December 19, 2025 – A concerning incident report has surfaced regarding the Samsung microwave model ME21M706BAS, indicating that units may randomly turn on and operate unsupervised. This malfunction poses a significant fire risk as the appliance runs for an undefined period until manually interrupted.
Product Details
Incident Overview
According to an incident report filed on December 2, 2025, a Samsung microwave, model ME21M706BAS, has been observed to spontaneously activate and begin operating without any user input. Once activated, the microwave reportedly continues to run indefinitely, heating its interior, until either its door is opened or the unit is physically unplugged from the power outlet. This uncontrolled operation can occur at any time, including when the appliance is unattended, raising serious safety concerns about the potential for overheating and fire. The retailer where the product was purchased was not specified in the incident report.
Safety Concerns
The random and unsupervised operation of a microwave oven presents a severe safety hazard with multiple layers of risk:
- Immediate Dangers: An unattended microwave that turns on by itself can quickly overheat. If there are any flammable materials inside the microwave (e.g., forgotten paper products, food packaging) or nearby on the countertop (e.g., dish towels, plastic containers, paper plates), these could ignite, leading to smoke, fire, and a rapidly escalating emergency. The internal components of the microwave itself could also overheat, melt, or catch fire.
- Long-Term Risks: Even without immediate ignition, repeated uncontrolled operation can put stress on the appliance’s electrical system and components, potentially leading to premature failure, electrical shorts, or hidden smoldering that could erupt into a fire later.
- Who Might Be Affected: This defect poses a risk to anyone in the household, but particularly to those who may not be immediately present to notice the malfunction, such as individuals sleeping, away from home, or in another part of the house. Children, pets, and elderly individuals may not recognize the danger or be able to safely intervene.
- Property Damage Potential: A fire originating from an appliance can cause extensive damage not only to the microwave itself but also to kitchen cabinets, countertops, walls, and surrounding appliances. In severe cases, it could lead to significant structural damage to the entire home, resulting in substantial financial loss and potential displacement.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Samsung microwave model ME21M706BAS, it is crucial to take immediate precautions:
- Immediate Steps: If you observe your microwave turning on by itself, immediately open the door to stop its operation or, more safely, unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Do not attempt to use the microwave until the issue has been resolved by a qualified professional or until further safety guidance is provided.
- Check Your Product: Locate the model number of your Samsung microwave. This is typically found on a label inside the microwave oven door frame, on the side of the door, or on the back of the unit. Confirm if your model is the ME21M706BAS.
- Prevention Measures: Until this issue is addressed, it is strongly recommended to unplug your Samsung ME21M706BAS microwave when it is not in active use or when you are not able to supervise it. Keep all flammable items, such as paper towels, plastic wraps, and dishtowels, away from the microwave area.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident with your Samsung ME21M706BAS microwave, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. You should also consider reporting the incident directly to Samsung.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this post, the manufacturer, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS AMERICA, INC. (SEA), has not provided a public response regarding this specific 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.