By Betty Abramson
Back in December 2009 we replaced our Norcold 1200LRIM refrigerator due to it leaking coolant. There was a very, very strong smell of ammonia inside the motorhome. We contacted Midwest RV Center and they informed us that there was a recall on the Norcold Refrigerators. However, when they contacted Norcold, they refused to cover the repairs or replacement to the refrigerator because their recall only went to the year 2003 and we have a 2006 Monaco Camelot.
It is my understanding that it is the same problem with the refrigerators as the prior years. They also claimed we never had it serviced. We disagree with this as it was bought used from Beaudry RV in Tucson and it was a Good Sam Certified Motorhome.
We feel that this refrigerator was checked out by Beaudry in February of 2008 at the time of purchase and therefore serviced as in good condition. It was recommend we not repair the refrigerator and should replace it. We had to do something and we replaced the unit at a cost to us of $4,000.
Norcold keeps posting their recall on these refrigerators as having a defect that can result in fire, causing property damage, injury or death; however, they are not willing to admit that the later models also have the same problem.
Any help you can obtain for us in making Norcold see there is a continuing problem with these refrigerators would be greatly appreciated, because Norcold needs to also warranty these later model years if they have the same problem.
William J. O’Shaughnessy, St. Paul, Missouri
After petitioning Norcold we got the following response:
It is our service philosophy to pay attention to the consumer and then make an effort to resolve their issue quickly and completely. Unfortunately, to our dismay, this did not happen with your situation.
After review, Norcold has decided to refund to you the amount of $1,121.00. This is above any typical replacement costs but most importantly satisfies your request. Your unit did not fall under recall and was out of warranty when you purchased a new refrigerator 12/21/09.
A check will be mailed from our Ohio office, which you should receive within 2-4 weeks.
Mr. O’Schaughnessy, we regret any inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your patience.
November 12, 2010
Dear Action Line,
For months we had tried unsuccessfully to convince Norcold they needed to be responsible for the defect in their refrigerator. Thanks to Highways for stepping in to help us resolve the problem. Norcold now has been very co-operative in bringing the matter to a close.
Sincerely,
Jerry O’Shaughnessy
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