When you're going through a difficult patch, never assume that things can't get worse. After the horrific Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, Samsung probably thought nothing else could go wrong this year. But the company just announced that it would recall about 2.8 million of its top-load washing machines in the US, following reports that 733 of the units violently shook themselves to pieces.
According to a US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announcement, "The washing machine top can unexpectedly detach from the washing machine chassis during use, posing a risk of injury from impact."
There have been nine recorded instances of people being hurt by the machines, including a broken jaw, injured shoulder, and other impact or fall-related injuries.
Elliot Kaye, the chairman of the CPSC, said the tops of the units weren't "secured enough based on a design failure. And the top just completely blows off."
Back in September, it was reported that the CPSC was working with Samsung to address safety issues related to some of the machines. It seems things have escalated since then, leading to today's announcement.
The recall affects 34 models that were sold from March 2011 to November 2016. Owners should contact Samsung immediately; they will be offered the option of a free in-home repair to reinforce the machine's top - along with a year-long extension of their warranty - or a rebate that can be used against a new washing machine, including those not made by Samsung. Anyone who bought a machine in the 30 days can opt for a full refund.
Samsung faced a class-action lawsuit earlier this year from customers who said their washing machines had exploded - a recurring theme for some of the company's products.