What is a common cause of refrigerator failure?

A faulty compressor or refrigerant leak is a prevalent cause of refrigerator failure because these components are pivotal to the refrigeration cycle. The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system, allowing for heat exchange that cools the interior of the refrigerator. When the compressor fails or there is a leak in the refrigerant lines, the cooling efficiency diminishes significantly or ceases altogether, leading to higher internal temperatures and food spoilage. This situation often requires professional servicing or replacement of parts.

While other issues, such as a clogged drain line, a broken door seal, or poor placement, can cause operational problems, they typically do not result in complete failure of the refrigeration system. These problems may affect performance and efficiency but are generally less critical compared to a malfunctioning compressor or refrigerant loss, which directly impacts the core function of the appliance.