Lawsuit Investigation: Sharp Microwave Drawer Fires

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are looking into reports that certain Sharp drawer microwaves pose a fire risk. Dozens of consumers have reported that the microwaves can smoke, give off an “electrical burning” smell, and even catch fire.

In light of these complaints, attorneys are looking into whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of people who own the microwave.

If your Sharp microwave drawer caught fire or had electrical issues, fill out the form on this page and share your story. Any information you provide may help the attorneys determine whether a class action lawsuit can be started.

What Could Be Causing a Fire Risk in the Microwaves? 

It is believed that the issue stems from a potential defect in the microwave’s “magnetron.” This is the thermal fuse that radiates the energy needed to warm up the food or liquid in the microwave.

Attorneys suspect that when the magnetron gets hot, it can “go out” and cause other electronic parts to work too hard to compensate for the power loss – and that this can cause the microwave ovens to catch fire. This may be the source of consumer complaints that their microwaves are smoking and giving off an electrical burning smell. 

What Problems Are People Reporting?

The following are some complaints from consumers who wrote about their microwave problems online (sic throughout):

Cooking two small potatoes in a glass bowl. No metal. The potatoes caught fire and were red hot coals when I opened the drawer. The inside walls were completely blackened, the fire broke the bowl and black smoke spewed throughout the house. This happened with only 3 minutes on the cook time. I cleaned it all up and ran a few more meals through it before it gave me the buzzing electrical noise, a 'pop' and then died. Being out of warranty for less than a year, we called Sharp and got nothing but "try a local repairman'…Now what do I do? A $1000 machine should last more than 2 years and certainly without fire danger.”
— skind49, Houzz.com

Our 3 month old Sharp KB-6524PS started smoking today and emitted a clearly electrical overload odor. It was not the food being heated, it was definitely the unit. After reading many reviews, I believe we will have to return it and try another brand. Don't want to take a chance with a full-blown fire. Sad and frustrated as we have just remodeled the kitchen and I loved the drawer style and location, tucked away in the island.”
— J Claire Wheat, Houzz.com

This Microwave is just 6 months installed and it melted down like Chernobyl.....sounded more like a garbage disposal then a microwave. Smoke started pouring out of the unit and got so hot I can't believe it didn't start a fire...Very concerned based on what others have noted that replacing this unit under warranty still results in same issues and this problem has not been addressed by Sharp. I have to image it won't be long before someone decides to start a Class Action lawsuit, or there is a major recall.”
— X3M1ST, AMAZON.COM

Consumers have reported spending between $200 to $850 to fix the microwaves after being told that their appliances were no longer under warranty. Many have said that they needed to have the magnetron replaced – the part attorneys suspect is the source of the fire risk.

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help? 

 A class action lawsuit could help people back money they spent purchasing and fixing their microwaves. Furthermore, it could require Sharp to alert consumers to the reported issue and offer a fix for the problem.

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