Midea Air Conditioners: Recalled Units Allegedly Cause Mold, Lawsuit Claims

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Midea America Corp. knowingly sold defective window air conditioners that grow mold inside, causing respiratory infections and other health problems, despite a recall that plaintiffs allege is overly complicated.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased Midea U and U+ model window air conditioners, including those sold under various brand names like Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire, and Sea Breeze.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Nearly 2 million Midea window air conditioners have been recalled for growing mold inside units, but getting relief from the company might be harder than expected.

New York resident Latazia Canon-Rivera filed a class action lawsuit against Midea America Corp. last month, claiming the appliance manufacturer has made the recall procedure so complicated that most consumers won't bother seeking refunds or repairs.

The lawsuit alleges that while Midea acknowledged serious health risks from mold-contaminated air conditioners, the company designed its recall to minimize financial liability rather than protect customer safety.

Canon-Rivera filed the class action complaint in federal court for the Southern District of New York on June 27, following a Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement that affected 1.7 million units nationwide.

Lawsuit Claims Mold-Infested Air Conditioners Caused Respiratory Infections

The recall affects Midea's U and U+ model window air conditioners sold under multiple brand names including Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire, and Sea Breeze.

Federal safety officials received at least 152 reports of mold contamination in these units, with 17 cases documenting consumers who developed respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing, and sore throats directly linked to the air conditioners.

According to Canon-Rivera, this isn't just an inconvenience for homeowners trying to stay cool.

Mold exposure can trigger respiratory symptoms even in healthy individuals, while people with asthma may experience worsened conditions from contaminated air circulation.

"The hazardous nature of the Noticed Product and propensity for harm from the Noticed Products makes a full refund the proper method of recall," the lawsuit states.

Burdensome Recall Requirements Discourage Consumer Participation

Canon-Rivera argues that Midea's recall procedures create unnecessary obstacles for customers seeking refunds on their defective air conditioners.

The company requires consumers wanting refunds to unplug units, cut power cords, label devices "Recalled," photograph the disabled equipment, and dispose of everything according to local regulations.

Customers choosing repairs must either wait for technician visits or complete self-repair kits, depending on their specific air conditioner model.

According to the lawsuit, these requirements are deliberately designed to discourage participation and limit Midea's financial exposure from the widespread defect.

"Defendant makes the process so arduous for ordinary consumers that it deters consumers from doing so," the complaint alleges.

Company Profits While Consumers Bear Health Risks

The plaintiff contends that Midea has been unjustly enriched by selling defective air conditioners while shifting responsibility for health consequences onto customers.

Canon-Rivera purchased her air conditioner expecting it to provide clean, cool air for her home, not become a breeding ground for potentially dangerous mold growth.

The lawsuit argues that consumers paid premium prices for air conditioners that failed to meet basic safety standards, allowing Midea to profit from products that posed known health hazards.

Rather than offering straightforward refunds for defective units, the company created a complex recall system that protects corporate interests over consumer welfare, according to the complaint.

Appliance Industry Faces Wave of Defective Product Lawsuits

Similar recall disputes have targeted other major appliance companies over allegedly dangerous products and inadequate consumer remedies.

Bowflex recently got hit with a class action over adjustable dumbbells that can dislodge during workouts, injuring users with falling weight plates.

More than 3.8 million Bowflex units were recalled after receiving over 300 reports of plates separating, including more than 100 injuries ranging from concussions to broken bones.

AstroAI faces litigation over mini-fridges that allegedly overheat and cause fires, with the company offering only replacement units rather than refunds despite documented safety hazards.

In the Midea window air conditioner lawsuit, Canon-Rivera wants to represent all affected consumers nationwide, plus a separate subclass for New York residents who purchased the recalled air conditioners.

She's seeking class certification under violations of New York General Business Law sections 349 and 350, which prohibit deceptive business practices and false advertising.

The lawsuit demands that Midea disgorge profits earned from selling the defective air conditioners, provide restitution to harmed consumers, and implement equitable relief measures.

Canon-Rivera also requests an injunction requiring the company to fully disclose safety risks associated with its defective units to prevent future consumer harm.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Latazia Canon-Rivera v. Midea America Corp.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-05388
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Mason A. Barney and Leslie Pescia (Siri | Glimstad LLP)
• Kevin Laukaitis and Daniel Tomascik (Laukaitis Law LLC)

Do you own a Midea U or U+ model window air conditioner? Share your experience with mold growth or the recall below.