Samsung Washer Lawsuit: The 'Exploding' Top-Load Settlement

The Defect and Recall

In late 2016, Samsung recalled about 2.8 million top-loading washing machines after reports that the top of the machine could detach from the body during use. Under the force of a high-speed spin cycle — especially with bulky or heavy loads — parts could break loose violently, which owners and news reports described as the washers “exploding.” The Consumer Product Safety Commission linked the defect to injuries. The recall covered a range of high-efficiency top-load models manufactured over several years (roughly 2011 to 2016).

A washing machine that can throw parts during a spin cycle is a genuine safety hazard in the home, not just a reliability annoyance.

The Settlement

A class-action settlement followed, resolving claims that the washers were defective and that the recall alone did not adequately compensate owners. While the cash portion of the settlement was about $6.55 million, Samsung made a much larger pool of benefits available — reported at over $100 million in total value — through options including repairs, rebates toward a new machine, and refunds, with original owners able to receive a purchase-price refund plus a cash payment up to a few hundred dollars, depending on the circumstances. Samsung did not admit wrongdoing.

As with many product settlements, the headline cash number understates the total relief offered through rebates and repairs.

What Owners Should Know

The claim window for this settlement has closed, but the safety guidance endures: if you own a recalled top-load washer, check whether it was part of the recall and, if so, use the manufacturer’s remedy, and follow load-size guidance to reduce strain. More generally, you can look up any appliance’s recall status with the Consumer Product Safety Commission using the model number, and register new appliances so you receive recall notices.