November 19th, 2024 | 6 min. read
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Consumers in Indiana have recently filed a class-action lawsuit against LG, alleging defects in their refrigerator linear compressors.
But is there truth to their claims?
In this article, we’ll share our service percentages for over 9,000 LG refrigerators sold over the past six years.
How many compressors do you think we replaced during that time? And how does LG compare against competitors like GE and Bosch?
By the end of this article, you’ll know definitively whether an LG refrigerator is the right choice for you.
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Why You Can Trust This Article
I wrote this article because a salesperson showed me an article about another class-action suit levied against LG.
A customer was wondering why we were selling defective refrigerators—sorry, allegedly defective refrigerators.
I told him not to panic and assured him we would research it.
Privately, I was thinking, “Oh, crap.”
We have over 40 technicians, but fixing 9,000 refrigerators would be a stretch.
Still, I wondered why the service managers were strangely silent about such a widespread problem, especially since they’re outspoken about everything.
That was my thought yesterday. Now, here’s why you should read this article:
We service what we sell as a resource exclusively for our customers.
Everything else you read from Consumer Reports, bloggers, and YouTubers is purely conjecture.
With 9,204 LG refrigerators sold over a six-year period, you’ll have real data to help you make an informed decision about your next refrigerator.
Our job is not to scare you or overhype anything.
We report the facts. What you choose to put in your kitchen or laundry is entirely up to you.
One important point: I am not paid by LG or anyone else to write these blogs. I also do not accept affiliate links of any kind.
That’s a stark contrast to most other sources.
By the way, I hope their commissions are worth the terrifying places they often send you to buy appliances.
One last point: I used ChatGPT for the more technical aspects of this article and to summarize the new lawsuit against LG.
I don’t normally use AI in my writing.
What Is a Linear Compressor?
A linear compressor operates using a simplified, linear motion rather than the rotary or reciprocating motion of standard compressors.
First patented in the late 1990s, linear compressors were introduced in refrigerators by LG around 2001.
This innovation aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and deliver consistent cooling performance.
What Makes LG Linear Compressors Different?
- Simpler Motion: A linear compressor uses a direct drive system with a single piston oscillating back and forth in a straight line, powered by an electromagnetic coil. This contrasts with traditional compressors, with multiple mechanical parts.
- Energy Efficiency: The simplified motion reduces friction and energy loss, leading to improved energy efficiency. This translates to lower electricity bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
- Quiet Operation: With fewer moving parts and less friction, linear compressors vibrate less, resulting in quieter operation.
- Consistent Cooling: Linear compressors excel at maintaining precise temperature by adjusting their cooling output more gradually. This reduces temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerator, helping keep food fresher for longer.
Rotary vs. Linear Compressors: Key Differences
The first rotary compressors were developed between 1905 and 1915 and became widely used in refrigerators during the 1950s and 1960s.
So, while it’s old technology, linear compressors—at 25 years old—aren’t exactly new either. I can’t think of anything I still have after 25 years.
Here are the differences:
- Mechanical Complexity: Traditional compressors, like rotary or reciprocating models, use multiple moving parts to compress refrigerant. This mechanical complexity increases the likelihood of failure over time.
- Energy Usage: Standard compressors typically operate in an "on/off" cycle leading to higher energy consumption
- Noise Levels: With more moving parts, regular compressors generate more noise and vibration during operation.
- Cooling Consistency: Traditional compressors with the on/off can cause wider temperature swings
In theory, choosing a linear compressor seems like the better option.
Then this happened:
Linear Compressors in LG Refrigerators 2014–2017
In 2020, LG agreed to settle claims related to allegedly faulty compressors in refrigerators manufactured between 2014 and 2017.
I can’t comment on those refrigerators—we didn’t start selling LG until 2018.
LG Compressor Class-Action Lawsuit 2024
The basis of this new settlement mirrors the old: linear compressors are claimed to be defective, and LG is accused of being aware of the issues but failing to address them.
Key Points of the Lawsuit:
- Alleged Defect: The lawsuit claims that the linear compressors in specific LG and Kenmore refrigerator models are faulty, leading to cooling failures and rendering the appliances inoperable.
- Consumer Impact: Affected consumers report that their refrigerators failed after only a few years of use, resulting in spoiled food and unexpected repair or replacement costs.
- Legal Action: The plaintiffs seek compensation for damages incurred due to the alleged defects and demand that LG cease selling the defective products.
- Previous Settlements: The lawsuit references prior settlements where LG addressed similar compressor issues, suggesting a pattern of recurring problems with these components.
GE Rotary Compressor Issues 1989
For context, when I started at Yale in 1986, GE had just designed a new rotary compressor.
It was launched with much fanfare in 1989.
However, engineers reportedly knew it was flawed but still installed it in GE’s newest and largest refrigerators.
The result was a disaster, leading to a massive recall that cost GE over $1 billion at the time.
This setback marked a turning point for GE appliances.
The company was never the same and eventually sold its appliance division in 2016 after being on the market for more than 20 years.
Small Footnote: I originally didn’t like seeing foreign ownership of an American brand, but Haier has transformed GE back into relevance. Kudos to them.
Linear Compressor Failure Rates 2018–2024
In six years, we have sold 9,204 LG refrigerators, serviced 1,000 of them, and replaced 99 compressors for various reasons.
This means about 1% of all LG refrigerators with compressors sold at Yale needed a compressor replacement.
The actual number of compressors that truly needed replacement is probably lower.
We have refrigerator technicians on the road who typically replace the compressor in a “refrigerator not cooling” situation, along with other parts, to ensure the refrigerator is working.
Many parts can cause your refrigerator not to cool, including the electronic boards, condenser, and compressor.
By replacing them all, the customer ends up with a working refrigerator.
Our Refrigerator Reliability Report will be out in the next few weeks. Click here to subscribe to the Yale Blog and be the first to be notified.
How Does LG Compare to Other Brands?
Bosch
Bosch performs better, at least when it comes to compressors, with 1,615 refrigerators serviced and only 9 compressors replaced—roughly half the rate of LG.
Bosch is the only freestanding refrigerator with two compressors like most of the premium refrigerators such as Sub-Zero, Thermador, True, Miele, and Gaggenau.
GE
GE, on the other hand, has a slightly higher rate, with 751 refrigerators serviced and 20 compressors replaced, equating to just under 3%.
Here’s a breakdown of compressor replacement rates from 2018-2024:
- LG: 1.1% (99 Compressors Serviced Out of 9,204 Refrigerators sold
- Bosch: 0.6% (9 Compressors Serviced Out of 1,615 Refrigerators sold )
- GE*: 2.7% (20 Compressors Serviced Out of 751 Refrigerators sold )
- KitchenAid*: 5.4% (49 Compressors Serviced Out of Refrigerators sold)
- Samsung*: 1.9% (15 Compressors Serviced Out of 793 Refrigerators sold)
*We have not sold GE, KitchenAid, or Samsung for all of the last six years like we have with Bosch and LG. Bosch is the most comparable to LG due to similar sales and service history over this period.
When looking at overall service calls and repair history, LG is better, with 7.4% of units requiring repairs compared to 12.5% for Bosch and 19.2% for GE.
Pro Tip: Before buying any refrigerator, check if your local appliance store offers reliable service for that brand.
So, Should You Buy an LG Refrigerator or Choose Another Brand?
One percent is far lower than the average first-year repair rate of 9% for appliances.
The compressor is not defective at that rate.
If you want to stay away from LG, I understand. But your options aren’t much better and, in fact, are far worse for overall repair.
LG’s real problem isn’t unique—it’s the same issue facing every appliance brand:
All the class-action lawsuits in the last few years stem mostly from the response to the problem rather than the problem itself.
There simply aren’t enough qualified technicians to repair appliances, especially refrigerator specialists.
When a company sells millions of refrigerators nationwide, even a 1% failure rate adds up to tens of thousands of issues.
No brand is equipped to handle that many repairs.
That said, LG has launched its own service department, which should improve things in the long run.
For now, you should be mindful of what brands, stores, and departments can best fix your appliances where you live.
If you live in an area where LG’s service network is limited, consider brands with stronger local support like Bosch or GE.
Additional Resources
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Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
