It was May 14, 2025, when we first noticed that the Midea U MAW08V1QWT — our favorite window air conditioner for five years running — had suddenly and inexplicably disappeared from shelves. We looked into it and learned that plenty of Midea ACs were in stock all across the country. But the company had told stores to stop selling them.Why hold back on air conditioners right at the start of summer?After a lot of calls and emails, we received an explanation from the company. Midea had been investigating the same situation we at Wirecutter had been following since 2023: sporadic allegations of mold issues affecting its U-shaped air conditioner, the Midea U MAW08V1QWT (as well as the newer Midea U Plus MAW08U1QWT). As of June 5, 2025, a Midea representative told us on a call, the company is issuing a voluntary recall (the CPSC also notes the recall). Midea also shared additional details about a technical solution and a prorated refund that it plans to offer.