Samsung Class Action Filed Over ‘Exploding’ Washing Machine Recall

Samsung was hit with yet another class action lawsuit alleging defects caused their washing machines to explode and their voluntary recall failed to solve the problem.

Lead plaintiff Kenneth Menzer alleges in his class action lawsuit that he purchased a Samsung washer in 2015 that contained a defect that could cause it to explode.

The plaintiff further claims that the recall program instituted by Samsung didn’t adequately cover the cost of replacing the defective washer and did not actually fix the problem.

“While Samsung’s recall notice claims they offer three options for consumers who purchased the recalled washing machines to get relief, the truth is, they offer none,” alleges the plaintiff in his complaint. “Despite Samsung’s extensive experience with recalling products, Samsung is making life as difficult as possible for consumers who were unfortunate enough to purchase one of their recalled washing machines.”

According to the class action complaint, the plaintiff purchased his Samsung washing machine in a Florida appliance store in 2015. In 2016, the company issued a recall notice, says the complaint, notifying consumers that the washing machine’s lid can suddenly pop off during use and potentially cause injury.

The recall notice offered several options for consumers to take within 30-days, none of which ameliorate the problem, says the plaintiff. Consumers could get the lid replaced, but this would not solve the excessive vibration problem that causes the lid to pop off in the first place, Menzer claims. Consumers could also get a small refund, but this doesn’t cover the cost of replacing the washing machine, says the plaintiff.

Further, Menzer alleges that the technicians Samsung contracted to replace the washing machine lids were not adequately trained to make the repairs. According to the class action complaint, the technicians were Dish Network subcontractors, “whose job primarily consists of installing television satellite dishes on residences,” not repair washing machines.

The complaint points out that according to the Samsung recall, 733 reports of excessive vibration were made and nine related injuries occurred.

“Samsung is deliberately making it as difficult as possible for individuals to have their recalled washing machines repaired because it exposes Samsung to having to offer a comparable replacement once consumers discover that the repair is ineffective,” the Samsung class action states.

The plaintiff seeks to represent all U.S. residents who bought a new recalled washing machine from March 2011 to November 2016.

According to the class action, Samsung violated the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state consumer protection laws, as well as breached implied warranties. Additionally, alleges the plaintiff, Samsung was negligent and unjustly enriched.

Menzer is represented by Michael S. Hill of Menzer & Hill PA.

The Samsung Exploding Washer Recall Class Action Lawsuit is Kenneth Menzer v. Samsung Electronics America Inc., et al., Case No. 9:17-cv-80311, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.