2016 has not been a great year for Samsung, and it doesn’t look like it will be getting better any time soon. The company just recalled 2.8 million of its top load washing machines in the US, because the machines can basically fall apart during use.
Image: Getty
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall on Friday. The agency explained, “The washing machine top can unexpectedly detach from the washing machine chassis during use, posing a risk of injury from impact.” That is, well, not good!
According to CNBC, Samsung has received “733 reports washing machines experiencing excessive vibration or the top detaching from the washing machine chassis”. There have been nine reported injuries so far, including a broken jaw and injured shoulder. There has been no recall in Australia, as the affected machines appear to be US models.
This isn’t the first time people have experienced problems with Samsung’s washing machines. In Australia, Samsung top-loader washing machines manufactured between 2010 and 2013 were recalled due to their tendency to catch fire. And earlier this year, a class action lawsuit against Samsung was filed in the US because people’s washing machines were apparently exploding.
Exploding? Hmm… doesn’t that ring a bell? Yes, it does! As I’m sure you remember Samsung recently issued a complete worldwide recall because its Note7 phones were spontaneously bursting into flames. Samsung dragged its feet on the recall, first issuing replacement phones, but those caught on fire too.
Samsung is offering customers with recalled machines two options. From Samsung’s press release:
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 washers 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 [AU$195] toward their new Samsung washer purchase.
If you’re in the US and own a Samsung washing machine, here’s where you can check to see if your unit is included in the recall. We reached out to Samsung but had not heard back at time of writing.
[CPSC]