Top-load washing machines
CPSC Recall #17-028 - November 4, 2016
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 17-028 |
| Recall Date | November 4, 2016 |
| Remedy Type | Refund, Replace, Repair |
| Units Affected | About 2.8 million |
| Importer | Samsung Electronics America Inc., of Ridgefield Park, N.J. |
| Manufactured In | South Korea, China and Thailand |
Where It Was Sold
| Best Buy |
| The Home Depot |
| Lowes |
| Sears and other home appliance stores nationwide from March 2011 to November 2016 for between $450 and $1 |
| 500. |
Product
Top-load washing machines
Description
This recall involves 34 models of Samsung top-load washing machines. The washing machines have mid-controls or rear-controls. Model numbers and serial information can be found on two labels affixed to the back of the machine. The following model numbers are included in the recall depending on the serial number. Consumers should check with Samsung to see if their washer is recalled. Models 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 WA52J8700AW/A2 WA400PJHDWR/AA WA422PRHDWR/AA WA456DRHDSU/AA WA456DRHDWR/AA WA476DSHASU/A1 WA476DSHAWR/A1 WA484DSHASU/A1 WA484DSHAWR/A1 WA48H7400AP/A2 WA50F9A6DSW/A2 WA50F9A7DSP/A2 WA50F9A7DSW/A2 WA50F9A8DSP/A2 WA50F9A8DSW/A2 WA52J8060AW/A2 WA5451ANW/XAA WA5471ABP/XAA WA5471ABW/XAA WA56H9000AP/A2 WA56H9000AW/A2
Hazard
The washing machine top can detach unexpectedly from the washing machine chassis during use, posing a risk of injury from impact.
Incidents & Injuries
Samsung has received 733 reports of washing machines experiencing excessive vibration or the top detaching from the washing machine chassis. There are nine related reports of injuries, including a broken jaw, injured shoulder, and other impact or fall-related injuries.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should contact Samsung immediately to receive one of the following remedy options. Consumers can choose (1) a free in-home repair that includes reinforcement of the washer’s top and a free one-year extension of the manufacturer’s warranty; (2) a rebate to be applied towards the purchase of a new Samsung or other brand washing machine, along with free installation of the new unit and removal of old unit; or (3) a full refund for consumers who purchased their washing machine within the past 30 days of the recall announcement. All known consumers will also receive a Home Label Kit that includes a control panel guide and additional safety instructions in the mail. Until they have received and installed a Home Label Kit, consumers should only use the delicate or waterproof cycles when washing bedding, water-resistant and bulky items. The lower spin speed in the delicate or waterproof cycles lessens the risk of the washing machine top unexpectedly detaching from the washing machine chassis.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, Replace, Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund, Replace, Repair) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.