Important Information about the Samsung Top-Loading Washing Machine Recall

Washing machines handle some of the dirtiest work around the house, so it can be disconcerting to see a recall notice issued because the lid is flying off. If you own a Samsung top-loading washing machine, or are just interested in more information on this newsworthy-recall, keep reading to find out what is going on.

When the recall was announced

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this particular recall was announced by Samsung on November 4, 2016.

Machines affected by this recall

According to the announcement, thirty-four separate models of Samsung’s top-loading washing machines are listed as part of this recall. All of these models have mid- or rear controls. They were all manufactured in South Korea, Thailand and China between 2011 and 2016, and sold at home appliances stores across the country. The list of stores these units were sold at includes:

• Best Buy
• The Home Depot
• Lowes
• Sears

Buyers paid between $450 and $1,500 for these units.

Not all of Samsung’s washing machines are affected by this recall. If you own one of their front-loading machines or purchased a top-loading washer before 2011 or after 2016, your unit is not involved.

Reason for the recall

The models involved are being recalled because of an issue that may cause the top of the washing machine to detach from its chassis in the middle of a washing cycle. There is a risk of potential impact injury due to this issue.

Information on reported incidents

According to the U.S. CPSC, Samsung had received over 700 reports from consumers about machines with this issue when they announced the recall. Owners of these machines reported everything from the machines vibrating excessively to seeing the top detach from the machine.So far, nine reports included incident-related injuries. Besides impact and fall-related injuries, a broken jaw and shoulder injuries have occurred.

Similar recalls

About two months prior to Samsung’s announcement of this recall, GE announced a recall of some of their top-loading washing machines. It involved the potential fire hazard related to an electrical component in the washing machines overheating.

If you would like more information about this recall, you can read more about it on the U.S. CPSC recall notice page: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/GE-Appliances-Recalls-Top-Loading%20Clothes-Washers

In 2012, there was a similar recall on LG and Kenmore Elite Brand top-loading washing machines with a risk-of-injury hazard. In the case of this recall, it was reported that the drum was coming loose in the middle of running loads that were not balanced.

Information on the LG and Kenmore Elite Brand recall can be found here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2013/LG-Recalls-Top-Loading-Washing-Machines-Due-to-Risk-of-Injury

Remedies Offered by the Manufacturer

Samsung is offering three remedies to consumers as part of their recall program.

1. Free in-home service repair. The manufacturer is offering to provide consumers with a free in-home service visit from a qualified repairman to repair the washing machine (including reinforcing the top so it is not able to fly off). This option includes a one-year extension of the manufacturer’s warranty starting the day the unit is repaired, regardless of the age of the machine.
2. Rebate. Consumers who choose this option will receive a rebate to be applied to the purchase of a new washing machine, no matter the brand. How much of a rebate consumers receive will depend on the age of the machine they are replacing. This option includes a reimbursement from Samsung for any installation and removal fees charged by retailers. Consumers who choose another Samsung brand washing machine will receive an additional $150 loyalty incentive on top of their rebate.
3. Refund. Original buyers who purchased their machines in the thirty days prior to the recall notice could be eligible for full refunds from the retailer where they made the purchase.

As an added measure, the manufacturer sent out Home Label Kits to consumers they know are affected by the recall. The kits include:

• A supplement to the user’s manual
• A new guide for the washing machine’s control panel
• Warning labels (with instructions for applying the labels to the machine)

Consumers who have not installed the Home Label Kit or followed up on Samsung’s remedy options are advised to wash bulky, water-resistant and bedding items on either the delicate or waterproof cycles until the kit has been installed or the unit has been replaced.

Verifying your machine’s status in the recall

You can determine whether or not your washing machine is affected in one of two ways.

If you are internet-savvy, Samsung has included a search tool on their recall notice page for consumers to check on the status of their machine. They have provided three ways to search:

1. New Customers: This option is for those who have not registered their machine with Samsung. Model and serial numbers will be needed.
2. Returning/Registered Customers: This option is for customers who have already registered their machine, but have not received the Home Label Kit. These customers can log in with the email address and phone number and check on the status that way.
3. Customers who received the Home Label Kit: These customers can enter the identification number included in the kit and the zip code it was sent to.

Link to Samsung’s Recall Notice page: https://pages.samsung.com/us/tlw/If you are less internet-savvy, the better option may be to find the model and serial numbers on your machine, then check the list of affected models on the U.S. CPSC’s recall page and contact Samsung’s Consumer Contact line for the recall – 866-264-5636 – to discuss your options.Link to the U.S. CPSC’s recall notice: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/samsung-recalls-top-load-washing-machines

Finding the model and serial numbers

If you cannot find a label underneath the lid with, look at the top of the back of the machine. One label will be in the center and the other on the right side.

Conclusion

While we regularly service washing machines like the one involved in this recall in the Austin and San Antonio areas, we recommend that you contact Samsung directly if you believe your washing machine could be part of this recall. If you need any other concerns related to appliances in your house – do not hesitate – contact us today.