This year, 2016, is turning out to be worse than Samsung could’ve ever expected it go for their company. The effects of the exploding Galaxy Note 7 smartphones had just started wearing out but the Korean giant is under limelight and a direct target for trolls yet again. This time it’s their top-load washing machines which have been recalled due to reports of them falling apart during use and hurting users in vicinity. Yes, hurting! badly!
Samsung has been instructed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall a staggering 2.8 million washing machines, dating as far back as March 2011. This recall programme is even larger than the total number of Galaxy Note 7 devices – 2.5 million – that the company had to recall and exchange twice. This recall is said to affect not just any particular model but 34 different Samsung top-load washing machine models in the complete range in the U.S.
This announcement from CPSC comes on the heels of a previous warning which alerted Samsung washing machine users about the excessive ‘safety issues.’ It has now issued this gut-wrenching recall after more than 730 reports of washing machines exploding and ‘top detaching from the washing machine chassis’ have been filed. But that’s not it. Nine incidents out of those reported above have resulted in serious injuries, including a broken jaw, injured shoulder and other hard impact or fall-related trauma.
The official statement released by CSPC reads:
The washing machine top can unexpectedly detach from the washing machine chassis during use… This recall involves 34 models of Samsung top-load washing machines. The washing machines have mid-controls or rear-controls.
Elliot Kaye, chairman of the CPSC has described the affected Samsung top-load washing machines as a serious life hazard. He has further added that the top is prone to completely flying off because of a design flaw which doesn’t secure the same into place and cause it to vibrate vigourously.
Samsung is currently offering three solutions to users who own one of these affected washing machines. Firstly, the company has offered in-home repair services, which will include reinforcement of the washer’s faulty top. This will be coupled with a free one year extension of manufacturer’s warranty.
Otherwise, the company is ready to offer users with a rebate on the purchase a new washing machine — Samsung unit not necessary! The final option applies only to consumers who’ve purchased their unit the last thirty days before the recall announcement. And Samsung is offering a full refund on their purchase — a generous proposition on their part. There is currently no word on the total costs of repairs, replacements, or reimbursements.
Instead of waiting to let the reports of explosions stockpile, Samsung should’ve instantly taken action against its faulty washing machines. It should’ve atleast taken hint of from the class action lawsuit it faced following a litany of consumer complaints about — guess what!? — exploding washing machines.
This explosion controversy, if blown out of proportion by the media, will hurt the brand reputation of the Korean giant even further. And the timing of the recall couldn’t be any worse. Samsung is already caught up and is trying to cope from the recent Galaxy Note 7 controversy.
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