Samsung Recall Update: 2.8 Million Washing Machines Recalled by CPSC

Product Safety Recall: 2.8 Million Samsung Washing Machines

About a month after warning consumers that some Samsung Electronics America, Inc., washing machines could explode during use, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has officially recalled 2.8 million units in North America. The recall comes after 733 incidents have been reported, including at least nine alleged “impact injuries.” One owner was said to be treated for a broken jaw due to parts of the Samsung machine detaching during the spin cycle and allegedly hitting him in the face.

In August, a class action lawsuit foretelling the recall was filed in New Jersey against Samsung that claimed some of the same top-loading washing machines broke apart and exploded during use. While the lawsuit is still pending, 34 models of Samsung’s top-loading washing machines assembled between March 2011 and November 2016, sold at Best Buy, Lowe’s, Sears, and Home Depot, have been recalled. Samsung said they will offer free in-home repairs “including reinforcement of the washer’s top” that will come with a new one-year warranty, or consumers can opt for a rebate applied to the purchase of a new washing machine (of up to $150), including free installation and removal of the defective unit.

“Our priority is to reduce safety risks in the home and to provide our customers with easy and simple choices in response to the recall,” said John Herrington of Samsung America. “We are moving quickly in partnership with the CPSC to ensure consumers know the options available to them and that any disruption in the home is minimized.” Owners of an affected Samsung machine will also be receiving a “new control panel guide” that will show consumers how to avoid dangerous washing conditions.

Samsung Top-Loading Washing Machines

Samsung has said that the manufacturing defects are only found in top-loading washing machines in North America, but the recall brings back memories of a similar one in Australia. In April 2013, Samsung recalled 150,000 of their washing machines—one of the largest consumer recalls in Australia’s history—that were also manufactured starting in 2010. The washing machines in Australia were linked to a series of house fires and extensive property damage.

Still working through the fallout from their massive smartphone recall that could reportedly cost the company more than $5 billion, Samsung’s consumer product division is hoping that this is their last fire to be put out by the CPSC. The South Korean multinational conglomerate has asked owners of their top-loading washing machines to refrain from using any high speed cycles until repairs are made, especially when “used for bedding, water resistant or bulky items” to prevent any further injuries.

To see if your washing machine is affected see: https://pages.samsung.com/us/tlw/index.html