{"@context":{"@vocab":"https://schema.org/"},"@type":"ItemList","@id":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/api/v1/nhtsa/complaints/check?make=NORCOLD","name":"NORCOLD","_source":{"data_provider":"AI Analytics","data_provider_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org","license":"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/","primary_source":"https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/","generated_at":"2026-07-28T06:50:27.722Z"},"summary":{"total_complaints":38,"deaths":0,"injured":5,"fires":33},"top_components":[{"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","n":20},{"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT","n":15},{"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS","n":1},{"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:REFRIGERATOR","n":1},{"component_desc":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","n":1}],"recent_complaints":[{"cmplid":"2091135","date_received":"2025-05-12","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"Upon attempting to leave campground at approximately 10am on April 19, 2025, unplugged electrical from RV and switched over to gas. The Norcold refrigerator caught fire within minutes of the switch over (apparently in the amount of time it took the gas to travel from the tanks to the fridge). Fortunately, I was able to disconnect the gas hoses from the tanks immediately upon noticing the flames and we were able to douse the fire with extinguishers. However, the RV has suffered some damage to the vents, and the fridge is fried.  There was also a strong stench of ammonia, and we evacuated the area momentarily until it dissipated.  I have made multiple attempts to include emails and completing online forms through Norcold / Thetford (as they cannot be reached directly via telephone) and they have yet to respond, and it has been 3 1/2 weeks! I do not feel that I should have to file a claim with my RV insurance carrier, pay deductibles, and have my premiums raised due to a defect.  I purchased this RV on 9/15/2021 and have never received any recall information and only discovered there had been recalls on Norcold Polar Max refrigerators after entering a google search. If we had been asleep, the chances of having fatal injuries due to this defect would have been high. If we had been traveling, the risks of losing the entire rig, vehicle, our lives, and the lives of others on the highway would have been much higher.  Any help in getting this immediately resolved will be greatly appr","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2091135"},{"cmplid":"2091137","date_received":"2025-05-12","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:REFRIGERATOR","description":"Upon attempting to leave campground at approximately 10am on April 19, 2025, unplugged electrical from RV and switched over to gas. The Norcold refrigerator caught fire within minutes of the switch over (apparently in the amount of time it took the gas to travel from the tanks to the fridge). Fortunately, I was able to disconnect the gas hoses from the tanks immediately upon noticing the flames and we were able to douse the fire with extinguishers. However, the RV has suffered some damage to the vents, and the fridge is fried.  There was also a strong stench of ammonia, and we evacuated the area momentarily until it dissipated.  I have made multiple attempts to include emails and completing online forms through Norcold / Thetford (as they cannot be reached directly via telephone) and they have yet to respond, and it has been 3 1/2 weeks! I do not feel that I should have to file a claim with my RV insurance carrier, pay deductibles, and have my premiums raised due to a defect.  I purchased this RV on 9/15/2021 and have never received any recall information and only discovered there had been recalls on Norcold Polar Max refrigerators after entering a google search. If we had been asleep, the chances of having fatal injuries due to this defect would have been high. If we had been traveling, the risks of losing the entire rig, vehicle, our lives, and the lives of others on the highway would have been much higher.  Any help in getting this immediately resolved will be greatly appr","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2091137"},{"cmplid":"2002082","date_received":"2024-06-24","make":"NORCOLD","model":"1210","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","description":"Refrigerator caught fire and destroyed the trailer","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2002082"},{"cmplid":"1893696","date_received":"2023-05-09","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"After the gas powered fridge was turned on. Approximately an hour later the back side of the unit was in flames causing extensive damage and totaling the RV. The failure of the equipment caused the fire. This problem has been ongoing with similar models and is well documented. Has been investigated by a Fire Inspector.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1893696"},{"cmplid":"1893698","date_received":"2023-05-09","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS","description":"After the gas powered fridge was turned on. Approximately an hour later the back side of the unit was in flames causing extensive damage and totaling the RV. The failure of the equipment caused the fire. This problem has been ongoing with similar models and is well documented. Has been investigated by a Fire Inspector.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1893698"},{"cmplid":"1617942","date_received":"2019-11-04","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"WE PURCHASED AN RV WITH A NORCOLD N8XFL REFRIGERATOR NEW IN MAY 2018. WE BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE REFRIG NOT COOLING, SPONTANEOUSLY AROUND OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018. THE FRIG WAS CONTINUOUSLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP UNTIL WE THOUGHT WE DISCOVERED THE ISSUE OF A DEFECTIVE CIRCUIT MAIN BOARD. ONCE THIS WAS REPLACED, THE UNIT WAS NOT USED MUCH OVER THE NEXT 4-6 MONTHS. LEAVING FOR A TRIP IN JULY 2019, THE UNIT FAILED TO COOL, BUT BEGAN TO COOL SPONTANEOUSLY. AGAIN, REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT PIN POINT EXACT ISSUE. MULTIPLE CALLS AND TRIPS TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND DEALING WITH THE MANUFACTURE, THEY HAD REPLACED MULTIPLE PARTS IN THE FRIG. INCLUDING THE MAIN COOLING UNIT THE FRIG. STILL FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER DECIDED TO REPLACE THE UNIT. THE NEW FRIG. IS INSTALLED. UPON ARRIVING AT THE REPAIR SHOP TO PICK UP OUR CAMPER WITH THE NEW REFRIGERATOR, I EXAMINED THE FRIG. TO FIND THAT IT SEEMED TO COOL ON ELECTRIC AND GAS OPERATION. ONCE I LEFT THE FACILITY TO TAKE MY CAMPER TO MY HOME, I WAS PULLING ONTO MY ST, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE SIDE OF MY CAMPER FROM THE FRIG. VENT. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, REMOVED THE VENT COVER, AND SAW A FLAME ON THE TOP OF THE GAS VALVE. I USED A WATER BOTTLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. I CALLED THE REPAIR SHOP IMMEDIATELY, AND WAS ADVISED TO SHUT UNIT OFF AND TO SEND THEM PICS AS WELL AS CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. AFTER MANY CALLS TO THE MANUFACTURER, I WAS ABLE TO SPEAK WITH THE FIRE CLAIMS DEPT AND ED MINOR WHO IS A SUPERVISOR. ED STATED, WITHOUT SEEING THE ","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1617942"},{"cmplid":"1594045","date_received":"2019-08-14","make":"NORCOLD","model":"1200","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"HINGE FAILURE ON A NORCOLD 1200SERIES RV REFRIGERATOR. MY WIFE OPENED THE DOOR AND THE LOWER HINGE BROKE CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL OFF AND HIT HER, LUCKILY ONLY A SORE WRIST.  THE DESIGN IS VERY POOR PLASTIC VS. STEEL.    COMPANY BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY BUT WILL SELL US A NEW DOOR!    *JS","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1594045"},{"cmplid":"1297612","date_received":"2016-07-12","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"CPSC: NORCOLD INC: THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE REFRIGERATOR INSTALLATION THAT CAUSED A FIRE. *SS  UPON INVESTIGATION, IT APPEARED THE FIRE STARTED AT THE TOP OF THE UNIT IN THE REAR LEFT CORNER. *JB","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1297612"},{"cmplid":"1041030","date_received":"2014-02-26","make":"NORCOLD","model":"1210","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT","description":"TL -    THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 COACHMEN SPORTCOACH ELITE EQUIPPED WITH A NORCOLD REFRIGERATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGE ON THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR WAS DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE DOOR TO COMPLETELY DETACH WHEN IT WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DOOR DETACHED AND FELL ON SOMEONE ELSE'S FOOT AND FRACTURED HER TOE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE REFRIGERATOR WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MODEL NUMBER WAS 1210IMSSD AND THE SERIAL:NUMBER 10029518. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.   RK   UPDATED 03/11/14*LJ   UPDATED 3/31/14*CN  UPDATED 05/28/14*LJ    UPDATED 05/29/2014   *JS","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1041030"},{"cmplid":"1039849","date_received":"2014-02-20","make":"NORCOLD","model":"NORCOLD","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"THIS IS A MOTORHOME. WHEN PARKED AT REST STOP (AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROX. 2 HOURS). GOT OUT OF VEHICLE TO WALK DOG AND AFTER GOING ABOUT 75 YARDS. HAPPENED TO TURN AND SEE SMOKE RISING FROM RV. RAN BACK AND DISCOVERED THE REFRIGERATOR (NORCOLD MODEL 6162)..HAD STARTED ON FIRE. RUINING THE FRIDGE AND THE OUTSIDE STEREO. WE GOT LUCKY AND PUT THE FIRE OUT IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES. BUT A NEW FRIDGE COST 2000 DOLLARS. FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NORCOLD CO. AND WAITING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS..ALSO..WE HAD 2 CATS IN CAMPER. A FEW MORE MINUTES OF THE FIRE AND THEY COULD HAVE BEEN PUT IN DANGER. I SEE OTHER MODELS OF NORCOLD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE OF FIRES..THIS MODEL SHOULD ALSO BE!!  *TR","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1039849"},{"cmplid":"997023","date_received":"2013-07-26","make":"NORCOLD","model":"N621","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT","description":"TL*  THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HOLIDAY RAMBLER NEPTUNE XL RV EQUIPPED WITH A NORCOLD REFRIGERATOR, MODEL NUMBER: 6210IMSS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REFRIGERATOR OVERHEATED AND LEAKED AMMONIA. THE AMMONIA ATE THROUGH THE PIPES AND ALMOST BECAME HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE LEAK AND PREVENT THE FIRE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MODEL WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE REFRIGERATOR WAS BEEN REMOVED AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,558.    UPDATED 8/19/13, *CN  THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO HAVE A HIGH TEMP. SWITCH INSTALLED IN THE RV. THE CONSUMER COMPLIED. HOWEVER, THE RV STILL CAUGHT ON FIRE, BUT ONLY BRIEFLY. HER HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PUT IT OUT BEFORE ANY SEVERE DAMAGE OCCURRED.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/997023"},{"cmplid":"979773","date_received":"2013-05-16","make":"NORCOLD","model":"N641","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT","description":"CONSUMER PURCHASED A 1978 HOLLIDAY MOTOR HOME AROUND FEB 2013 WITH NORCOLD 641 REFRIGERATOR, SERIAL #1060872F, WHICH HE WAS TOLD WAS 1 YEAR OLD. HE HEARD A \"THUMP, THUMP\" OUTSIDE HIS HOME AND SAW THE MOTOR HOME ON FIRE.  HE FOUND THAT THE REFRIGERATOR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.  HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH NO INJURIES. DICKENSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S REPORT #[XXX].  CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHO TO REPORT INCIDENT TO SO HE CONTACTED THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.       INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/979773"},{"cmplid":"979775","date_received":"2013-05-16","make":"NORCOLD","model":"N641","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"CONSUMER PURCHASED A 1978 HOLLIDAY MOTOR HOME AROUND FEB 2013 WITH NORCOLD 641 REFRIGERATOR, SERIAL #1060872F, WHICH HE WAS TOLD WAS 1 YEAR OLD. HE HEARD A \"THUMP, THUMP\" OUTSIDE HIS HOME AND SAW THE MOTOR HOME ON FIRE.  HE FOUND THAT THE REFRIGERATOR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.  HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH NO INJURIES. DICKENSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S REPORT #[XXX].  CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHO TO REPORT INCIDENT TO SO HE CONTACTED THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.       INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/979775"},{"cmplid":"979588","date_received":"2013-05-15","make":"NORCOLD","model":"1200","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"NORCOLD 1200 SERIES REFRIGERATOR CAUGHT FIRE AND NORCOLD IS REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL ISSUED THAT THIS UNIT FALLS UNDER.  *TR","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/979588"},{"cmplid":"956923","date_received":"2013-01-08","make":"NORCOLD","model":"1200LRIM","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT","description":"CPSC#I12C0122A. NORCOLD 1200LRIM REFRIGERATOR. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HINGE FAILED ON THE REFRIGERATOR. *LN  THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE OPENED THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR, THE LOWER HINGE BROKE, CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL OFF AND HIT HER. THE DESIGN WAS MADE OF VERY POOR PLASTIC.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/956923"},{"cmplid":"956924","date_received":"2013-01-08","make":"NORCOLD","model":"1200LRIM","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"CPSC#I12C0122A. NORCOLD 1200LRIM REFRIGERATOR. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HINGE FAILED ON THE REFRIGERATOR. *LN  THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE OPENED THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR, THE LOWER HINGE BROKE, CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL OFF AND HIT HER. THE DESIGN WAS MADE OF VERY POOR PLASTIC.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/956924"},{"cmplid":"922428","date_received":"2012-06-11","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"NORCOLD CORP. ISSUED SAFETY RECALL # 10E-049 ON/ABOUT OCTOBER 21, 2010 FOR REFRIGERATOR UNITS IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES FOR A POTENTIAL \"FIRE\" IN THE COOLING UNIT(S). A CERTIFIED RV DEALER CONFIRMED FIRE DAMAGE TO UNIT OWNED AND OPERATED BY COMPLAINANT . NORCOLD CORP. HAS REFUSED TO HONOR SAFETY RECALL(S) AND REPAIR SAID DAMAGED UNITS. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT ONLY HOWEVER ITS A TOTAL LOST.       THERE ARE MILLIONS OF SIMILAR DEFECTIVE REFRIGERATOR UNITS BEING USED ON THE NATIONAL'S HIGHWAYS BY UNSUSPECTING RV OWNERS POSING A SERIOUS SAFETY AND HAZARDOUS POTENTIAL FOR A CATASTROPHIC EVENT THAT WILL ENDANGER THE TRAVELING PUBLIC.  *TR","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/922428"},{"cmplid":"907303","date_received":"2012-02-28","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT","description":"CPSC#I11C0080A. NORCOLD RV REFRIGERATOR. CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR BROKE OFF THE BOTTOM HINGE AND FELL ON HIS SONS FOOT. VICTIM WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. *LN  UPON INSPECTING THE HINGES, THE BOTTOM HINGE WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN IN TWO, ALLOWING THE DOOR TO SLIDE OFF FROM THE TOP HINGE PIN AND DETACH COMPLETELY OFF THE MAIN BOX. THE DOOR HINGES WERE NON-REINFORCED HARD PLASTIC ATTACHED TO METAL PINS THAT WERE APART OF THE MAIN REFRIGERATOR BOX. MODEL # N84, SERIAL # 9827512. *JB","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/907303"},{"cmplid":"899866","date_received":"2012-01-13","make":"NORCOLD","model":"REFRIGERATOR","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER","description":"CPSC#I1160395A. TAHOE FIFTH WHEEL RV. CONSUMER STATED MAY 12TH THEY EXPERIENCED THE SMELL OF AMMONIA AND NO COOLING BY THE UNIT.  ON MAY 15TH AT 1 A.M., THEIR DOGS WOKE THEM TO FIND THE WHOLE TRAILER ON FIRE. CONSUMER STATED THEY LOST EVERYTHING AND BARELY MADE IT OUT. *LN  AN ELECTRICAL FORENSICS TEAM, FOUND THE UNIT TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/899866"},{"cmplid":"858273","date_received":"2011-05-24","make":"NORCOLD","model":"1200LRIM","model_year":null,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"EQUIPMENT","description":"A NORCOLD 1200 LRIM REFRIGERATOR INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT IN A 2003 FLEETWOOD BOUNDER 39L MOTORHOME MALFUNCTIONED, CAUGHT FIRE, AND DESTROYED THE RV, CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE OWNER'S HOME, AND SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES (BURNS) TO THE OWNER.   AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE, THE RV WAS PARKED AND THE REFRIGERATOR WAS OPERATING ON SHORE POWER (AC CURRENT).  *TR","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/858273"}]}