New York CNN —
Samsung has recalled more than 660,000 washing machines, warning customers the machine could short out and overheat, which could pose a fire hazard.
The company received 51 reports of “smoking, melting, overheating, or fire related to the washing machines.” Ten of those reports resulted in property damage, and three customers reported injuries from smoke inhalation.
Several models of Samsung’s top-loading washing machines with superspeed washing are affected: the WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A and WA55A. The machines were sold in white, black, champagne and ivory colors and the Consumer Product Safety Commission released the series of serial numbers for the 14 recalled models.
The 663,500 washing machines were sold at major retailers such as Best Buy, Costco, and The Home Depot Lowe’s from June 2021 to December 2022 and will cost between $900 and $1,500.
A software update can eliminate the risk of fire. “Consumers should immediately check if their washing machine software has been updated to avoid the hazard; and if not, consumers should immediately stop using the washing machine until the software is updated,” the CPSC said.
All Wi-Fi-equipped washing machines should automatically download the free software repair when connected to the internet, Samsung said. Those who don’t have internet can get a free dongle from Samsung to plug in and download the free software repair.