The heat hasn't even begun to subside for Whirlpool competitor Samsung Electronics. Rather, it has accelerated as not only have they battled critical issues with their Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, now they've been ordered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to recall nearly 3-million top-loading washing machines following "impact injuries" that included a broken jaw, a dislocated shoulder and other injuries.
The company says they've had reports of the drum on the washers in question losing balance, triggering excessive vibrations, resulting in the top separating from the rest of the washer. It can occur when a high-speed spin cycle is used for bedding, water-resistant or bulky items and presents an injury risk to consumers. The company says 2.8-million washers are being recalled as a result of the problems.
The Chairman of the CPSC told ABC's Good Morning America, "We're talking about a very serious hazard of the top of these washing machines completely blowing off. It's a lot of reports." Elliott Kaye is that Chairman. He went on to say, "This would scare the heck out of me, which is why we hope parents and others take advantage of this recall."
John Herrington is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Home Appliances for Samsung Electronics America. He says, "Our priority is to reduce any safety risks in the home and to provide our customers with easy and simply choices in response to the recall." He adds, "We are moving quickly and in partnership with the CPSC to ensure consumers know the options available to them and that any disruption in the home is minimized."
Consumers with a recalled washer will be offered two choices as part of the recall program. 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 toward their new Samsung washer purchase.
As an added safety measure, all known washer owners will also receive a Home Label Kit in the mail. That kit will include a new control panel guide (excluding the mid-control models), two warning labels and step-by-step instructions for applying them to the machine, and a user manual supplement.
Additionally, consumers who purchased a recalled washer in the last 30 days are eligible for a full refund from their original place of purchase.
Until the repair is complete, the washer exchanged, or the Home Label Kit is applied, Samsung and the CPSC are advising owners of the recalled washers to sue the delicate or waterproof cycles when washing bedding, water-resistant or bulky items.
The company says they are moving quickly to inform washer owners about the issue and the options available to them. Working in partnership with retailers and the CPSC, Samsung is actively informing consumers through direct outreach, including customer service, social media, marketing, and in-store communication.
Consumers who have registered their top-load washer model with Samsung or retailers will be contacted to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers who are not registered, as well as those who want more information about the exchange rebate, should visit the link below:
To date some 733 reports of washing machines falling apart, sometimes violently, have been registered. The voluntary recall impacts 34 different model numbers.
