Dometic Refer Recall

From the Dometic web site.

RECALL 06E-076 • RECALL 08E-032
"Dometic recently expanded its recall on a population of two-door refrigerators. The original recall included some two-door refrigerators manufactured between April 1997 and May 2003. The recent expansion of this recall now includes the same two-door refrigerators, manufactured between June 2003 and September 2006."

The following Models are effected.

• NDR1062 - RM2652
• RM2662 - RM2663
• RM2852 - RM2862
• RM3662 - RM3663
• RM3862

With the following Serial numbers.

• 320xxxxx through 352xxxxx
• 401xxxxx through 452xxxxx
• 501xxxxx through 552xxxxx
• 601xxxxx through 639xxxxx

My refrigerator did meet the requirements under the original recall in 2004. My unit now falls into the recall. 

I called the 800 number and found a local RV repair shop that was authorized to make the repair. I made an appointment to have it fixed for the following Monday. They said it on takes about 30 minutes to do the install.

After reading the recall in total I got to wondering how they could fix this in 30 mins when defect they talk about is "fatigue crack" in the boiler tube. The recall also "stresses" that you should NOT use the refrigerator.  IE - Turn off the Propane and NOT run it on electricity. But, after the recall is done you are good to go, Right? Wrong, as nothing was done to fix the orgunal problem. The recall just adds some shielding and a temp sensor put the exhaust stack to prevent a possible fire. 

The bottom line, in my opinion, is the Dometic is trying to reduce their LIBILITY should the unit fail. So, if you're out of warranty and it fails you pick up the tab. To that end, I sent a Register Letter documenting that the recall was done and in my opinion it DID NOT relieve Dometic from LIBILITY do to poor design and workmanship.

I have copied the Recall Notice and the first page of the Service document and added it to the Download Section should you care to review it.

BEFORE

AFTER

I posted the above information on IRV2 and here are some of the comments.

"I had the recall regarding the shield taken care of, then several months later as we were departing from Daytona after the 500 this past February, the cooling unit died. Leaked all over the place. We used coolers for our stuff on the trip back to Tennessee. The $850.00 cooling unit was replaced free of charge and my rig is nearly five years old. My tech later said that there would be no more out of warranty free fixes."

"My only problem with the fix is that the shield now blocks the fridge gas shutoff valve. I was considering drilling a 3/8 inch hole in the shield to have screwdriver access to the valve. Wonder if that would void any liability by Dometic?"

"Having had the "fix" performed on our replacement cooling unit (the first failed @ 3 years) on the second round of the recall, I agree that the root cause problem hasn't been solved. One other aggravation that I've noted - with the new shield, the small window that one could check to see if the fridge pilot is lit is no longer visible. Verifying that the fridge is indeed lit is now a major operation that requires jamming one's head"

"To add to the confusion-- My unit was under the first recall. When I took it in for the mod, they determined I was leaking Ammonia (green residue on the heater flu). My unit was just under 5 years old and they replaced the cooling unit. I had to pay 2 hours extra for labor."

"What amazes me is they don't put the kit on the new cooling unit-- Why not? My replaced unit, now,looks exactly like yours looked before the mod was done."

"I understand that newer units have only a 3 year replacement warranty. My friend with an '04 DSDP had to pay out of his pocket at the 3 1/2 year point-- It was leaking ammonia also--ugh!"