Maytag MRT118 refrigerator — Issues & Fixes

<strong>Quick answer:</strong> The Maytag MRT118 refrigerator is a well-documented refrigerator with known repair patterns. Most common issue: Defrost thermostat fails. If your Maytag MRT118 refrigerator is giving you trouble, start here. This complete reference covers the full series — ranked common failures, diagnostic error codes, OEM replacement parts, active <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">recall</a> status, and data-driven repair-vs-replace guidance so you can make the right call for your situation.

Models Covered in This Guide#

This guide covers the Maytag MRT118 series refrigerators, manufactured from 2016-2023. The following model numbers share the same platform, parts catalog, and common failure modes:

• MRT118FFFZ
• MRT118FFFH
• MRT118FFFM

All models listed above use the same core components and are serviced with the same replacement parts. If your specific model number starts with the same prefix but is not listed, this guide still applies — Maytag uses common platforms across model variants within a series.

Platform Note: Shares platform with Whirlpool WRT518 top-freezer line. Defrost components and start relay interchange.

Quick Specifications#

Top 4 Most Common Problems#

Based on repair data for Maytag MRT118 refrigerators, these are the most frequent issues ranked by how often we see them in service calls. Understanding these common failures helps you identify problems early and make informed repair decisions.

1. Defrost thermostat fails (20% of repairs)#

Defrost thermostat fails — frost wall in freezer, warm fridge

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 20% of all service calls on the Maytag MRT118 series.

2. Start relay clicks (14% of repairs)#

Start relay clicks — compressor will not start, unit runs warm

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 14% of all service calls on the Maytag MRT118 series.

3. Door hinge pin wear (10% of repairs)#

Door hinge pin wear — top door sags, gasket gap develops

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 10% of all service calls on the Maytag MRT118 series.

4. Evaporator coil ices over (10% of repairs)#

Evaporator coil ices over — airflow blocked, inconsistent temperatures

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 10% of all service calls on the Maytag MRT118 series.

Recall Status#

There are no active recalls on the Maytag MRT118 series as of 2026-05-28. We recommend checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov periodically with your specific model number, as recalls can be issued at any time. You can also sign up for email alerts on the CPSC website to be notified if a recall is issued for your appliance.

Repair vs. Replace: When Is It Worth Fixing Your Maytag MRT118?#

This is the most common question we hear from Maytag MRT118 owners. The answer depends on three factors: the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and the cumulative repair history.

General rule for the Maytag MRT118: If the unit is under 10 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new equivalent model, repair is almost always the better value. After 10 years, evaluate the total repair history — if cumulative repairs over the past 2-3 years exceed 40% of replacement cost, upgrading to a new unit provides better long-term value and a fresh warranty.

Repair Decision Matrix by Age#

| Unit Age | Minor Repair | Major Repair | Critical Repair | |---|---|---|<p>Our repair data reinforces this point — if your maytag mrt118 refrigerator is giving you trouble, start here..</p>

---| | Under 5 years | Repair | Repair | Repair (usually) | | 5-10 years | Repair | Evaluate total history | Consider replacing | | Over 10 years | Repair if otherwise healthy | Consider replacing | Replace recommended |

Related Troubleshooting Guides#

If your Maytag MRT118 is experiencing a specific symptom, these detailed guides walk you through the diagnosis process step by step:

• Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling
• Maytag Refrigerator Frost Ice Buildup
• Maytag Refrigerator Runs Constantly

What Are the Best Long-Term Ownership Tips?#

To maximize the lifespan of your refrigerator, keep the interior temperature at 37 degrees F for the fresh food compartment and 0 degrees F for the freezer. Avoid overloading — restricted airflow around food items forces the compressor to work harder. Set a calendar reminder to replace the water filter every 6 months and clean the condenser coils every 6-12 months. These two maintenance tasks alone can add years to your refrigerator's service life and prevent the most common failures.

Frequently Asked Questions#

How often should I defrost my Maytag MRT118?#

The MRT118 is auto-defrost — it should not need manual defrosting. If frost is building up, the automatic defrost system has failed. Check the defrost thermostat, defrost heater, and defrost timer. The thermostat is the most common failure — it opens prematurely, cutting the defrost cycle short before all frost is melted.

Need Professional Help With Your Maytag MRT118?#

We've repaired thousands of Maytag MRT118 refrigerators across Sacramento and the Bay Area. Our technicians carry the most common Maytag replacement parts on every service call, which means most repairs are diagnosed and completed in a single visit — no waiting for parts to arrive.

Book your Maytag MRT118 repair today at /book — same-day and next-day appointments available. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins, and all repairs include a 90-day parts and labor warranty.