Washing Machine Fire Hazard

Samsung has recalled approximately 663,500 washing machines for a possible fire hazard. The recalled machines can short circuit, overheat, and ignite. The cause of the hazard is related to a software problem that has to be updated in order to eliminate the problem. The list below shows the models that are involved in this recall.

It should be noted that those with electronic machines that are readily connectable to the internet will receive the software update automatically. Those owners with machines that are not connected to the internet or prefer to remain disconnected will have to contact Samsung for instructions on how to obtain the software update. In the meantime, consumers are urged not to use their machines until the update has been installed. For additional information, consumers can contact Samsung Electronic America LLC in Ridgeway Park, NJ by calling 1-833-916-4555 and referencing recall number 23-080.

Samsung Recalls Washing Machines

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that Samsung is recalling approximately 2.8 million top loading washing machines. The top of the machines can detach while in operation and pose a risk of injury. The detachment has been described recently by news reporting agencies such as ABC as an “explosion”.  This recall involves 34 models and is also dependant on the serial number.  The model and serial number information can be found on labels attached to the back of the machines.  Once the model number is verified, Samsung will have to be contacted in order to determine if the serial number assigned to that machine is involved in the recall.  Samsung can be contacted by calling 1-866-264-5636 or online at www.Samsung.com .  If a washing machine is identified as part of this recall, consumers will have one of three options: a free in-home repair and extension of the manufacturer’s warranty, a rebate to be applied to the purchase of a new machine (including another brand), or a full refund for consumers who purchased their machines within the past 30 days of the recall announcement.  The date of the recall announcement is November 4, 2016.  The recall number for this recall is 17-028.

The following machine models are part of this recall:

WA40J3000AW/A2          WA45H7000AP/A2

WA45H7000AW/A2          WA45H7200AW/A2

WA45K7600AW/A2          WA45K7100AW/A2

WA48H7400AW/A2         WA48J7700AW/A2

WA48J7770AP/A2             WA48J7770AW/A2

WA50K8600AV/A2          WA50K8600AW/A2

WA52J8700AP/A2            WA52J 8700AW/A2

WA400PJHDWR/AA        WA422PRHDWR/AA

WA456DRHDSU/AA         WA456DRHDWR/AA

WA476DSHASU/A1           WA476DSHAWR/A1

WA484DSHASU/A1           WA484DSHAWR/A1

WA 48H7400AP/A2           WA50F9A6DSW/A2

WA50F9A7DSP/A2             WA50F9A7DSW/A2

WA50F9A8DSP/A2             WA50F9A8DSW/A2

WA 52J8060AW/A2           WA 5451ANW/XAA

WA5471ABP/XAA                WA 5471ABW/XAA

WA56H9000AP/A2             WA56H9000AW/A2

Samsung Washing Machine Update

Recently, we updated our blog to include another instance of a failed drain pump bracket in a Samsung washing machine. In that update, it was reported that the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) local representative had been notified and asked to investigate. On August 26, we were notified that the CPSC’s compliance division was not taking any action at this time. It is therefore recommended that consumers who have experienced problems with Samsung’s drain pump bracket failures report the failures to the CPSC. The website address is http://www.cpsc.gov . Follow the links to on the home page to submit your complaint. An exemplar photograph of a broken bracket and pump is shown below.

Broken bracket and pump found in Samasung washing machine

Another Samsung Drain Pump Failure

Earlier this past July, it was reported that Samsung was experiencing a problem with drain pump bracket failures in some of their washing machines. Another Samsung washing machine has been encountered with the same problem. This time, the bracket problem is in model number WA456DRHDWR/AA. As in the previous description, the bracket fails, the pump hangs and eventually pulls the inlet drain hose off of the wash tub allowing water to flow freely onto the floor. Since there are a number of complaints about this problem on-line, a representative of the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been contacted and asked to investigate to determine if a recall should be initiated. To date, no word has been received from the CPSC on what will happen.