Samsung in Talks With U.S. Safety Regulators Over Washing Machines

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)

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