Samsung is recalling more than 660,000 washing machines after fire hazard reports

New York
CNN
—

Samsung recalled more than 660,000 washing machines, warning customers that the machine could short circuit and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

The company received 51[ads1] reports of “smoking, melting, overheating or fire involving the washers.” Ten of these reports resulted in property damage, and three customers reported damage from smoke inhalation.

Several models of Samsung’s top-loading super-speed washers are affected: WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A and WA55A. The machines were sold in white, black, champagne and ivory colors, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission published the serial numbers of the 14 recalled models.

The 663,500 washing machines were sold at big box retailers such as Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot and Lowe’s from June 2021 to December 2022, costs between $900 and $1,500.

A software update can fix the fire hazard. “Consumers should immediately check if their washing machine software is up to date to prevent the danger; and, if not, consumers should immediately stop using the washer until the software is updated,” the CPSC said.

All washing machines with Wi-Fi should automatically download free software repair when connected to the internet, Samsung said. Those without internet can get a free dongle from Samsung to connect and download free software repair.