GE Refrigerators Accused of Having Faulty Compressors in Class Action Lawsuit

Debbie Blurton of California and Travis O'Brien of Virginia are taking GE Appliances to court in a new class action lawsuit. Their claim? Certain GE refrigerators contain defective compressors that cripple the appliances' ability to properly chill food and drinks. These faulty compressors, the lawsuit alleges, render the fridges practically unusable.

Allegations of faulty compressors and lack of disclosure

Two key allegations form the foundation of the lawsuit:

• Faulty Compressors: The complaint alleges GE refrigerators are equipped with compressors prone to premature failure, well before the appliance's expected lifespan.

• GE's Knowledge and Lack of Disclosure: Despite allegedly being aware of the widespread issue and numerous online complaints, GE Appliances is accused of failing to disclose the defect to the public. The lawsuit further claims GE continues to advertise these refrigerators as reliable for food and beverage storage.

Financial burden on consumers: Out-of-pocket costs and repair headaches

The lawsuit argues that these faulty compressors cause significant financial hardship for consumers. Here's how:

• Diagnostic Fees: Even though the warranty supposedly covers the compressor and labor, GE allegedly charges diagnostic fees simply to identify the problem as a faulty compressor.

• Replacement Costs: Replacing the faulty compressor can cost between $1,100 and $1,800, plus labor, according to the lawsuit. This financial burden falls on consumers despite the warranty coverage.

• Replacement Issues: The lawsuit contends that replacement compressors may be equally defective, leading to additional repairs and potential noise issues.

Consumers left in the cold (literally): Spoiled food, repair delays, and unwanted noise

A functioning compressor is crucial for a refrigerator's basic function: keeping food cold. When the compressor fails, as the lawsuit alleges is happening, the fridge becomes unusable, leading to:

• Spoiled Food: Consumers are forced to throw away food due to improper cooling.

• Repair Delays: The lawsuit alleges lengthy wait times for replacement parts and repairs.

• Unnecessary Noise: Replacement compressors may introduce unwanted noise, further disrupting fridge functionality.

Similar class action lawsuits against appliance companies

This lawsuit isn't the only one targeting appliance companies for faulty cooling components. Similar class actions have been filed against Whirlpool over allegedly defective refrigerator wiring and LG (Kenmore's parent company) for linear compressors failing to properly cool.

Blurton and O'Brien's lawsuit seeks to represent all US residents who purchased a GE refrigerator that falls under the category of the alleged defect.

The plaintiffs are represented by Daniel K. Bryson and Gregory F. Coleman of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC; and Joseph G. Sauder, Joseph B. Kenney, and Juliette T. Mogenson of Sauder Schelkopf LLC.

The GE defective refrigerator compressor class action lawsuit is Blurton et al v. Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. d/b/a GE Appliances, Case No. 3:24-cv-00225-GNS, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.