What to Know About the Sharp Microwave Drawer Class Action Settlement [UPDATE]

Has your Sharp microwave drawer been sparking or smoking, or has it stopped working altogether? If so, you may be able to get some money back through a recent class action settlement.

Sharp Electronics Corporation, though admitting no wrongdoing, has agreed to settle claims that its microwave drawers contain a defect that causes “arcing through the waveguide”—an event that could cause the appliance to malfunction or break.

The settlement provides benefits in the form of a limited extended warranty that allows those who experience an “arcing event” to claim either a replacement microwave drawer oven, cash payment, or voucher, as well as reimbursement for inspection and repair costs and the costs of repairing cabinetry due to the removal of a microwave drawer.

To take advantage of the settlement, you’ll need to take action. Keep reading to find out what you need to know and how to file your claim.

Who Is Included in the Settlement?

The settlement includes anyone in the U.S. who either purchased or received a new Sharp-branded microwave drawer oven or was the first person to own residential property with a new Sharp-branded microwave drawer oven that was installed between January 1, 2009 and August 5, 2020.

Note that the deal applies only to microwave drawers and not other Sharp microwaves such as countertop or over-the-range models.

What Can I Get from the Settlement?

Everyone covered under the settlement will receive an extension of their existing warranty from one to five years. The limited extended warranty only covers “arcing events”—i.e., when the microwave drawer oven malfunctions due to arcing in the waveguide, the component in the top of the microwave that directs energy from the magnetron into the cooking cavity.

During an arcing event, sparks or flashes may be seen while the microwave drawer oven is in use, and you might hear a buzzing noise. If the arcing continues, the microwave could start smoking or stop working altogether.

If you experience an arcing event during the limited extended warranty period, you are eligible for one of the following benefit options:

In addition to one of these benefits, you can also claim reimbursement of up to $150 in labor costs for repairs or inspections related to an arcing event, or reimbursement of up to $200 to repair adjacent cabinetry if you decide to remove your microwave drawer oven.

How Do I File a Claim?

Head over to the settlement website to either download a paper claim form to mail or email to Sharp at the addresses provided, or complete an online claim form.

When you submit your claim, you must include the following documentation:

When Do I Need to Submit My Claim Form?

If your five-year limited extended warranty expires after January 7, 2021, you must submit a claim form within two years of a documented arcing event.

If your five-year limited extended warranty expires before January 7, 2021, you have until May 7, 2021 to submit a claim.

Your limited extended warranty begins either on the date your microwave drawer oven was installed or 30 days after purchase, whichever date is earlier. If you don’t have proof of purchase or installation, your warranty begins 90 days after the date of manufacture, which is printed on the appliance’s serial number plate.

What If My Sharp Microwave Hasn’t Malfunctioned?

If your microwave drawer oven hasn’t experienced an arcing event, you don’t need to do anything to qualify for the limited extended warranty, but you should still retain a copy of the claim form in case your appliance malfunctions in the future.

Submitting a claim form is the only way to obtain the benefits offered under the warranty.

How Long Will It Take to Receive Benefits from the Settlement?

Any payments or replacement microwave drawer ovens will be sent after the court grants the settlement final approval and any appeals are resolved. The final approval hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2021, so it could be a little while before you receive a response.

Where Can I Find More Information?

Check out the settlement website to find more detailed information about the deal and how it affects you.

If you still have questions, you can contact the Settlement Administrator by emailing info@SharpMicrowaveLitigation.com, or calling 1-800-242-5127.

If you want to check the status of your claim, you can contact Sharp directly at 1-855-899-5483 or by email at SharpDrawerClaim@sharpsec.com. 

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