Why Are Friedrich KÜHL Window Air Conditioners Being Recalled?

The units that are affected

The recall involves two product lines: KÜHL Q and KÜHL S window air conditioners. Both have a gray front panel and a black air discharge grille. The Friedrich name and logo sit in the lower left corner of the unit. On the KÜHL Q the front control panel is on the top left corner. On the KÜHL S the control panel is on the right side below the discharge grille. Six model numbers are included: KCVQ08B10A, KHVQ10B11A, KCVS08B10A, KCVS12B10A, KCVS12B30A and KCVS16B30A. The model and serial number are located inside the air conditioner. Only some serial numbers have motors that are included in this recall. The firm has not published a full serial number range in the notice. Owners must check their specific unit on the recall website.

How the failure happens

The hazard comes from the control board inside the motor. That board can fail. When it fails it can ignite. The notice describes the risk as serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards. The motor is a sealed component in these units. The control board sits inside that motor housing. A failure there puts the ignition source directly in the airflow path and near the electrical supply.

Two reports indicate the air conditioner's motor ignited. One incident caused smoke and fire damage to a residence. No injuries have been reported.

What owners must do now

Consumers should stop using the recalled air conditioners immediately. They should visit www.friedrich.com/product-recall to determine if their unit is covered. The serial number from inside the unit is required. If the serial number is included in the recall the firm will send instructions for a refund or a free replacement unit. Call 800-541-6645 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. The recall number is 26-776. The importer is Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. of San Antonio Texas. The units were manufactured in Mexico.

Where and when they were sold

Retailers included PC Richard & Son and Grainger. Johnson Supply stores also carried the units. Other appliance distributors and retailers nationwide sold them as well. The sales period ran from January 2026 through August 2026. Prices ranged from $1,300 to $2,000. The notice does not say how many of the 2,000 units were sold through each channel. It does not say whether any units remain in retailer inventory.

Announced September 17 2026. The notice does not explain why the recall covers units sold only in an eight month window. It does not say whether earlier or later production runs use a different motor design.