Viking Range Fined for Knowing About Alleged Refrigerator Defects

High-end kitchen appliance maker Viking Range Corp. agreed to pay a $450,000 fine to settle allegations that it knew of a refrigerator door hinge defect but allegedly kept quiet despite at least 10 reports of injuries, said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

As part of the penalty agreement, the Greenwood, Miss., company admitted no wrongdoing and denies the CPSC allegations. The agreement has been provisionally accepted by the CPSC.

In June 2009, Viking recalled 45,326 built-in, side-by-side refrigerator/freezers and refrigerators with bottom freezers after getting 57 reports of doors detaching, including four reports of consumers suffering such injuries as bruises, strains, and broken toes and fingers. The appliances had been sold in stores nationwide from July 1999 through April 2006 for between $4,725 and $6,400.