LG Recalls Top-Loading Washing Machines Due to Risk of Injury

Recalled December 18, 2012 · CPSC recall 13073 · LG

Hazard

An unbalanced load can cause the washing machine to shake excessively and the drum to come loose during use, posing a risk of injury to consumers and property damage to the surrounding area.

Remedy

Repair

Units

About 457,000

Incidents / injuries

LG has received at least 343 reports of washing machines vibrating excessively, of which at least 187 involved minor property damage. One minor injury has been reported.

Description

The recall involves three LG and three Kenmore Elite Brand top-loading washing machine models manufactured between February 2010 and November 2011. The units come in beige, white and graphite steel colors. Recalled washing machines have the following model and serial number ranges: Brand Model Serial Number Range LG WT5001CW 002KW******* through 111KW******* WT5101HV WT5101HW Kenmore Elite 29002 005KW******* through 111KW******* 29272 29278 The model and serial number can be found on a label fixed on the rating plate on the top back of the washing machine.

What to do

Consumers should immediately contact LG or Sears for a free in-home repair of the machine. Consumers will also receive supplemental information to be inserted into their owner's manual and a new caution label to be placed on the washing machine. Consumers who have observed their recalled washing machine shaking excessively should immediately stop using it. Consumers should be aware that loading their machines with water-proof or water-resistant items, such as mattress pads, mattress covers and similar items, increases the chances of loads being unbalanced.

Contact

For LG; toll-free at (855) 400-4639, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT Saturday, or online at www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices. For Kenmore or LG washers purchased at Sears or Kmart; toll-free at (888) 812-2935, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Saturday, or online at www.sears.com and click on Customer Service Home then Product Recalls in the Product Information section.

Product

Top-Loading Washing Machines

Manufacturer(s)

LG Electronics Inc., of South Korea

Retailers

LG models were sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, Kmart, Sears and local retailers nationwide. Kenmore Elite models were sold at Kmart and Sears. All were sold from April 2010 to December 2012 for between $899 and $1,099.

Made in

South Korea

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →