Whirlpool Chest Freezer Recall 2021

What Is Recalled#

What Is the Risk?#

The magnetic lid seal can create a strong vacuum when the lid is closed, making it difficult for children to push open from inside. Combined with the self-latching lid, this creates an entrapment and suffocation risk. Whirlpool received reports of the lid being difficult to open.

This is a critical safety hazard. If your Whirlpool refrigerator is affected, take immediate action as described below. Do not delay — the identified defect poses a genuine risk to your safety. CPSC recall remedies are always free — there is no reason to postpone.

Affected Models#

The following Whirlpool model numbers are included in this recall. Check your model number on the rating plate and compare it against this list:

Important: This list may not be exhaustive. Some recalls are updated after the initial announcement to add newly identified model numbers. Always verify your specific model and serial number with Whirlpool directly or on the CPSC recall notice.

Official Remedy#

Free installation of an interior-release mechanism (push-to-open feature from inside) and a weaker magnetic seal replacement. Whirlpool dispatches authorized technicians. Repair takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Key points about the recall remedy process:

• The repair, replacement, or refund is completely free — you pay nothing for parts or labor.
• You do not need the original receipt for CPSC recalls. The model and serial number are sufficient to verify eligibility.
• The recall applies regardless of whether you are the original purchaser. Second owners, tenants, and landlords are all eligible.
• CPSC recalls never expire. Even if this recall was announced years ago, you can still get the free repair if your unit was never serviced.
• If the manufacturer does not respond within 30 days, file a complaint at SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC at 1-800-638-2772.

What To Do#

If your Whirlpool refrigerator model number matches the list above, take these steps immediately:

1. Check if your Whirlpool chest freezer model starts with WZC
2. Supervise children around chest freezers at all times
3. Do not allow children to play on or near chest freezers
4. Register at whirlpool.com/support/product-recalls or call 1-866-698-2538
5. As a temporary measure, you can slightly loosen the lid hinge to reduce vacuum effect

Chest Freezer Entrapment — Child Safety#

Chest freezer entrapment is one of the most serious appliance safety risks for children. The magnetic lid seal on the affected Whirlpool WZC models creates a vacuum when closed, and the self-latching mechanism prevents easy opening from inside. A child who climbs into the freezer can become trapped in an airtight, cold environment where available oxygen is consumed rapidly. The cold temperatures accelerate the rate at which a trapped person loses consciousness. CPSC has documented fatalities from chest freezer entrapment dating back decades.

The recall repair installs an interior push-to-open release mechanism and replaces the seal with a weaker magnetic design that allows easier opening. Until the repair is completed, take these precautions: place the chest freezer in a locked room or use a padlock on the lid, supervise children around the freezer at all times, and educate children that freezers are not for hiding or playing. These precautions apply to all chest freezers, not just the recalled Whirlpool models, as entrapment risk exists whenever a child can access a chest-style appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions#

How dangerous are chest freezers for children?#

Chest freezers pose one of the most serious appliance entrapment risks for children. A child who climbs inside can close the lid, creating an airtight seal. The cold temperature accelerates the consumption of available oxygen. Deaths from chest freezer entrapment are rare but documented. Modern safety standards require interior-release mechanisms, but this recall indicates the feature was missing or inadequate on affected models.

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