Refrigerator recall expands as more fires are reported

A massive recall of refrigerators earlier this year is being expanded after more consumers reported their units overheating or catching on fire, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Another 46,000 refrigerators were added to the recall by Maytag Corp. and sold under the Maytag, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brands between 2000 and 2004. About 1.6 million units were included in the initial recall in March that also included Jenn-Air, Amana and Admiral.

The recall does not include refrigerators with bottom freezers.

The CPSC said electrical failure in the relay switch that turns on the American-made refrigerators' compressors can cause the units to overheat and catch fire. So far, the company has reported 64 instances of the refrigerators igniting.

The affected model numbers and serial numbers can be found here for the initial recall and here for the expanded recall.

Consumers who believe they have one of the recalled refrigerators are urged to contact Maytag toll-free at (866) 533-9817 or go to Maytag's Web site. Maytag is scheduling free in-home repairs for those with the affected products.