AstroAI Mini-Fridges: Fire Risk Sparks Lawsuit

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges AstroAI mini-fridges contain a wiring defect causing overheating, burns, and fire hazards, despite a recent recall that plaintiffs claim is inadequate.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased an AstroAI mini-fridge model LY0204A.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

AstroAI is under legal fire after a sweeping recall of nearly 250,000 of its 4-liter/6-can mini-fridges, which allegedly pose a serious risk of overheating, burns, and even house fires. A new lawsuit claims the company knowingly sold defective products that could short-circuit and overheat due to faulty wiring, without warning consumers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the recall on June 18, 2025, covering fridges manufactured between June 2019 and June 2022. The malfunction has reportedly caused at least 70 overheating incidents and two fires, with AstroAI now offering only replacement units, not refunds.

AstroAI Mini-Fridges Accused of Dangerous Wiring Defect

Illinois resident David Freifeld, who filed the proposed class action lawsuit, says he purchased the mini-fridge on Amazon, expecting a safe, functional product. Instead, he claims he unknowingly brought a fire hazard into his home. 

The lawsuit argues that Freifeld, like thousands of others, was misled into buying a fridge unfit for everyday use, putting him and others at risk of injury or property damage.

Freifeld alleges that he would never have bought the product, or would have paid much less for it, had he been aware of its potential to overheat and catch fire. He’s now suing for damages and to represent a broader class of consumers who purchased the recalled units.

Recall Offers Limited Remedy, Consumers Seek Full Compensation

According to the complaint, AstroAI marketed and sold the mini-fridges with express claims that they were safe, reliable, and suitable for regular use. Those assurances, the lawsuit says, became part of the buyer’s expectations and the company failed to live up to them.

Instead, the product’s design allegedly includes a defect in the electrical switch that can short circuit, creating a significant risk of burn injuries and fires. Other manufacturers produce similar mini-fridges without such defects, the complaint notes, suggesting AstroAI’s problem was preventable.

Despite the recall, the company is not offering refunds, leaving consumers stuck with a faulty product or a potentially equally flawed replacement.

Other Products Face Legal Challenges Over Fire Hazards

AstroAI’s legal troubles come amid a wave of lawsuits targeting consumer products with dangerous flaws. Recently, smoke alarms from Three61 LLC were accused of failing to detect fires, potentially leaving users defenseless. 

Colsen’s tabletop fire pits were recalled following burn incidents, and Swagtron electric scooters have been blamed for spontaneous battery fires. Larger brands haven’t escaped scrutiny either—Ryobi lawn mowers, SKIL tools, and even hybrid SUVs from Ford are all facing claims tied to fire risks. 

In his lawsuit against Astro Ai Inc. LLC, Freifeld wants to represent anyone in the US who purchased one the Astro AI minifridges model number LY0204A. He is suing for unjust enrichment, breach of warranty, and more, and is seeking injunctive relief, damages, costs, fees, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Freifeld v. Astro Ai Inc. LLC
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-07125
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois  

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Paul J. Doolittle  (Poulin | Willey | Anastopoulo, LLC)

Do you own an AstroAI mini-fridge? Have you experienced any issues with overheating or smoking? Share your story below.