About 457,000 LG and Kenmore Elite top-loading washing machines have been recalled over risk of injury or property damage, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced.
The six top-loading models were all manufactured by LG Electronics Inc., of South Korea, three under the LG brand name and three Kenmore Elite models. An unbalanced wash load can cause the machine to shake excessively and the drum can come loose, posing a risk of injury to the user and damage to the area surrounding the machine.
Consumers should be aware, the CPSC advises, that loading any washing machine with waterproof or water-resistant items like mattress covers and mattress pads increases the chances of the load becoming unbalanced.
LG has received more than 340 reports of excessive vibration when the machine was in use. Minor property damage was described in at least 187 of the reports, and one minor injury was reported.
The recalled washing machines were manufactured between February 2010 and November 2011 and involve the model numbers LG WT5001CW, WT5101HV, and WT5101HW; Kenmore Elite 29002, 29272, and 29278. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label on the top back of the washing machine. The machines come in beige, white, and graphite steel colors and were sold from April 2010 to December 2012; the price ranged from $899 to $1,099.
The LG models were sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, Kmart, Sears, and local appliance stores nationwide. Kenmore Elite models were sold at Kmart and Sears.
Consumers should immediately contact LG or Sears for a free in-home repair and supplemental information to insert in their owner’s manual. Consumers who have seen their recalled washing machine shaking excessively should immediately stop using the device.
LG may be reached, toll free, at 855.400.4639, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time (CT), Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, or online at www.lg.com/us (click on “Public Notices”). For Kenmore or LG washers purchased at Sears or Kmart, call, toll free, 888.812.2935 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday and 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, or contact Sears online at www.sears.com (click on “Customer Service Home,” then “Product Recall” in the Product Information section).
