Samsung recalls 2.8 million washing machines in US

Hit by the Note 7 fiasco, Samsung Electronics has now decided to recall about 2.8 million top-loading washing machines due to risk of impact injuries.

The affected washers are manufactured between March 2011 and current production dates.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the washing machine top can unexpectedly detach from the washing machine chassis during use, posing a risk of injury from impact.

"The voluntary action was driven by reports highlighting the risk that the drums in these washers may lose balance, triggering excessive vibrations, resulting in the top separating from the washer," Samsung said in a statement on Friday.

"This can occur when a high-speed spin cycle is used for bedding, water-resistant or bulky items and presents an injury risk to consumers," it added.

This recall involves 34 models of Samsung top-load washing machines, CPSC said.

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, it added.

"This is a recall of certain Top-Load washers manufactured between March, 2011 and current production dates. Front Load Washers are not affected," Samsung added.

Consumers can choose either a free in-home repair that includes a free one-year extension of the manufacturer's warranty; a rebate to be applied towards the purchase of a new Samsung or other brand washing machine; or a full refund for consumers who purchased their washing machine within the past 30 days of the recall announcement, CPSC said.

--IANS

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