Maytag said Tuesday it is recalling about 46,000 refrigerators under the Maytag, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand names, due to a fire hazard.
Because of an electrical failure in the device that turns on the compressor, the company said there is a chance of overheating that can lead to fire.
About 1.6 million similar refrigerators were recalled in March. Maytag, which is now part of Whirlpool Corp., said it has received 23 more reports of refrigerators catching fire. Of those, there were four reports of property or smoke damage.
The refrigerators in question are side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators made in black, bisque, white and stainless steel. They cost between $350 and $1,600 and were sold from September 2000 to May 2004.
Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in the recall.
The company said consumers who own the defective machines should call Maytag to schedule a free in-home repair instead of returning the refrigerator. The phone number is (866) 533-9817.
The government's Consumer Product Safety Commission said it wants to hear from any consumers who have had injuries or other damage because of the Maytag refrigerators.