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A class action lawsuit settlement could allow consumers to get up to 75% back on their Whirlpool refrigerators.
According to the settlement website, Whirlpool reached an agreement regarding certain side-by-side refrigerators with indoor ice makers, ice dispensers, and water dispensers manufactured between 2018 and 2021. Refrigerators may include certain brands of Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and JenAir models.
According to a settlement website approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, members of the settlement class will be eligible for cash refunds or free or discounted repairs to repair past or future refrigerator breaks if the wiring problem affects the indoor functionality of home appliances such as ice makers, water dispensers, and control panels.
According to the settlement agreement, the settlement stems from a lawsuit filed against Whirlpool Corporation on February 12, 2024, alleging that this class of refrigerators is defective because the wires running through the appliance’s doors are too fragile to withstand repeated flexing from opening and closing, causing the wires to break and cause some doors to malfunction.
USA TODAY reached out to Whirlpool for comment on April 14, but did not immediately receive a response.
What options are available to class members?
As of May 5, 2026, the following options are available to Class Members with an existing wire harness failure:
- If a door is out of order for more than seven years, class members can receive 30% of the original purchase price or a free replacement door.
- If a door fails for six to seven years, class members can receive 30% of the original purchase price or a free replacement door.
- For five-year failures, class members will receive 40% of the original purchase price or a free replacement door.
- If unsuccessful for four years, class members will receive 40% of the original purchase price or free placement door and labor.
- In the event of a failure within two to three years, class members will receive 50% of the original purchase price or free replacement door and labor.
Refunds for Class Members who paid to repair wiring harness issues before May 5, 2026:
- For failures between 2 and 4 years, the percentage of repair costs that will be reimbursed is 75% if Whirlpool or your dealer is notified in advance. If there is no prior notice, the charge will be 65%.
- For failures within 5 years, the percentage of repair costs reimbursed is 60% if Whirlpool or your dealer is notified in advance. If it is done without permission, the charge will be 50%.
- For failures between 6 and 7 years, the percentage of repair costs that will be reimbursed is 45% if Whirlpool or your dealer is notified in advance. Without prior notice to Whirlpool or the retailer, the amount will be 35%.
As part of this option, class members are entitled to a free door replacement, including labor, if the failure occurs in years 2 through 4, and are also entitled to a free door replacement if the failure occurs in years 5 through 7.
Refunds for Class Members who paid for the replacement of a Class Refrigerator due to a wiring harness issue by May 5, 2026:
- For failures between 2 and 4 years, the percentage refund will be 50% of the original purchase price if prior notice is given to Whirlpool or the retailer. If there is no advance notice, the charge will be 45%.
- In the event of a failure within the 5 year period, the percentage refund will be 40% of the original purchase price if prior notice is given to Whirlpool or the retailer. If there is no prior notice, it will be 35%.
- For failures between 6 and 7 years, the percentage refund will be 30% of the original purchase price if Whirlpool or the retailer is given prior notice. If Whirlpool or the retailer is not notified in advance, the percentage of the original purchase price refunded is 25%.
If you wish to receive future coverage for a wiring harness issue occurring after May 5th within 2-7 years of purchase, you must contact Whirlpool at 1-844-667-2929 or refset2026@Whirlpool.com within 90 days of the initial wiring harness issue to receive repair benefits before any repairs or replacements will be made. Customers may also contact the Settlement Administrator at info@RefrigeratorSettlement.com to receive cash benefits.
How to submit a claim
To receive relief, Customer must file a claim. The deadline to submit claims for past wire issuances is November 2, 2026.
The deadline for future wiring harness issues to be covered is 90 days from discovery of the wiring harness defect. Consumers can make a claim through the payment site.
How do I exclude myself?
The deadline to remove yourself from the claim is June 2nd. Customers may choose to exclude themselves if they wish to participate in another lawsuit against the Company.
In addition, consumers also have until June 2 to object to the settlement.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
