Samsung Class Action Alleges Dryers Crack, Destroying Clothes

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UPDATE: On Oct. 26, 2020, a class action lawsuit claiming a Samsung dryer defect causes the drums in the appliances to crack is intact after a motion to dismiss.

Samsung Electronics America Inc. faces a class action from consumers claiming that their Samsung dryers are defective and destroy clothes.

Plaintiffs Lisa DeFrank, Hollis Stavn, and Chris Garcia filed the Samsung class action lawsuit alleging that their dryers developed cracked drums, causing inconvenience and destroying clothes.

According to the Samsung dryers class action, the defect occurs because Samsung allegedly uses thin gauge steel in the drums and defective fly wheels. The alleged defect occurs in both gas and electric dryers and can lead to the whole unit become useless. Other reported problems include loud noises, damage to the consumers’ clothing, and dangerous fire hazards.

The Samsung defective dryer class action lawsuit claims that the cracked drum problem is widespread and common. So common that, according to the plaintiffs, there are multiple guides on the web which explain how to fix the problem.

Despite the alleged numerosity of affected consumers, Samsung has not issued a recall, forcing consumers to fix the problem themselves. A replacement drum can cost several hundred dollars in addition to the several hundred dollar cost of professional installation.

DeFrank says she experienced an issue with her dryer after a large crack in the drum snagged and damaged her clothes. Stavn experienced the defect with his dryer after he noticed a loud noise during the drying cycle. After investigating, he found that the dryer drum had cracked, damaging his clothing. Garcia experienced the issue similar to DeFrank and noticed the issue after his clothing had been damaged by a crack in the drum.

The Samsung dryer class action lawsuit argues that consumers would not have paid a premium price for Samsung dryers, which are considered high quality, had they known that the item was subpar and subject to defects. The plaintiffs argue that they paid a higher price than is reasonable for the allegedly defective product they received.

“The facts concealed or not disclosed by Samsung to Plaintiffs and the Class members are material in that a reasonable consumer would have considered them to be important in deciding whether to purchase Samsung Dryers or pay a lesser price. Had Plaintiffs and the Class known about the Defect in the Class Dryers, they would not have purchased the Dryers or would have paid less for them,” the Samsung class action lawsuit states.

The plaintiffs intend to hold Samsung accountable for deceptive trade and business practices under several federal and state consumer protection laws.

DeFrank, Stavn, and Garcia seek to represent a Class of consumers who purchased a Samsung dryer and experienced the cracked drum defect. They also seek to represent statewide Classes for California, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Ohio.

The Samsung dryer class action seeks actual damages, general damages, special damages, incidental damages, statutory damages, consequential damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.

The plaintiffs are represented by Daniel R. Karon and Beau D. Hollowell of Karon LLC; Joseph G. Sauder of Sauder Schelkopf; and Bruce D. Greenberg and Susana Cruz Hodge of Lite DePalma Greenberg LLC.

The Samsung Dryers Class Action Lawsuit is DeFrank, et al. v. Samsung Electronics America Inc., Case No. 2:19-cv-21401-MRB, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.