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Poor Samsung can’t buy a trick. On the back of its Samsung Galaxy Note 7 disaster, now it’s having issues in its whiteware division with three million washing machines being recalled in the United States due to excessive vibration.
What is causing the vibration? The issue appears to be drums in certain models of top-loading washing machines are becoming unbalanced. This issue can occur in most washing machines when the load becomes overbalanced, however this seems a more endemic issue involving a piece of componentry.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission stating there have been more than 700 incidents of excessive vibration – with the most severe situation allegedly causing a broken jaw.
Four years ago, the company had a problem in Australia where there was a recall of Samsung washing machines due to an electrical issue causing fires.
US consumer authorities and Samsung have been in talks about resolving the matter, which is why there has been a recall. In some cases, it has been alleged that the vibration has been so severe that the top of the machine has become detached from the chassis. Samsung has claimed that the issue arises during the spin cycle when washing bulky items.
Under Australian law, companies have to offer a full refund under such circumstances. However, in the US the rules are slightly different. Samsung is offering a rebate on a new washing machine, or a free repair to those affected.