Following more than 50 reports of smoking, melting, overheating or fire involving the appliances, Samsung has recalled about 663,500 top load washers with speed wash.
According to a Dec. 22 Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice, the washing machines can short-circuit and overheat. So far, three consumers have reported injuries due to smoke inhalation.
Included in the recall are several models of white, black, champagne and ivory versions of the Samsung washers in model series WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, and WA55A. Consumers can find a washers’ model and serial numbers on labels inside of the top lid, and additional labels are located on the rear of the washers. Model and serial number ranges included in the recall are available here.
These washing machines were sold through Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and other appliance stores in the U.S., as well as through Samsung.com from last June through this month. They sold from $900 to $1,500.
“Consumers should immediately check whether their washer’s software has been updated to prevent the hazard; and, if not, consumers should immediately stop using the washer until the software is updated,” said the commission. “Instructions on how to check whether a washer’s software has been updated can be found here.”
At least some of the washers are equipped with Wi-Fi.
If the Wi-Fi equipped washers are already connected to the internet and plugged into a power source, updated software will automatically be downloaded. Those who have not connected their Wi-Fi equipped Samsung washers to the internet should contact Samsung for instructions on how to download the software repair.
Consumers with washers that are not equipped with Wi-Fi capability “or who otherwise wish to receive a free software repair without connecting to the internet,” are directed to immediately stop using the washer and contact Samsung directly. The company will provide consumers with a free dongle adapter to plug in and download the free software repair, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Overall, there have been 51 incidents reported related to smoking, melting, overheating or fire involving the washers. Of these, 10 resulted in property damage.
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