The GE Microwave class action lawsuit states that the units are “unreasonably dangerous and unsuitable for their intended use.”  The control panel gets too hot and starts fires, essentially.  In the Ohio case, the local news station reported the fire and the fire department’s statement that the microwave had started the fire, to GE themselves.  GE’s response to the news channel was that there was indeed a fault in the electrical contol panel of these microwaves.  They changed their story a few hours later, saying they needed to look into the matter more carefully before admitting anything. 

This was in 2005, and just this May of 2009 a GE Microwave Class Action Lawsuit was filed in Federal Court.  There are now 20 victims of GE Microwave fires.  The lawsuit also claims that 20 different GE Microwave models are included in the class action lawsuit.  If you think you have a problematic GE Microwave, you can call Consumer Product Safety Commission at this number: 1-800-638-2772.