The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·13073·Announced 2012-12-18

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

LG is recalling about 457,000 top-loading washing machines because an unbalanced load can cause the drum to come loose, posing a risk of injury and property damage.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where injury has been reported (one minor injury), fitting the High severity criteria for products with reported injury but no fatalities or serious injuries.

Plain-English summary

LG Electronics Inc. is recalling about 457,000 top-loading washing machines, including three LG models and three Kenmore Elite models, manufactured between February 2010 and November 2011. The recall involves units sold from April 2010 to December 2012 for between $899 and $1,099. The affected models are the LG WT5001CW, WT5101HV, and WT5101HW, and the Kenmore Elite 29002, 29272, and 29278. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label fixed on the rating plate on the top back of the washing machine.

The recall is due to a risk of injury and property damage. An unbalanced load can cause the washing machine to shake excessively and the drum to come loose during use. 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.

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.

The recalled product

Product
Top-Loading Washing Machines
Manufacturer
LG Electronics Inc., of South Korea
Category
Consumer Product — Washing Machines
Hazard
Affected units
457,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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