December 10, 2025. A Midea room air conditioner, model MWAUK-12CRN8-BCJ9, has been associated with a series of severe safety concerns, including electrical malfunctions, significant black mold growth, excessive water condensation, and adverse health effects reported by a consumer. The incident, reported in late November, details a unit purchased in April 2025 that rapidly developed multiple defects, culminating in the user experiencing respiratory and ocular symptoms.
Product Details
Incident Overview
An incident report filed on November 21, 2025, describes a consumer’s experience with a Midea room air conditioner, model MWAUK-12CRN8-BCJ9, purchased in April of the same year. Shortly after installation, the unit’s remote control stopped functioning. This was followed by the AC unit beginning to “short cycle,” repeatedly turning itself off and on. Subsequently, the LED lights designed to indicate the temperature setting burned out, making it impossible to read the set temperature. A more critical issue then emerged: black mold started to accumulate in the unit’s reservoir, and water began condensing inside and around the indoor front panel. The consumer reported developing a sore throat for several nights, along with a runny nose, sneezing, and tearing eyes, symptoms that coincided with the unit’s deteriorating condition.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises several critical safety concerns for consumers using Midea MWAUK-12CRN8-BCJ9 units or similar models:
- Immediate Dangers (Electrical Malfunction): The reported “short cycling” and repeated on/off functionality point to a potential electrical defect within the unit. Such malfunctions can lead to immediate dangers including overheating, which poses a fire hazard, or potential electrical shock. An improperly functioning electrical system can also damage household wiring or cause power fluctuations.
- Long-Term Health Risks (Mold Contamination): The accumulation of black mold in the reservoir and excessive water condensation around the indoor front panel are significant health hazards. Mold exposure can trigger a range of health issues, including allergic reactions, asthma attacks, respiratory problems (like the reported sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing), skin irritation, and eye irritation (like the reported tearing eyes). Prolonged exposure can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and potentially lead to chronic health issues.
- Compromised User Control and Potential for Further Malfunction: The burned-out LED display, while not a direct safety hazard, prevents users from accurately setting or monitoring the unit’s temperature. This lack of control can lead to discomfort, inefficient operation, or even mask further internal issues if the unit cannot be properly managed.
- Property Damage Potential: The excessive water condensation and subsequent mold growth are not confined to the unit itself. Water leakage can damage surrounding walls, flooring, and furniture, potentially leading to further mold infestations in the home and costly repairs.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Midea MWAUK-12CRN8-BCJ9 room AC unit or any air conditioner exhibiting similar issues should take the following immediate steps:
- Cease Use Immediately: If your Midea AC unit shows signs of electrical malfunction (short cycling, turning on/off repeatedly), excessive water condensation, or visible mold growth, unplug it from the power source immediately and discontinue use.
- Inspect Your Unit: Carefully check your Midea MWAUK-12CRN8-BCJ9 unit for any of the described issues, including visible mold, unusual sounds, erratic operation, water leaks, or non-functional displays.
- Document the Issues: Take clear photographs or videos of any problems you observe, such as mold accumulation, water damage, or electrical anomalies. Keep detailed records of your purchase, communication with the manufacturer or retailer, and any health symptoms experienced.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to Midea America Corporation directly to report your specific concerns and inquire about potential remedies, replacements, or servicing.
- Report to Safety Regulators: File a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to contribute to their database of product incidents. This information is vital for identifying widespread issues and potentially prompting recalls or safety alerts.
- Seek Medical Advice: If you have experienced any health symptoms—such as a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, or tearing eyes—that you suspect are related to mold exposure from your AC unit, consult a healthcare professional.
Manufacturer’s Response
The incident report indicates a “Yes” for manufacturer response, which suggests that Midea America Corporation has acknowledged receipt of the incident report. However, the report does not provide any specific details about the nature of their response, what actions they plan to take, or any proposed solutions offered to the consumer regarding the defective unit or the reported health concerns. The full extent of the manufacturer’s actions or official statement on this specific incident remains undisclosed in the 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.