Samsung Recalls Nearly 640,000 Top-Loading Laundry Washing Machines Due to Fire Hazard

On December 22. 2022 Samsung recalled nearly 640,000 top-loading washing machines due to a fire hazard. The company determined that the top-loading washing machines could short-circuit and overheat, creating a potential fire hazard.

The recall includes several models of Samsung’s top-load washers that feature “super speed wash.” Model numbers impacted by the recall include WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, and WA55A. The model and serial numbers can be located on the washer’s label that is attached to the top lid. Additional labeling can be found on the rear data plate. The washing machines were sold in black, white, champagne, and ivory colors.

Image from: https://www.cpsc.gov

Image from: https://www.cpsc.gov

These washing machines were sold at Costco, Best Buy, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other appliance stores nationwide. Additionally, these washing machines could have been purchased directly online at Samsung.com from June 2021 through December 2022. Price ranges for the appliances ranged from $900 to $1,500.

The table below displays the model and serial number ranges that are subject to recall:

Known Issues:

To date, there have been 51 reports of melting, smoking, overheating, or fire that has involved the washers. 10 of these events resulted in property damage, with three individuals reporting injuries due to smoke inhalation.

Resolution:

Samsung is advising that consumers immediately check to see if their washing machine is part of the recall and if so, are advised to verify if their washer’s software has been updated to prevent the fire hazard. Consumers have been advised to “immediately stop using the washer until the software is updated.”

For help determining if your washer’s software has been updated, Samsung has provided step-by-step instructions on how to check your machine’s firmware version. The instructions can be found here: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/tlw-sw-update/

Samsung reports that devices plugged into a power source and actively connected to the internet will automatically download the free software. Appliance owners who have not linked their Wi-Fi-equipped washing machine to the internet should contact Samsung for instructions on how to download the software.

Consumers who have any concerns or doubts about what firmware the washing machine they currently have should contact Samsung immediately.

How to contact Samsung:

Consumers can contact Samsung at http://www.samsung.com and http://www.samsung.com/us/support/tlw-sw-update or by phone toll-free at 833-916-4555 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET daily.

To read the official Consumer Product Safety Commission announcement at:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Samsung-Recalls-Top-Load-Washing-Machines-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Software-Repair-Available

All images from: https://www.cpsc.gov