Samsung in Talks With U.S. Safety Regulators Over Washing Machines
29 September 2016 - 9:20AM
Dow Jones News
While Samsung Electronics Co. grapples with a recall of its
Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, it is now dealing with complaints about
another product: its washing machines.
The South Korea-based company said it is in "active discussions"
with U.S. officials to address potential safety issues of certain
top-loading Samsung washing machines manufactured between March
2011 and April 2016.
"In rare cases," Samsung said, the affected machines "may
experience abnormal vibrations" that could cause injuries or
property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant
items.
A spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
declined to comment on the nature of the discussions, and wouldn't
specify which washing machine models were affected.
In August, three consumers filed suit against Samsung, alleging
that their machines suddenly exploded while in use.
Michelle Soto Fielder of McAllen, Tex., said her Samsung washing
machine, purchased in June 2012, suddenly exploded in February
2016, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in New
Jersey. The explosion was so violent, the complaint said, that it
put a dent in the wall of the garage, where it was located.
Jason Lichtman, the attorney who filed the complaint, said the
models involved were in the WA400 and WA500 lines of Samsung
washers.
Mr. Lichtman said he doesn't know if the litigation is what
prompted Wednesday's warning from Samsung but said he welcomes the
CPSC's involvement.
A Samsung spokeswoman didn't return phone calls or emails
seeking comment.
Samsung is under fire for its response to reports that batteries
in the popular Galaxy Note 7 were exploding. Samsung ultimately
recalled 2.5 million devices across 10 countries.
In 2013, Samsung recalled hundreds of thousands of washing
machines in Australia because of a possible fire hazard.
A spokesman for the CPSC said the problems with U.S. washers
appear to be different than those in the Australian recall.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 28, 2016 19:05 ET (23:05 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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