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Millions of Samsung washing machines recalled over explosion risk

Posted at 9:52 AM, Nov 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-04 11:52:09-04

NEW YORK — Samsung, still reeling from its fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, is recalling almost 3 million washing machines because they can explode.

Samsung Electronics and federal regulators announced the recall on Friday after reports that the lids of the machines can pop off violently while the laundry is spinning, posing an injury risk.

A YouTube video uploaded by user Micah Martin in April 2015 claims to show the aftermath of a Samsung washing machine explosion.

Samsung said it can happen when bedding, water-resistant or bulky items are washed on high speed. The drum can lose its balance, causing excessive vibrations that dislodge the lid.

“Samsung has received 733 reports of washing machines experiencing excessive vibration or the top detaching from the washing machine chassis,” the CPSC announced. “There are nine related reports of injuries, including a broken jaw, injured shoulder, and other impact or fall-related injuries.”

Earlier this year, the CPSC issued a warning urging Samsung washing machine owners to use only the delicate cycle after reports of exploding washing machines.

This recall involves 34 models of Samsung top-load washing machines sold at 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.

Model numbers and serial information can be found on 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.

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Samsung was hit with a class action lawsuit over the machines in August. A customer in Texas said her washer “exploded with such ferocity that it penetrated the interior wall of her garage,” according to court documents.

Samsung declined further comment about the washing machines.

The company is offering customers free in-home repair, with a one-year warranty extension, or a rebate to buy a new washer, from Samsung or another company, with free installation and removal of the old one. Customers who stick with Samsung get $150 toward their next washer.

The South Korean company is already dealing with the recall of 1 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, which can burst into flames while charging.

In September, the CPSC told customers to “immediately stop using and power down” the Galaxy Note 7. The FAA told travelers to turn off their phones when flying, and the New York City transit system said to turn them off on trains and buses.