Chances are that if you have ever owned an old washing machine, you’re familiar with the thundering, pounding sound of a loose drum wailing away on the inside of the tub. That’s why when a consumer spends upwards of $1,100 on a new washing machine to avoid that kind of damage to the unit as well as clothes, there is a high expectation for quality and dependability. Unfortunately for the owners of the recently manufactured and popular LG and Kenmore Elite top-loading washing machines, quality is a bit of an issue.
Approximately 457,000 LG and Kenmore Elite washing machines are being recalled, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, because of manufacturing defects involving the drums. More notably, there have been at least 343 reports of machines shaking excessively, with the drums coming loose during the wash cycle and slamming against the insides of the machines. At least 187 of those 343 reports involved minor property damage. One minor injury has also been reported.
Manufactured between February 2010 and November 2011, the LG and Kenmore washing machines have sold at major retail chains including Best Buy, Home Depot, Kmart and Sears, ranging in price from $899 to $1,099. Specifically, the LG models involved include WT5001CW, WT5101HV and WT5101HW, with serial numbers ranging from 002KW******* through 111KW*******. The Kenmore Elite models involved are 29002, 29272 and 29278, with serial numbers between 005KW******* and 111KW*******. The serial and model numbers are located on the backs of the units.
LG Electronics is urging consumers who are affected by this recall to contact the company at (855) 400-4639 immediately to set an appointment for a free in-home repair. In the meantime, consumers should stop using the machines in order to avoid any possible property or physical damage.