The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and General Electric Appliances & Lighting have announced the voluntary recall of more than 180,000 Front-Load Washing Machines due to a potentially defective wire. The flawed wire design could possibly lead to consumers experiencing shocks or electrocution, as well as fire hazards. The CPSC urges owners of these GE washing machines to cease using them immediately and contact the manufacturer or distributor for further information.
The Louisville, Kentucky-based appliance company has reported at least seven incidents of smoke damage caused my minor flames in the washing machines; however, no injuries have been reported. The washing machines in question were manufactured and designed without auxiliary water heating. Affected model numbers begin with WBVH5 and the corresponding serial numbers begin with any of the following: AM, AR, AS, AT, DM, DR, DS, FM, FR, FS, GM, GS, HM, HR, HS, LM, LR, LS, MM, MR, MS, RM, RR, RS, SM, SR, SS, TM, TR, TS, VM, VR, VS, ZL, ZM, ZR, ZS.
The units were manufactured in China between December 2006 and February 2010 and sold in retail stores nationwide through the same time period and into last month. GE recommends that users unplug the models and contact GE for a free repair. Machines should not be used until they have been fixed by GE and verified as safe for use.
Users with defective washing machine models included in this recall should contact GE toll-free at (888) 345-4124 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s web site at www.geappliances.com.
If you or a loved one owns a GE Front-Load Washing Machine and have experienced injuries due to shock, electrocution or sudden fire, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with household appliance recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.