A recent class action alleges that LG washer rust plagues the high end washing machines and results in ruined clothes.
Three plaintiffs allege that LG Electronics USA Inc. knowingly sells defective washing machines which rust prematurely.
According to the LG class action, the LG washer rust stems from a manufacturing defect associated with the top loading washers’ tops.
The tops are allegedly defective and begin to rust within months or a few years of purchase. The plaintiffs say that considering that expensive appliances such as washing machines typically last at least 10 years, the short time it takes for rust to plague these LG washers is significant.
The LG washer class action claims that the rust starts around the bleach dispenser on the washing machine top. The bleach dispenser is a plastic insert which fits into the metal top of the washer. Plaintiffs allege that the metal tops are poorly sealed which leads to the leakage of water and formation of rust.
According to the LG washing machine class action, the rust is not only an eyesore, it can destroy clothing put into the washer for cleaning. This compromises the washer’s ordinary purpose, meaning that consumers are allegedly not getting what they paid for.
“Once it begins, the rust inevitably spreads throughout the top of the washer to the point that rust seeps into the laundry bin and stains clothing during the wash cycle,” the LG washer rust class action lawsuit states.
Plaintiffs argue that LG should have foreseen that washer tops, which are subject to “wet, humid conditions,” may be more prone to rusting.
The LG washer class action further claims that instead of properly sealing the washing machine for foreseeable circumstances, LG manufactured the washer tops carelessly and defectively.
Despite manufacturing a defective product, LG representatives allegedly deny the issue and place the blame on consumers. The plaintiffs say the company denies warranty claims for LG washer rust, calling the problem “cosmetic” or blaming it on inadequate care by the consumer.
The LG washer rust class action rejects these arguments, maintaining that the defect is more than cosmetic and in fact prevents the appliance from working as intended.
The LG washing machine class action also argues that the defect is due to poor material choices and manufacturing, so no amount of customer care could have prevented rusting.
“Despite LG’s admonitions, upon information and belief, the rust develops regardless of overflow or spill of bleach or detergent because of the nature of the defect,” the LG washer rust class action claims. “No amount of maintenance, cleaning, or non-spilling, or wiping away of detergents would prevent the Defect.”
The plaintiffs as a group aim to represent a Class of consumers who purchased LG top loading washers since 2012. Individual plaintiffs also seek to represent two subclasses for California and Missouri consumers, respectively.
The LG washing machine rust class action lawsuit seeks actual damages, special damages, incidental damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, other damages, restitution, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
Plaintiffs are represented by Timothy N. Mathews, Benjamin F. Johns, and Zachary P. Beatty of Chimicles & Tikellis LLP.
The LG Washer Premature Rusting Class Action Lawsuit is Acosta, et al. v. LG Electronics USA Inc., Case No. 2:18-cv-15584, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
UPDATE: The LG Washer class action lawsuit was dismissed on June 20, 2019. Top Class Actions will let our viewers know if we learn of any new class actions involving LG.
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436 thoughts onLG Class Action Says Washers’ Rust Defect Ruins Clothing
Bleach dispenser surrounded by rust. Gets in wash water. I have never used the bleach dispenser.
The LG products look good but that was so deceiving the quality is not there. Purchased washer and dryer unit in 2017. I never use the bleach dispenser I add my clothing after starting wash with bleach and detergent. A few month in I noticed the material around the bleach dispenser began to pucker and bubble like window tint a year kater I noticed the bleach dispenser was always wet then came little chunks of rust. How could we as consumers create that? I will NEVER buy or allow any one I know to buy an LG product. I never bothered to waste my time calling them sometimes a bought lesson is the best lesson.
I can’t believe they were not able to find LG liable for this problem with so many of us having the exact same rust problem. I purchased my washing machine from a Menards in Carmel, Indiana. I couldn’t figure out why all my white clothes were getting some kind of rust stain on them, and it was impossible to get them out, therefore ruining every single one of the clothing that was put in that washing machine I started researching and found that this was a problem with the LG washing machines. I took a rag and went along the inside of the whole ring up above and it was all rusted I’m having a maintenance guy come on Mondays but honestly, I’m thinking I just need a new washing machine. What a waste as this was a very expensive washing machine.!!!
We also have rust in the inside top area. This is ridiculous. It is a washing machine. To n
Blame the consumer for using soap is outrageous. No more LG anything for us!
LG Washers are twice as expensive as other washers. I expected a quality product .Definitely not looking to replace it already. The washer was purchased in good faith, because LG was top of the line product.
As a consumer I feel that they knew about this problem and failed to correct it. They need to make an effort to get things right!!!!!
I too amexperiencing the severe amount of rust coming from inside the machine up through the top this is crazy these are expensive top of the line washers in there rusting out horribly something needs to be done.
We have had our LG washer for about 4 years. We NEVER use bleach. The bleach part is rusting away, but we don’t need it. We do need for the top loader cover to swing up and down. The anchor for the top cover is rusting away.
I can’t make the rust disappear because it has corroded –essentially it has disappeared, and soon there will be no more anchor bolt to control and hold down the door. LG needs to fix this defect or at least give the consumer like 75% of the cost of a new non rusting model.
I too have been experiencing rust around the bleach dispenser as well as the of part do the washing machine. This is absolutely insane!
I purchased my LG washer in June 2023 from Costco and bought the extended warranty. Five days ago, I noticed paint coming off inside the washer on the edge of the left corner. Rust is forming underneath. I contacted the warranty department and someone is coming out on December 27 to look at it. I was told paint chipping is cosmetic and not covered. It is not cosmetic and we don’t use bleach.
Re: LG Washing Machine (Model: WT5270CW) (Purchased 2016)
I too have experienced the rusting around the bleach dispenser as well. In fact, I contacted LG on August 31st, 2024, was sent to an outsourced Customer Support system. I presented clear and detailed photos. They claimed it was my fault, naturally. However, the rust is coming from the inside out. When the washer flushes water into the bleach plastic cavity, it is also seeping between the washer’s shell, and the plastic dispenser. Apparently, there is no gasket or bezel to keep the water from getting in between the two. The white paint begins to bubble, and then the rust breaks through. Similar to the characterizes of rust on a vehicle.
Rust particles are being applied during the bleach cycle, causing rust spots on clothing.
They insinuated that I used harsh detergents. Again, a false claim. The only liquid I pour into the dispenser is bleach. However, every time the machine is used, water it being applied to the dispenser, whether there is bleach or not. It is part of the machine’s function. So the rust does not have a opportunity to dry out.
I was also deceived about the iPhone capabilities at the time of purchased. I was told that the was compatible. When it fact there wasn’t an app available from Apple. I called LG out on this. They claimed there will be. LG came out with a different app that has less features than what was documented in the manual.
I also plan to contact my state attorney general office and file a complaint.
LG top load washer with rust around bleach dispenser.
Rust all around inside lip of washer. Rust gets on clothes. If you don’t remove the rust and dry the clothes, it stains!