Samsung recalls 2.8 million washing machines over 'explosion' fears

One customer 's jaw was reportedly broken after their machine ‘vibrated excessively’

Saturday 05 November 2016 21:26 GMT
Comments
Nearly 3 million Samsung washing machines are being recalled in the US following multiple injuries
Nearly 3 million Samsung washing machines are being recalled in the US following multiple injuries (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than 2.8 million Samsung washing machines have been recalled, after reports 730 of the company's top loading machines have exploded.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the South Korean company recalled the units, after explosions reportedly caused nine injuries, including a broken jaw, and are occurring due to excessive vibration.

Reports suggest the drums in certain washing machine models can become unbalanced which can cause serious vibrations that sometimes lead to the top of the machine detaching from the chassis.

The recall affects 34 different models that were sold from March 2011 to November 2016 and Samsung is offering its customers a rebate on the cost of a new machine, free repairs or a full refund for machines purchased in the last month.

The company’s US subsidiary assured customers it is working with retailers and the commission to identify the exact cause of the issue.

“Our priority is to reduce any safety risks in the home and to provide our customers with easy and simple choices in response to the recall,” said John Herrington, a Samsung senior vice president, in a statement.

The news comes as Samsung was forced to recall millions of its Galaxy Note 7 phones, after overheating problems caused the phone to catch fire.

The company has stopped producing the device entirely and estimates the debacle will have cost $5.3 bn (£4.2 bn).

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in