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Consumer product recall

Viking Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezer Units and Refrigerators with Bottom Freezers

Starting date:
July 1, 2009
Posting date:
July 1, 2009
Type of communication:
Consumer Product Recall
Subcategory:
Household Items, Appliances
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Product Safety, Physical Hazard
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-500002059

Affected products

Viking Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezer Units and Refrigerators with Bottom Freezers

Product description

This recall involves built-in side-by-side refrigerator/freezer units and built-in refrigerators with bottom freezers by Viking Range Corporation. The units are available in stainless steel, various colours, and wood finishes, and are built in to the kitchen cabinetry. The word "Viking" is written on the front of each unit.

The side-by-side refrigerator/freezer is approximately 122 cm (48 inches) wide and the refrigerator with a bottom freezer is approximately 91 cm (36 inches) wide.

The recalled units can be identified by the following model numbers and date codes. The date code is the first 6 numbers of the serial number. Both the model number and serial number can be found either behind the produce drawer or on the inside ceiling of the refrigerator.

The recalled units
Model Numbers Starting With: Date Codes
VCSB481, VCSB482, DDSB482, DFSB482, DTSB482, DDBB362, VCBB360, VCBB362, DFBB362, DTBB362, DTBB363 All units
VCSB483, DDSB483, DFSB483, DTSB483 Date codes before 030104
VCSB483D, DDSB483D, DFSB483D Date codes before 030105
VCBB363 Date codes before 111605
DDBB363 Date codes before 112305
DFBB363 Date codes before 041006

The first six numbers in the serial number are the manufacture date of the unit in [mm][dd][yy] format; For example, serial number 051903G0000000375 was manufactured on May 19, 2003 and serial number F01250210170 was manufactured on January 25, 2002.

Units that are 42 inches (107 cm) wide or are free-standing are not included in this recall.

Hazard identified

The doors on the refrigerator can detach, posing an injury hazard to consumers.

Viking has received a total of around 57 reports of doors detaching, including four reports of injuries involving bruises, broken toes/fingers, and strains. Several incidents of minor damage to floors and counters have also been reported.

Health Canada has not received any reports of incidents or injuries in Canada relating to the use of these built-in refrigerators/freezers.

Number sold

Approximately 1,798 of the recalled products were sold in Canada.

Time period sold

The recalled products were sold from July 1999 to April 2006.

Place of origin

Manufactured in the United States of America.

Companies

Manufacturer
Viking Range Corp.
Greenwood
Mississippi
UNITED STATES

Images (select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window)


What you should do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled refrigerators if the door is not sealing properly, is sagging, or does not open and close properly.

Consumers are advised to contact Viking to schedule a free in-home repair. If there are no problems with the door, then consumers may continue to use the refrigerator until a repair can be done.

For more information, consumers may contact Viking toll-free at 1-888-345-2650 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website.