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Samsung washing machine recall

The dodgy machines sold between 2010 and 2013 caused hundreds of fires and fire-related incidents in Australian homes.

samsung logo and washing machine
Last updated: 01 February 2023
Fact-checked

Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers, verifiers and subject experts. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

In 2013, Samsung issued a voluntary recall of around 144,000 of its top loader washing machines after discovering they posed a fire risk due to an internal fault in the wiring. The fault affected six models sold between 2010 and 2013, and caused over 200 fires and fire-related incidents in Australian homes. 

But at the beginning of August 2015, only 51% of the machines had been repaired or replaced, indicating Samsung wasn't doing enough to raise awareness of the recall.

What's more, despite the fault clearly constituting a major failure, for the first two years of the recall Samsung was only offering consumers a repair, which involved installing a fire-retardant plastic bag over the electrical connectors.

In August 2015, CHOICE started raising awareness of the dodgy washing machines, urging consumers to exercise their right to ask for a refund or a replacement, even if they had already received a repair.

Following pressure from CHOICE and public guidance from the ACCC indicating that the fault with the machines constituted a major failure, Samsung released a statement in September 2015 offering refunds to people with the recalled machines.

The Samsung washing machine recall was a great example of what not to do when it comes to recalling a dangerous product from thousands of Australian homes

In November 2015, CHOICE received reports of incidents with some of the models given as replacements for the faulty models. The replacement machines were reported to let off smoke and a plastic burning smell, with the top plastic rim of the machine melting.

Then in March 2016, Samsung announced it would reassess 32,000 washing machines that had already been repaired, following reports of two fires and a further 25 incidents involving recalled machines that had already been repaired by Samsung. 

The Samsung washing machine recall was a great example of what not to do when it comes to recalling a dangerous product from thousands of Australian homes. CHOICE followed the story closely, providing updates and advice and advocating for consumers throughout. Below is a record of how we covered the recall

We care about accuracy. See something that's not quite right in this article? Let us know or read more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.