Samsung Issues Service Bulletin for Top-Mount Refrigerator Defrost Issues

Samsung Electronics has released Service Bulletin ASC-2026-0214 addressing persistent defrost system failures in several top-mount refrigerator models manufactured between 2022 and 2024.

Affected Models

The bulletin covers the following model series:

• RT18M6213 (all variants)
• RT21M6213 (all variants)
• RT18M6215 (all variants)

What Technicians Need to Know

The root cause has been traced to a defrost heater assembly that fails prematurely due to a manufacturing defect in the thermal fuse integration. Samsung is providing replacement heater assemblies (part number DA47-00424B) at no cost for authorized service centers.

Repair Procedure Summary

1. Unplug the unit and remove all food from the freezer compartment
2. Remove the rear freezer panel (6 Phillips screws)
3. Disconnect the defrost heater harness
4. Replace the complete heater assembly — do not attempt to replace only the thermal fuse
5. Run a forced defrost cycle to verify operation

Impact on Service Shops

Independent repair shops that are not Samsung-authorized will need to source the replacement part through aftermarket channels. The OEM part retails for approximately $85-95.

This is the third service bulletin Samsung has issued for their top-mount line in the past 18 months, which may factor into repair-vs-replace conversations with customers.