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The government awards contracts to companies with histories of misconduct such as contract fraud and environmental, ethics, and labor violations. In the absence of a centralized federal database listing instances of misconduct, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is providing such data. We believe that it will lead to improved contracting decisions and public access to information about how the government spends hundreds of billions of taxpayer money each year on goods and services. Report an instance of misconduct »

General Electric

Turner v. General Electric (Defective Refrigerators)

Date: 04/29/2005 (Date of Filing)

Misconduct Type: Consumer Affairs

Enforcement Agency: Non-Governmental

Contracting Party: None

Court Type: Civil

Amount: $1,326,500

Disposition: Settlement

Synopsis: A nationwide class-action lawsuit alleged breach of express warranty and implied warranty of merchantability, unjust enrichment/restitution and negligence with regard to General Electric’s “GE” and “Hotpoint” brand refrigerators. The plaintiffs alleged the refrigerators contained a defect that resulted in a variety of problems, including the formation of excessive moisture which caused the development of rust and water leaks along the sides and beneath the refrigerator, the formation of metal shavings and shards of plastic in the ice created in the freezer, and wavering temperature controls. The case settled in December 2005 without GE admitting any wrongdoing or liability. Among the terms of the settlement, GE agreed to pay plaintiffs’ attorney fees and other costs. GE also agreed to exchange customers' refrigerators or pay for service calls.