Samsung recalls 2.8M washing machines in U.S. over injury risk

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., already reeling from a global recall of its Note 7 smartphones, said on Friday it would recall about 2.8 million top-load washing machines in the United States following reports of injuries.

The top of the washing machines can unexpectedly detach from the chassis during use, posing a risk of injury from impact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The South Korean tech company has received nine reports of injuries, including a broken jaw, an injured shoulder and other fall-related injuries, the agency said.

Samsung has received 733 reports of excessive vibration in the washing machines or the top detaching from the chassis.

The recall involves 34 models of top-load washing machines made between March 2011 and November 2016 and costing $450-$1,500.

The top of the affected washing machines could separate when a high-speed spin cycle is used for washing bedding, water-resistant or bulky items, Samsung said.

The company has also been sued by some U.S. customers, who have alleged that their machines "explode during normal use".

Samsung, the world's top smartphone maker, scrapped its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone last month after failing to resolve safety concerns.

It had announced the recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following numerous reports of the phones catching fire.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Samsung eyes fix after complaints of 'exploding' washers

WASHINGTON - Samsung is in discussions about "potential safety issues" concerning some of its washing machines after a class-action lawsuit complained the appliances were exploding, the company said Wednesday.

The news comes after the South Korean electronics giant recalled millions of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones following a series of battery explosions.

Samsung is "in active discussions" with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission on issues with top-load washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016, a company statement said.

"In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items," it said.

Samsung recommended consumers use the "lower speed delicate cycle" when washing bedding or bulky items until it can offer additional information or remedies.

The safety commission confirmed it is in discussions with Samsung and that they are "working on a remedy for affected consumers."

A US law firm has filed suit in New Jersey "alleging that some Samsung top-loading washing machines explode in owners homes," leading to potential injury or damage, attorney Jason Lichtman said earlier on Wednesday.

"Users have reported Samsung top-load washers exploding as early as the day of installation, while other owners have seen their machines explode months or even more than a year after purchase," the firm said in a statement.

Samsung -- the world's largest maker of smartphones as well as mobile phones in general -- suffered a major blow to its prestige when it was forced to recall some 2.5 million of its flagship smartphones after some users complained that batteries had caught fire while charging.

The recall affects phones sold in 10 countries, including around one million sold in the United States.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LG exec denies sabotaging Samsung washing machines

SEOUL - A senior LG Electronics executive facing trial for allegedly sabotaging rival Samsung washing machines at a trade fair vowed to prove his innocence Monday.

"I will reveal the truth in court," Jo Seong-Jin, the president of LG's home appliance division, said in a statement.

The two South Korean tech giants have been fierce competitors for years, but the washing machine spat, which has been on a slow spin cycle for months, has made things personal.

Samsung claims surveillance video footage from the fair in Germany in September showed several men -- whom they later identified as LG executives -- destroying door hinges on the washing machines.

It filed a lawsuit accusing the LG executives of property damage and obstruction of business, and accused LG of making defamatory claims that its washing machines were defective. The trial date has not yet been set.

LG has counter-sued Samsung for defamation and forging evidence.

In his statement, Jo denied the video footage showed him pressing down on the doors of the machines until they would not close properly.

"Samsung employees would not have stood still with their hands free if I had intentionally damaged the washing machines," he said.

Samsung produces a range of electronic products and leads the global markets for mobile phones and flat-screen TVs.

Its smaller rival LG is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of home appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines.

The two have locked horns for years over patent issues and PR campaigns that include ads denigrating each other's products.

Last week prosecutors indicted four Samsung Display officials on charges of stealing LG Display's technology.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com