First exploding phones, now exploding washing machines
First came the exploding phones -- now Samsung faces claims its washing machines can blow up.
The South Korean technology giant is recalling 2.8 million top-loading washers after reported injuries and a lawsuit alleging that they explode. The appliance’s top can “unexpectedly detach from the washing machine chassis during use, posing a risk of injury from impact,” the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday. The recall includes 34 models.
The recall comes after more than 700 reports of Samsung washers experiencing excessive vibration or the top detaching from the machine. There have been nine reports of related injuries, including a broken jaw and injured shoulder.
In August, three women in New Jersey filed a class-action lawsuit against Samsung, alleging that their washing machines are defective and “explode during normal use.”
Owners of Samsung top-loading washing machines are urged to contact the company immediately to receive a free in-home repair that includes reinforcement of the washer’s top and a free one-year extension of the manufacturer’s warranty. Alternatively, the company is offering a rebate for a new washing machine and free installation of the new unit and removal of the old unit, or a full refund for consumers who bought their washing machine within the past 30 days of the recall announcement.
For now, consumers are advised to only use the delicate or waterproof cycles when washing bedding, water-resistant and bulky items.
The machines were sold from March 2011 to November 2016 for between $450 and $1,500.
