Samsung recalling 3 million washing machines
U.S. recall follows similar notice in Canada and Galaxy Note 7 woes
Fresh from a recall of its Galaxy Note 7 phone, Samsung says it is recalling some washing machines because the appliance's top can come off.
A recall of roughly 2.8 million washers covering 34 different models was announced Friday in the United States.
An updated Canadian recall notice for many of the same models, along with some Kenmore brand models built by Samsung, was issued on Nov. 4. Approximately 256,000 of the affected models have been sold in Canada.
The U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission said Samsung has received 733 reports of washing machines experiencing excessive vibration or the top detaching from the washing machine chassis. The government agency said there have reports of injuries, including a broken jaw, injured shoulder and other impact- or fall-related injuries.
Health Canada said last month that it had not received any consumer reports of incidents or injuries related to the use of washing machines in Canada, while Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. had received 64 reports of the tops detaching in Canada, with 11 reports of minor property damage, and no reports of injuries.
The affected models were all built between March 2011 and this year.
Samsung Electronics Canada has recommended that consumers with affected models should only use the lower speed, delicate cycle when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant material to lessen the risk of property damage or injury.
Last month, Samsung issued a recall for more 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones due to an unexplained overheating problems, just two months after the product's launch in August. Samsung subsequently discontinued the device.