More than a month after it recalled millions of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, South Korean company Samsung is recalling 2.8 million washing machines following reports of explosions.
The company received reports of 730 cases of top loading machines exploding and nine cases of injuries including a broken jaw. Based on reports, it is believed that drums in certain washing machine models can become unbalanced and cause extreme vibrations that may sometimes cause the lid of the machine to detach from the chassis.
PHOTO CREDIT: CNN MONEY
In a statement released, Samsung explained: “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.”
The recall involves 34 top-loading models manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016. Although the models were not specified, customers can check if their washing machine unit is covered by the recall by simply inputting their machine’s serial number on Samsung’s website.
The company is working with retailers and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) to inform customers about the issue.
As compensation, Samsung is providing in-home repairs which include reinforcement of the washer’s top as well as free one-year extension of manufacturer’s warranty or rebate to be applied towards the purchase of a new Samsung or brand new washing machine. Customers who bought their washing machine for the past 30 days of the recall announcement may get a full refund.
In August, a customer in Texas filed a lawsuit against Samsung after her washer “exploded with such ferocity that it penetrated the interior wall of her garage”.
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The company is hoping that with the launch of the digital assistant, it will recover from the damages caused by the recalls of overheating and sometimes exploding Galaxy Note 7. Samsung’s mobile division admitted that it experienced a decline of about 96% in operating profit, its lowest in almost eight years, following the recall.