Samsung Recalls 34 Washing Machine Models, Injuries Reported

Samsung just can't catch a break.

Samsung Electronics, already hit by a global recall of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, announced it would recall 34 models of its top-load washing machines in the United States to address safety concerns.

[Image Source: Samsung]

On Nov. 4, Samsung, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of top-load washers manufactured between March 2011 and current production dates. The washing machines have mid-controls or rear-controls.

The voluntary action was due to the reports that highlight the risk of injury when a high-speed spin cycle is used for bulky items. During a high-speed spin, the drums in these washers may lose balance, triggering excessive vibrations. The top can separate from the washer.

Samsung received 733 reports of washing machines experiencing excessive vibration or the top detaching from the washing machine chassis.  There are nine related reports of injuries, including a broken jaw, injured shoulder, and other impact or fall-related injuries.

As part of the recall program, consumers will be offered three choices:

Free in-home repair – Consumers who choose the in-home repair will include reinforcement of the washer’s top. They also receive a free one-year extension of the manufacturer’s warranty, irrespective of the age of their washer. The free in-home repair is not available for the mid-control washer at this time.

Rebate – The rebate includes a purchase of a new washer from Samsung or other brand washing machine, along with free installation and removal of the old unit. The recalled washer manufacture date and model is used to calculate the rebate amount. Consumers who choose a Samsung washer will receive an additional loyalty incentive up to $150 toward their new washer purchase.

In the last 30 days prior to this recall announcement, consumers who purchased a recalled washer are eligible for a full refund from their original place of purchase.

Additional Safety Measure:

All known washer owners will receive a Home Label Kit by mail in approximately 14 days. The kit will include a new control panel guide (excluding mid-control models), two warning labels and step-by-step instructions for applying them to the machine, and a user manual supplement.

The new control panel guide included in the kit will ensure that users select a reduced-speed spin cycle for washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items. The warning labels act as a reminder.

Until the repair, Samsung, and the CPSC are advising owners of the recalled washers to use the delicate or waterproof cycles when washing bedding, water-resistant or bulky items.

How do you check if your Samsung washing machine is under recall?

[Image Source: CPSC]

Through the website:

-Note down your washer’s model number and 14/15-digit serial number, which you can find on the rare of the washer

-The Model and Serial Number are in two locations: 1) On the back of the control panel; 2) On the back right of the washer

-Select the model from the drop down list in this link and choose the model number from the list and enter the serial number

-Enter the serial number and press enter

If you have registered your washer with Samsung, click “For Registered Customers", and then enter the email address and phone number you used while registering.

You can also call the dedicated toll-free hotline at 1-866-264-5636 [8:00am – 10:00pm (ET), Monday – Sunday]

SEE ALSO: Samsung Will Give You $100 to Trade in Your Note 7 for Another Samsung Device

Use this list of Model numbers(by CPSC) to find out if your washer is on the recall list.

Due to the second recall in two months, it is likely to raise concerns over the company's quality measures and product safety among public.

via Samsung