December 18, 2025 – A recent incident report highlights significant cooling failures in a Samsung RF32CG5400SR refrigerator, leading to repeated food spoilage within a short period of purchase. Consumers are urged to be aware of potential performance issues with this model that could compromise food safety.
Product Details
Incident Overview
According to the incident report dated December 1, 2025, a consumer purchased a Samsung RF32CG5400SR refrigerator from Lowe’s. Less than 90 days after the purchase, the unit experienced significant cooling issues, resulting in food spoilage. A technician was dispatched to address the problem. However, less than two weeks following the technician’s visit, the refrigerator again failed to maintain proper cooling temperatures, causing a second instance of widespread food spoilage. The internal temperature reportedly rose above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, rendering the food unsafe for consumption. This repeated malfunction indicates a persistent and unresolved defect affecting the refrigerator’s primary function.
Safety Concerns
The repeated failure of a refrigerator to maintain safe temperatures presents several critical safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The most immediate danger is the risk of foodborne illness. When food, especially perishable items like meats, dairy, and leftovers, is stored above 40°F (4°C) for an extended period, harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly. Consuming such food can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to severe complications from foodborne illnesses.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond the immediate health risks, recurring cooling issues lead to substantial financial loss due to spoiled groceries. Consumers may repeatedly purchase food only to have it spoil, incurring significant unexpected costs. There’s also the inconvenience and stress associated with an unreliable appliance, which is essential for daily household function.
- Who Might Be Affected: Any household owning or considering purchasing the Samsung RF32CG5400SR refrigerator could be affected. This includes families, individuals, and anyone relying on the appliance for safe food storage.
- Property Damage Potential: While not property damage in the traditional sense of physical destruction, the recurring loss of valuable food items constitutes a significant financial loss directly attributable to the product’s malfunction. Repeated incidents of spoiled food can accumulate to a considerable financial burden for consumers.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Samsung RF32CG5400SR refrigerator or suspect similar cooling issues with any refrigerator:
- Immediate Steps to Take:
* Check Temperature: Use an independent thermometer to verify the internal temperature of your refrigerator. If it consistently reads above 40°F (4°C), or if you observe symptoms like food spoiling quickly or unusual warmth inside, take action immediately.
* Discard Spoiled Food: Any food that has been exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours should be discarded to prevent foodborne illness. “When in doubt, throw it out.”
* Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to Samsung Electronics America, Inc. directly to report the issue and request immediate service or a replacement.
- How to Check if They Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number on a label inside the refrigerator compartment (often on the top, side wall, or behind the crisper drawers) or on the back of the unit. Confirm it matches “RF32CG5400SR.”
- Prevention Measures:
* Monitor your refrigerator’s performance regularly.
* Listen for unusual noises or lack of compressor activity.
* Consider investing in an appliance thermometer for continuous monitoring of internal temperatures.
* Ensure the refrigerator doors are sealing properly.
- Reporting Procedures: Report any incidents of cooling failure or food spoilage to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. This helps the agency track potential hazards and initiate recalls if necessary. Also, ensure you document all communications with the manufacturer and any associated repair attempts.
Manufacturer’s Response
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. has indicated a response to this incident report with “Yes.” However, the details of their specific response or resolution provided to the consumer are not included in the publicly available incident report. Consumers experiencing similar issues should contact Samsung directly for support.
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.