Class Action Lawsuit Claims LG Refrigerators Fail After Just a Few Years | Digital Trends (2024)

Class Action Lawsuit Claims LG Refrigerators Fail After Just a Few Years | Digital Trends (1)

Ever get the feeling that your refrigerator just doesn’t last as long as you thought it would? You aren’t alone. A class-action lawsuit filed against LG claims that some of the company’s fridges suffer from a defect that causes the appliances to fail within just a few years. The company is accused of misleading consumers about the appliances, leading to a considerable amount of time and money spent repairing or replacing them.

According to the class-action suit, the issues with LG’s refrigerators stem primarily from a problem with the linear compressor that the company uses. The compressor is a central part of the appliances’ cooling process. Some consumers have apparently run into issues with the compressors, including outright failures. The problem has affected refrigerators across different price categories ranging from $1,400 to $7,000 and has rendered the appliances in need of repair within just a few years of use.

Sure, these appliances aren’t exploding or anything, but the lawsuit alleges that LG should have disclosed the issue with the compressor, assuming it was known by the company. The plaintiffs involved in the case claim they would not have purchased an LG refrigerator if they knew that there were known issues with the compressors.

While issues flared up in a matter of just a few years with the refrigerators, one of the plaintiffs involved in the case said a repair person said compressors should last at least 10 years before failing or requiring repairs. The National Association of Home Builders claims the average lifespan of a refrigerator is approximately 13 years. LG reportedly claims that its refrigerators should have about a have a 20-year lifespan.

As part of the class-action suit, the affected customers are seeking to have costs associated with fixing the compressor compensated. That includes paying for necessary parts and repairs, as well as reimbursem*nt for food that was spoiled by the malfunctioning appliances and time spent without a working refrigerator.

An LG spokeswoman told Digital Trends that the company stands behind their products.

“At LG, customer satisfaction is paramount. LG home appliances are enjoyed by millions of Americans every day, and we’re proud that our products are recognized by industry experts for their reliability and that LG has been awarded more JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction than any other appliance manufacturer,” the spokesperson said.

“Refrigerator service issues in the industry generally relate to cooling performance. When, on occasion, cooling system issues may arise, we take good care of LG customers. In fact, LG refrigerators are backed by five-year warranty on the cooling system. That means from five years from purchase date, LG fully covers both parts and labor related to servicing the sealed system or compressor. In addition to offering this service support at no cost to the consumer on all LG refrigerators, LG models featuring linear compressors come with an industry-leading 10-year parts warranty and five-year labor warranty.”

Anyone experiencing issues with their LG fridge should contact customer service at 1-800-243-0000 and visit www.lg.com/us/support.

Updated April 10, 2019 with a statement from LG.

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Class Action Lawsuit Claims LG Refrigerators Fail After Just a Few Years | Digital Trends (2024)

FAQs

How do I join the LG refrigerator class action lawsuit? ›

There are three ways to submit this claim form to the Settlement Administrator: (a) online at the settlement website, www.LGFridgeSettlement.com; (b) by email to Info@LGFridgeSettlement.com; or (c) by U.S. Mail sent to the following address: LG Fridge Settlement c/o Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, ...

What is the federal lawsuit against LG? ›

The federal fraud lawsuit alleges that a critical part called the linear compressor, found in many LG and Kenmore refrigerators, frequently breaks down years before its advertised lifespan is up. The suit argues this leaves owners out in the cold with warm fridges, ruined food, and hefty repair bills.

Will LG replace my refrigerator? ›

Your LG Refrigerator will be will repaired or replaced, at LG's option, if it proves to be defective in material or workmanship under normal use, during the warranty period ("Warranty Period") set forth below, effective from the date ("Date of Purchase") of original consumer purchase of the product.

What is the biggest problem with LG refrigerators? ›

One of the most frequent issues with LG refrigerators is temperature inconsistency. Users may find their fridge not cooling adequately or freezing items unexpectedly. The potential causes for this problem include a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning compressor, or blocked vents.

How much is the payout for LG class action lawsuit? ›

A $1.5 million LG refrigerator class action settlement has been reached to resolve claims that LG appliances suffer from a cooling defect. The compressor in certain models allegedly failed to maintain the temperature levels needed to preserve food, medicine and other perishables.

Is there a class action suit against LG refrigerators? ›

In 2020, LG settled a different class action lawsuit. Mouzari's suit is new and makes a new claim: fraud. She argues in the suit that LG is defrauding people like Anderson because it continues to make a linear compressor that falls short of its 20-year durability.

What is the LG refrigerator defect class action lawsuit? ›

LG previously faced litigation over its refrigerator, including compressor failures. In 2020, LG settled a different, class-action lawsuit, covering people who bought select models between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2017.

Is there a lawsuit for LG refrigerators not cooling? ›

The 191-page lawsuit, updated in September 2023, focuses on LG's linear compressor, a part that is supposed to keep the fridge and your food cold. The lawsuit alleges the compressors are faulty and defective. Ford Hebner of Cicero says his household goes through a lot of groceries.

How do I get a refund from LG? ›

Once an order is confirmed, there is no guarantee the order can be canceled. If you are unable to cancel the order online, please contact LG Order Support. They will instruct you to accept the order and initiate a return by requesting a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) for a refund.

What is the lifespan of an LG refrigerator? ›

The lifespan of a typical fridge ranges from 10-15 years, and if you are still within the first half of this range, you should have plenty of time before needing to replace it. If it is on the upper end of that range, it's likely on its last legs.

What is going on with LG refrigerators? ›

Our “program” was our recent report about a lawsuit involving some LG and Kenmore refrigerators, as well as a part LG makes called the “linear compressor.” Many viewers and the lawsuit claim the compressor frequently dies long before the 10-year warranty or 20-year lifespan that LG advertises.

Is it worth replacing an LG refrigerator compressor? ›

Sometimes it's worth it to replace a compressor on a refrigerator if: The compressor part is still under warranty. The fridge is less than 5 years old. Buying a new fridge would cost twice as much as a compressor replacement.

What refrigerator has the most complaints? ›

Samsung refrigerators have been cited in hundreds of complaints to the Consumer Product Safety Commission because of malfunctioning icemakers and temperatures that are too warm, leading to spoiled food.

What is the number one reason for refrigerator failure? ›

A dirty condenser coil is one of the most common causes of refrigerator problems. The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the fridge; if they are dirty, they will not be able to do their job properly. This can cause the fridge to overheat and break down.

Is Samsung fridge better than LG? ›

To decide between LG vs Samsung fridges, you must evaluate your own needs first. We recommend LG for its door cooling feature if you need superior cooling features. However, the Samsung fridge would be better if you have power issues.

What is the cooling defect class action settlement for LG refrigerator? ›

LG previously faced litigation over its refrigerator, including compressor failures. In 2020, LG settled a different, class-action lawsuit, covering people who bought select models between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2017.

What is the lawsuit against LG side by side refrigerators? ›

The 191-page lawsuit, updated in September 2023, focuses on LG's linear compressor, a part that is supposed to keep the fridge and your food cold. The lawsuit alleges the compressors are faulty and defective. Ford Hebner of Cicero says his household goes through a lot of groceries.

How much does LG give for food loss? ›

How much does LG compensate for food loss? Food Loss: You will be reimbursed for food losses resulting from the operational or mechanical failure of Your refrigerator or freezer up to $250 per appliance over the life of the service Contract.

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