Appliance Recalls – Samsung Top-Loading Washing Machines

samsung washer recall
Fred's Appliance
November 30, 2016
Product Recalls

It’s difficult to imagine that a washing machine can actually cause injury to an individual.  Unless a small child should happen to get inside a machine or barring an electrical issue, it would seem that washing machines are one of the safest appliances in a family’s household.  Fortunately, this is true in most cases.  However, it is not true in the case of Samsung top-loading washing machines.

According to a recent Reuter’s article, on November 4, 2016, Samsung issued an official appliance recall for some of their machines.  The units involved in the voluntary recall are 34 various models of Samsung washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and November 2016.  In the U.S. alone there are almost three millions units involved in the recall.  Prices range from $450 to $1,500 for the affected models, so it seems the recall affects even Samsung’s higher end models, along with their more budget-friendly models.  According to Samsung’s website, there are NO Samsung front-loading washing machines included in their voluntary recall.

Samsung’s washing machines are undergoing a recall due to the over 700 reports where the units experienced either excessive vibration or the top of the machine actually detached from the rest of the unit while the machine was in use.  The washing machine drums seem to lose balance more easily than other units and contribute to the excess vibration.  Nine of the reports pertained to injuries including a broken jaw, an injured shoulder and other fall-related injuries.  According to Samsung, although none of the washing machines have actually exploded, during use the top of the machine can become detached.  If an individual is near enough to the washing machine during use, they are susceptible to injury by flying debris from the machine.

Most of the issues seemed to have occurred during the high-speed spin cycle used for laundry loads containing bulky items such as bedding or other water-resistant items.  However, given the nature of the issue and the potential for severe injury, the best thing for owners to do is to stop using their machine completely until the issue is resolved.

According to Samsung’s website, they are offering their consumers two choices as part of the recall:

  • The first option is a free in-home repair that includes reinforcement of the washer’s top. Consumers who choose the in-home repair will receive a free one-year extension of the manufacturer’s warranty, regardless of the age of their washer. The free in-home repair is not available for mid-control washer at this time.
  • The second choice is a rebate that can be applied towards the purchase of a new washer from Samsung or other brand washing machine, along with free installation of the new unit and removal of the old unit. The rebate amount is based on the manufacture date and model of the recalled washer. Consumers who choose a Samsung washer will receive an additional loyalty incentive up to $150 toward their new Samsung washer purchase.

In addition, anyone purchasing one of the affected models within the past 30 days before the recall, is eligible for a complete refund from the place of purchase.

To get more information about the recall for Samsung’s top-loading washing machines, you can visit the official recall page of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) here.  You can also call Samsung directly at 1-866-264-5636 from 8a.m.-10p.m. ET.  In addition, you can visit Samsung’s website at www.samsung.com and click on the link at the top of their website page for more information about the recall.  You will need the model and serial number for your machine to determine if yours is eligible for the recall.  These numbers are printed on two separate labels found on the back of your machine.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your washing machine regardless of manufacturer, please contact us.  At the time of this article’s posting, Fred’s Appliance does not service any Samsung products.

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