To say that this is not a good year for Samsung Electronics would be an understatement. Hot on the heels of the massive recall and production halt on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones comes this new problem with several models of top-loading washing machine units.
On September 29, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) had issued a warning about a few Samsung top-loading washing machines were experiencing problems. The warning from Samsung, however, made it sound like a minor problem:
“In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items.”
That ‘minor’ problem now seems to have blown up into a full-fledged recall of 34 models of Samsung top-loading washing machines from as far back as March 2011. The problem was not seen in any front-loading washing machine models, according to Samsung and the CPSC.
The total count of recalled machines is 2.8 million units, and that’s even more than the total 2.5 million Note 7s that were recalled all over the world – 1.9 million of those were sold in the United States alone.
The reports about “exploding” washing machines is now coming in thick and fast, the most recent count being nearly 800 complaints. In September, a class action lawsuit was initiated against Samsung by one of the industry’s most respected personalities – attorney Jason L. Lichtman of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP.
There’s no word yet on a court decision, but Lieff Cabraser seems to be gathering public information about issues with Samsung top-loading washing machines on its website. They’re asking affected people to come forward and report their issues, presumably because it will strengthen their case against Samsung.
For Samsung’s part, it is fully complying with the CPSC and has recalled all affected models. You can check your washing machine model number against the list of models eligible for the recall and subsequent benefits.
There are basically three options:
- Free repair and free extended warranty
- A rebate towards a new washing machine, with free installation included (also included is an additional loyalty incentive up to $150 toward their new Samsung washer purchase.)
- A full refund if the machine was bought in the last 30 days
Samsung is also sending a Home Label Kit to all its users via regular mail. The kit contains “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.”
To avail either one of the offers, you’ll need to visit Samsung site here:
Check Recall Eligibility
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