Samsung’s in a spin: Now it has to recall nearly three million washing machines
Things have gone from bad to quite a bit worse for Samsung.
It had only just cut profit forecasts by a third after the much-hyped launch of its flagship Galaxy Note 7 ended in a mass recall (and some spontaneous explosions).
Now it's had to recall about 2.8m top-load washing machines in the US, following reports of injuries. Apparently the top of the machines can unexpectedly detach from the chassis during use, "posing a risk of injury from impact", according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
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The tech giant has received nine reports of injuries including a broken jaw, an injured shoulder and others caused from falls. It's also received 733 reports of excessive vibration in the washing machines or the top detaching from the chassis.
The recall involves 34 models of washing machines made between March 2011 and November this year, costing in the range of $450-$1,500 (£359-£1199).
In an interview on Good Morning America, CPSC chairman Elliott Kaye, said: "We're talking about a very serious hazard of the top of these washing machines completely blowing off. It's a lot of reports.
"This is the real world for me. I do laundry in my family. I've got two young boys. This would scare the heck out of me, which is why we hope parents and others take advantage of this recall."
Earlier this year a class action lawsuit was filed against Samsung as people's washing machines were apparently exploding.
Read more: Samsung's completely ditching disastrous Galaxy Note 7 production
The CPSC said at the time it was advising consumers "to only use the delicate cycle" to lessen the risk of impact injuries.
Last month Samsung posted quarterly earnings that were an eight-year low, though it said they were in line with expectations.
Its Galaxy Note 7 was ditched completely after a series of errors since the device was recalled, following a number of reported explosions. Production of the device has come to a permanent end.
Analysts at Credit Suisse predicted the total cost could run as high as $17bn (£14bn) due to lost sales, as a result of completely halting production. And that's not factoring in the potential hit on its reputation.