Refrigerator Linear Compressor Lawsuit Investigation

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak to anyone who owns a General Electric (GE), Bosch or Electrolux refrigerator and had problems with the linear compressor, the part responsible for cooling the appliance.

When a linear compressor fails, the fridge will not be able to cool its contents properly, causing food to spoil and rendering the appliance useless.   

If you had problems with your fridge’s linear compressor, you may be able to take action against the manufacturer to get money back for repair costs, spoiled food and more. 

What Started the Investigation into Refrigerator Linear Compressors?

Attorneys opened this investigation after resolving a lawsuit over problematic linear compressors in LG refrigerators and discovering reports that LG may not be the only brand susceptible to these problems. According to surveys performed by Consumer Reports, nine percent of Bosch and eight percent of Electrolux side-by-side refrigerators also experienced linear compressor problems.

What’s Causing Problems with Linear Compressors?

Attorneys are looking into whether certain GE, Bosch and Electrolux refrigerators are suffering from the same defect that was alleged in the lawsuit against LG.

These holes can allow for leaks and for air to enter the tubing, which causes the refrigerant to generate excess pressure as it moves from the evaporator to the condenser. It was alleged that the linear compressor and its components could become overstressed because of this additional pressure and burn out prematurely.  

Consumer Complaints: Fridge Not Cooling, Linear Compressor Won’t Turn On

Consumers have reported a number of problems that may stem from a faulty linear compressor. Some say that their fridge won’t stay cold, that their freezer has thawed or that the fridge light is on but that the appliance is not actually cooling. Others claim that the linear compressor either won’t turn on or that it appears to be running (e.g., it’s hot to the touch), but is not actually working. The following is an example of some of these complaints [sic throughout]:

General Electric

I bought a new fridge to replace a 20 year old one. Had problems since the first year. Ice turns to water and things thaw. Repair people advise that it is crap and can't be fixed! Great! A 3 year old ** that cost 3200K”
— Livia, Dunwoody, GA, ConsumerAffairs.com

GE Monogram Frig in 2006 for $5088. Have had numerous issues with it, had service several times (all at my cost). Latest problem is the cooling/freezing isnt working. All frozen food was thawing out. Bottom drawer in fridge was freezing lettuce, etc. Dont buy this product, and dont buy any GE appliances!”
— Chuck, Metamora, IL, ConsumerAffairs.com

I open the door of the GE refrigerator freezer on the bottom and no light comes on. After I tap the switch, then the light comes on and compressor comes on. The minute the door closes, the compressor goes off, and the same thing happens to the freezer. This unit is only 2 years old.”
— Brian, Baldwinsville, NY, ConsumerAffairs.com

Bosch

Bosch Linea Series B22CS50SN for less than 3 years, and it was working fine. Last month, the freezer was running a little warm, keeping most items frozen, besides popcicles and ice cream, and making ice slowly… Tonight, I got a call from their receptionist…and she said that now it's the compressor, and it will be another $450 for labor, $650 for the part, and I still owe them $230.”
— noellabelle, Houzz.com

I have the Bosch B22CS50SNS 03 side by side fridge/freezer combo…discovered everything in my freezer was now thawed…I called a repair man to come look at it and he pulled the back panel off and touched the compressor. He noted it was not warm and therefore was not likely to be trying to start and determined most likely the controller for the compressor was shot. I was quoted ~$600 to fix and replace this with only a 50% guarantee that it would fix the fridge.”
— Tweak_four17, Appliantology.org

Electrolux

4 weeks ago my Electrolux Refrigerator was not cooling and freezer panel had lots of ice so I turned off the fridge and manually defrosted the freezer. It worked fine for three weeks and suddenly stopped cooling again so I defrosted again but now it is not cooling after plugging it back. Fan seems to be blowing in the freezer and air is entering but it is not cold air."
— som246, AngiesList.com

I have had horrible problems with the temperature being too warm. I've had MULTIPLE service calls…I was told it was a design flaw and really there wasn't anything I could do about the temp in the refrigerator being too warm. I have it set to 33 degrees and the temperature in it this morning was 52 degrees.”
— xokox, Houzz.com

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

A class action lawsuit, if filed and successful, could help consumers get back money for repairs and spoiled food. It could also force the manufacturer to find and implement a fix if a defect is found. 

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