Samsung Faces Investigation Over 'Exploding' Washing Machines; Company Provides Webpage for Affected Customers
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a statement warning consumers about problems involving Samsung's top load washing machines made between March 2011 and April 2016.
CPSC Issues a Statement
The statement mentioned that both the Commission and Samsung are working hand in hand to find a solution to the problem. According to the CPSC website, the commission is "advising consumers to only use the delicate cycle when washing bedding, water-resistant and bulky items. The lower spin speed in the delicate cycle lessens the risk of impact injuries or property damage due to the washing machine becoming dislodged."
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According to a plaintiff, Melissa Thaxton from Dallas, Georgia, the sound coming off from her exploding washing machine was "the loudest sound." She added that after the explosion, the washing machine cover, nuts and wires were all on the floor.
Other reports reveal damage not only on the Samsung top load washing machine itself, but also on surrounding areas; nearby walls, and some debris like glass and bolts have even reached 15 feet away.
There have been several Youtube videos as well, showing exploding washers, some of them not older than a day after purchasing.
Samsung Issues a Statement
Samsung issued a statement regarding the top-load washing machines. The company stated that in "rare cases," some machines vibrated abnormally, which may lead to property or personal damage.
Samsung added that hundreds of millions of loads have been completed since 2011 and no incidents have been reported.
Samsung provided a webpage where consumers can input their serial numbers (consisting of 15 digits) to know whether their top load washing machines are affected or not.
In addition, a spokesperson said Samsung's top load machines sold outside North America, and front load washing machines, aren't affected.
Exploding Galaxy Note 7 Smartphones
A law firm based in the U.S. issued the suit against Samsung, prompting the CPSC to collaborate with the company to find a solution to the problem.
The news could not have come at a worse time for the South Korean company, which is still continuing its recall of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones after numerous incidents of exploding batteries.
Because of this, the company is forced to ask 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 owners around the world to return their smartphones.
It also prompted Samsung to revamp the models, and a company spokesperson has said that the new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are "operating properly and pose no safety concerns."
