Class Action Lawsuit Claims Daikin Knowingly Sold Defective Amana Air Conditioners

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A proposed class action lawsuit claims that Daikin Comfort Technologies has knowingly sold Amana-brand air conditioners plagued by a capacitor defect that can cause the units to fail prematurely.

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According to the 34-page lawsuit, the Amana AC units at issue are equipped with faulty capacitors, which are meant to provide the electrical jolt necessary to start the unit and maintain a steady current of electricity while it runs. Per the case, the Amana AC capacitors are unable to hold a charge because the dielectric oil within the component, which is supposed to insulate the capacitor and dissipate the heat it generates, is “defective and prone to thinning out prematurely.”

Signs of a failing capacitor include the air conditioning unit failing to start, shutting off on its own, failing to produce cold air, emitting a humming noise during operation, or producing smoke or a burning smell, the case states.

The lawsuit alleges that the dielectric oil in the Amana units is substandard and does not properly protect the capacitor, causing it to overheat and melt once the oil degrades, rendering it completely and permanently broken. The complaint says this failure can happen within months or even weeks of purchase and forces consumers to order expensive, frequent repairs, despite the fact that a central air conditioner and its key components are expected to last between 15 and 20 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The filing states that Daikin advertises its Amana systems as “synonymous with long-lasting, premium quality products” and touts the units’ safety, reliability and “lasting performance.” The lawsuit claims that Daikin knows or should have known of the debilitating capacitor defect and the subpar quality of its dielectric oil.

“Defendants knew the capacitors in Amana air conditioning units were defective because the capacitors in those units were failing at rates that far exceeded the industry average,” the lawsuit charges, adding that Daikin has received complaints from consumers and AC technicians alike about the issue.

Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Daikin does not abide by the warranty it offers on its AC units, which promises to pay for the replacement of any defective part within a five- to 10-year period. The alleged failure to provide warranty coverage has forced consumers to pay out-of-pocket for expensive capacitor repairs and replacements that must be done by a professional, the suit says.

The Daikin class action lawsuit seeks to represent anyone in the U.S. who purchased an Amana HVAC system or unit, and any HVAC technician or business in the U.S. that installed, diagnosed, investigated, replaced or repaired capacitors in Amana HVAC systems or units. 

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