Image
Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Samsung Washing Machine Recall Could Prove Deadly

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David HillyardEastern Reporter

Samsung has released figures showing that only half of WA owners of the affected machines have responded to the recall, leaving more than 6500 dangerous units remaining in WA homes and posing a serious fire hazard.

The recall response rate for WA is only 54 per cent and the worst in the country, with most other States recording a response rate of 64 to 70 per cent. The defective machines have caused more than 200 house fires.

The models subjected to the recall were made between 2010 and 2013 and include model numbers SW75V9WIP, SW65V9WIP, SW70SPWIP, SW80SPWIP, WA85GWGIP and WA85FWWIP.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

More than 14,480 of these models were sold in WA. The affected units have a fault where condensation can penetrate an electrical connector causing deterioration that may in turn cause a fire.

Don’t gamble with your life and the lives of others by ignoring this recall. I urge WA consumers to check the model of their washing machine immediately to see if it is on the recall list.

This is not a matter that should be left to luck or chance, as it involves the safety of you, your family and other occupants of your house. Treat the issue with the highest priority.

If you have a Samsung top loader washing machine with a model number subject to the recall, take urgent action now as your safety is at risk. We do not recommend the repair option because some repaired machines have caught fire.

Verify that it is an affected model by checking the Product Safety Australia recalls website.

Consumers with affected models should discontinue use immediately, unplug the washing machine from the socket and organise to obtain a refund and removal as soon as possible by contacting Samsung on 1800 239 655 between 8am and 8pm AEST on any day or emailingwm.samsung@samsung.com.

Consumers who have any problems securing a refund from their retailer or Samsung should email Consumer Protection atconsumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.

The machines should not be re-sold or placed on the verge for bulk rubbish collection, as we want to remove any possibility that they are bought or picked up by people who may not realise the danger.

Owners of all washing machines should ensure they follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially during installation. Unstable machines that vibrate during use could cause mechanical failure which may also pose a fire risk to the home.