or the water supply with plastic debris, impacting the overall cleanliness and safety of consumables.
- Property Damage Potential: Unaddressed mechanical issues, especially in water-dispensing appliances, can escalate. A failure in the ice maker’s integrity could lead to internal leaks that might damage the refrigerator’s components, surrounding cabinetry, or flooring, resulting in costly property repairs.
- Frustration and Inconvenience: Although not a direct physical hazard, the inability to use a core feature of a new appliance and the lack of effective resolution from the manufacturer create significant inconvenience and frustration for consumers.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Frigidaire FGSS2635TF refrigerator, particularly if recently purchased, should take the following steps:
- Immediately Stop Using the Ice Maker: If you observe any foreign objects, especially plastic pieces, in your ice, stop using the ice maker and dispenser immediately. Discard any ice that may have been contaminated.
- Inspect Your Appliance: Carefully inspect the ice maker tray, dispenser chute, and ice bucket for any visible signs of broken plastic, cracks, or unusual wear.
- Retain Evidence: If you find plastic pieces, safely collect them as potential evidence for any claims or reports.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED or Frigidaire customer service to report the issue. Clearly describe the problem and request a technician visit or a resolution that addresses the defect. Refer to your incident report number if you have filed one.
- Report to CPSC: File a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC monitor product safety issues and can lead to investigations or recalls.
- Keep Records: Document all communications with the manufacturer, including dates, times, names of representatives, and summaries of discussions. Keep receipts and warranty information.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED, did respond to the consumer’s complaint. However, according to the incident report, the response did not include an offer to send a technician for inspection or to cover any necessary repairs, instead suggesting the consumer reset the appliance themselves, which did not resolve the problem.
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.