Kenmore 106 Refrigerator Guide

Identified by the 106.* prefix, this is one of the most repair-friendly refrigerators on the road, with cheap, plentiful Whirlpool parts and a simple top-freezer layout. Its faults center on the defrost and cooling controls. Below are the covered models, the ranked problems with the part behind each, and a repair-or-replace framework.

Model Specifications#

All five variants share the Whirlpool build and one parts catalog. The line features adaptive defrost technology, SpillGuard glass shelves, a humidity-controlled crisper, reversible doors, and an optional ice-maker kit.

Common Problems for This Model#

Ranked by field frequency, each with the part behind it:

1. Adaptive defrost board failure (22%) — frost builds on the evaporator coils. The adaptive defrost board (4388932) restores the defrost cycle.
2. Evaporator fan motor bearing failure (18%) — a buzzing from the freezer section. The evaporator fan motor (WP2315539) is replaced once the bearing wears.
3. Start relay clicking (14%) — the compressor tries to start but trips on overload. The start relay kit (WP2188830) is the fix.
4. Temperature control thermostat failure (10%) — the fridge runs constantly or not at all. The temperature control thermostat (WP2198202) restores control.
5. Door gasket hardening and losing seal (8%) — condensation forms on the door exterior. The door gasket (WP2159075) is replaced.

Parts That Commonly Fail#

Match each number to your exact model before ordering:

Before You Call for Service#

Several checks resolve common Kenmore 106 complaints before a technician visit, and most point straight at the ranked faults above:

• If the freezer frosts over while the fresh-food side warms, suspect the adaptive defrost board; manually defrosting and watching whether cooling returns helps confirm it.
• If you hear repeated clicking, the start relay is trying to start the compressor and tripping on overload, so check for heat around the compressor and relay.
• If the unit runs nonstop, pull the rear access and clean the condenser coils, since dust is the most common cause of a constantly running compressor.
• If the fridge cools erratically, the temperature control thermostat may be failing to cycle through its range.
• Run the dollar-bill test on the door gasket to rule out a simple seal leak before ordering parts.

Recall Status#

There are no active recalls on the Kenmore 106 series as of 2026-05-28. Because a recall can be issued at any time, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov with your model number and sign up for their email alerts.

Repair or Replace?#

The Kenmore 106 is among the most repair-friendly refrigerators made, since its Whirlpool parts are cheap and widely stocked and these units routinely last 15 to 20 years on basic maintenance. Under 10 years old with a fix below 50% of a new equivalent, repair is the clear value. After 10 years, add up the last two to three years of repairs; only once that clears 40% of replacement cost does replacement pencil out, which is rare on this platform given how inexpensive the parts are.

Maintenance That Prevents These Failures#

• Clean the condenser coils on the rear of the unit once a year so the compressor does not overwork.
• Manually defrost if frost builds past a quarter inch in the freezer.
• Run the dollar-bill test on the door gasket once a year.
• Replace the water filter every 6 months if the optional ice maker is installed.

Hold the fresh-food compartment near 37°F and the freezer near 0°F, and avoid overloading, since crowded shelves restrict airflow and force the compressor to work harder. Expected service life runs 12 to 18 years.