ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Norcold is recalling certain RV refrigerators installed as original equipment in various recreation vehicles due to a fatigue failure which could cause a fire.

The recall affects Models 1200LR, 1200LRIM, AND 1201LRIM manufactured between March 1, 1999 and Feb. 28, 2001. The cooling units' serial numbers range between 1008701 and 1273700.

A fatigue failure in the section of the cooling unit which contains the refrigerant could allow the liquid solution to slowly leak. If a leak occurs and the refrigerator continues to be operated after the solution circulation has ceased, the heat source could generate very high temperatures, the company said in the recall notice.

At such temperatures, the steel material of the cooling unit could soften and rupture.  If refrigerant gas is still in place when the rupture occurs, hydrogen gas may be expelled and could be ignited by the high temperature, possibly causing a fire.

Norcold is working to identify the number of refrigerators that we manufactured with this condition. The company is working with RV manufacturers to notify owners and repair the cooling units free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May.

Owners may call Norcold at 800.767.9101.