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Several models with super speed wash options can short-circuit and overheat, risking fires
Samsung has recalled more than 663,000 top-load washers featuring its super speed wash option due to fire risk if the machines overheat and short-circuit. The super speed setting is marketed as an advanced cleaning technology that allows you to wash a full load of laundry considerably faster. However, this recall only affects a series of top-load washers with the super speed wash setting—not front-loaders.
This recall includes six model lines in both top-load HE and top-load agitators. Some models are sold in various colors such as white, black, champagne, and ivory. Consumer Reports tested five of the recalled models, including two high-efficiency top-load models and three top-load agitators. They include the WA49B5105AW, WA49B5205AW, WA51A5505AW, WA52A5500AW, and WA55A7300AE. Another of the recalled top-loaders is currently in testing.
The recall: About 663,500 top-load washers featuring Samsung’s super speed wash option. The recalled washing machines were sold in white, black, champagne, and ivory colors and include model series WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, and WA55A. The models and serial numbers can be found on the washer’s inside lid label or on the rear of the machine.
These are the recalled Samsung models, with serial ranges in parentheses:
• WA49B5105AV/US (01J457BT700001W through 01J457BTB00111H)
• WA49B5105AW/US (01J557BT700001J through 01J557BT700010D)
• WA49B5205AW/US (01HH57BT300006X through 01HH57BTB00932W)
• WA50B5100AV/US (01J257BT70001B through 01J257BTB01232B)
• WA50B5100AW/US (01J357BT770001L through 01J357BT700010F)
• WA51A5505AC/US (01HA57BR700003P through 01HA57BTB00346F)
• WA51A5505AV/US (01H257BR600003R through 01H257BTB02018L)
• WA51A5505AW/US (01GY57BR600026P through 01GY57BTB00269W)
• WA52A5500AC/US (01HB57BR700003Y through 01HB57BTB02968X)
• WA52A5500AV/US (01H357BR600006A through 01H357BTB01820Y)
• WA52A5500AW/US (01H457BR600003X through 01H457BTB01503Y)
• WA54A7305AV/US (01H557BR600003P through 01H557BR800650T)
• WA55A7300AE/US (01H057BR600001H through 01H057BTB05872Z)
• WA55A7700AV/US (01H157BR600151Z through 01H157ZT700005K)
The risk: Due to an apparent software issue, these specific Samsung top-load models with super speed option risk short-circuiting and overheating, which can cause fires, property damage, and potential personal injury.
Incidents and injuries: Samsung received 51 reports of smoking, melting, overheating, or fire involving these washers—10 of which caused property damage. Three consumers reported injuries due to smoke inhalation.
The remedy: Consumers should immediately check whether their washer’s software has been updated to prevent this serious hazard. If not, consumers should immediately stop using the washer until the software is updated. Check this page for instructions on how to determine whether your washer’s software has been updated.
According to Samsung, all WiFi-equipped washers that are plugged into a power source and actively connected to the internet will automatically download the free software repair. Consumers who haven’t connected their WiFi washer to the internet should contact Samsung for instructions on how to download the software repair. Those without WiFi or whose washer doesn’t have WiFi capability should immediately stop using the washer and contact Samsung directly for a free dongle to plug in and download the free software repair.
Where and when sold: Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other appliance stores nationwide, as well as online at Samsung.com from June 2021 through December 2022. Most of these top-loaders retailed between $900 and $1,500.
Contact information: call Samsung at 833-916-4555; or go to the Samsung website.
Report a defective product: Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 or go to saferproducts.gov.
Keith Flamer
As a kid in Delaware, I lived a few blocks from Bob Marley, who once said, "It is better to live on the house top than to live in a house full of confusion." At CR, I’m psyched to help readers navigate this cluttered, hyper-commercialized world we live in. I’ve covered luxury real estate, interior design, and culture—reporting on everything from smart home technology to racial hypocrisy at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Since the pandemic started, I cherish simplicity, covering accessible topics like decorating, cooking, and cleaning. Give me a smoothie blender over a mansion any day. Blenders are slightly easier to clean.
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