If Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) wasn’t already having a bad year from the global recall of its Note 7 smartphones, it recently announced plans to recall 2.8 million of its top-load washing machines in the United States due to safety concerns.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement on Friday that the top of the washing machines can detach during use, posing a risk of injury from impact.
The CPSC said:
“The washing machine top can unexpectedly detach from the washing machine chassis during use… This recall involves 34 models of Samsung top-load washing machines. The washing machines have mid-controls or rear controls. Model numbers and serial information can be found on two labels affixed to the back of the machine… Consumers should check with Samsung to see if their washer is recalled.”
According to the CPSC, Samsung has so far registered “733 reports of washing machines experiencing excessive vibration or the top detaching from the washing machine chassis.”
“We’re talking about … a very serious hazard of the top of these washing machines completely blowing off,” Elliot Kaye, the chairman of the CPSC, told “GMA” Investigates in an interview that aired Friday on “GMA.” “It is a lot of reports.”
Samsung has received nine reports of injuries including an injured shoulder, broken jaw and other fall-related injuries.
In a statement, Samsung told investigates:
“Samsung is moving quickly to offer safe and easy choices to consumers impacted by the recall. Our priority is to minimise any safety risk and address the conditions that lead to the rare instance when the top of the washer unexpectedly separates from the unit.”
We apologise for the inconvenience this is creating to our loyal customers. We have worked closely with the CPSC to offer a consumer-friendly recall that is safe, easy and complete with choices suited to the needs of anyone who may own a recalled machine. Our service teams are now scheduling visits to consumers’ homes to conduct free repairs and help resolve any concerns they may have.”