Samsung’s bad time continues; after Galaxy Note 7, its washing machines explode in the U.S.
It looks like Samsung’s woes are just beginning to pile up. The world’s premier smartphone maker and one of South Korea’s biggest consumer electric maker is going thorugh a really rough patch. First, it was Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 smartphones that were exploding due to defective batteries. Now, it is their washing machines, which are exploding.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning to owners in regards to certain top-loading Samsung washing machines after fielding several complaints about the machines exploding.
More than a month after the federal class-action lawsuit was filed by the customers claiming their machines exploded during use, the warning was finally released on Thursday.
In a statement released on its website, CPSC said it is “actively and cooperatively working with Samsung to address safety issues related to certain top-load washing machines made between March 2011 and April 2016.”
While the lawsuit did not specify which models are potentially dangerous, it alleged that there were at least 11.
The lawsuit, filed in New Jersey, alleges that customers’ machines had “blown apart” and “exploded in owners’ homes”.
“It was the loudest sound. It sounded like a bomb went off in my ear,” said Melissa Thaxton, one of the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit. “There were wires, nuts, the cover actually was laying on the floor. I just remember covering my head and leaning towards my son and just screaming this scream that I didn’t even know I could scream.”
Leiff Cabraser, who is representing the plaintiffs, said: “Beyond damage to the washing machines themselves, reports include descriptions of glass and other machine parts being shot across garages and laundry rooms at distances of over 15 feet, with consequent damage to other appliances, water heaters, and homes.”
In a statement released by Samsung, it said, “We are in active discussions with the CPSC to address potential safety issues related to certain top-load washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016. In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items.
“Samsung is recommending that consumers with affected models use the lower speed delicate cycle when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant materials. There have been no reported incidents when using this cycle. It is important to note that Samsung customers have completed hundreds of millions of loads without incident since 2011.
“CPSC and Samsung are working on a remedy for affected consumers that will help ensure there are no further incidents. We will provide updated information to the public as soon as possible on this website.”
Consumers can determine if they have an affected appliance by entering in your serial number here.
