Samsung class action claims top-loader washing machines corrode prematurely

Samsung class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Susan Zabransky filed a class action lawsuit against Samsung Electronics America Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Why: Zabransky claims Samsung top-loader washing machines have a flange defect that causes the appliances to prematurely corrode.
• Where: The Samsung class action lawsuit was filed in New Jersey federal court.

Certain Samsung top-loader washing machines can corrode prematurely, a recent class action lawsuit claims.

Plaintiff Susan Zabransky alleges a defect causes the flange on the bottom of the washing machines’ tub to corrode, releasing tiny particles during washing cycles, according to the Samsung class action lawsuit.

Zabransky says the particles can clog hoses, preventing water from properly draining. As a result, mold and other debris allegedly accumulates on the corroded flange and is released onto clothing during wash cycles.

Samsung knew top-loader washing machines corrode prematurely, plaintiff claims

Samsung knew about the defect as early as 2013 due to consumer complaints, Zabransky claims. However, when consumers complained about the alleged defect, Samsung reportedly told them how to clean the top-loader washing machine and, in some cases, offered to send out a service technician at the consumer’s expense.

The service call fee could be close to $100, the class action lawsuit alleges.

Consumers who tried to replace the allegedly defective flange reportedly were often unable to find the replacement part. Those who did manage to find a replacement flange had to pay nearly $200 for it, not including labor costs, Zabransky claims.

“However, a new flange, made of the same material, only provides a band aide type fix as the replacement flange will also corrode in a short period of time,” the Samsung class action says.

Zabransky claims Samsung concealed the flange defect in its top-loader washing machines and routinely declined to provide consumers with warranty repairs or other remedies.

Had she known the Samsung washing machines corrode, Zabransky says she would not have purchased one, or she would not have paid as much for the appliance. She filed the class action lawsuit on behalf of a nationwide class and New Jersey subclass of consumers who purchased Samsung top-loader washing machines with a flange prone to deteriorating due to the alleged defect.

The Samsung class action lawsuit asserts claims for violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, the Truth-in-Consumer Contract, the Warranty and Notice Act, fraudulent concealment, unjust enrichment and breach of implied and express warranties.

In 2022, Samsung recalled some of its top-loading washing machines because they were allegedly prone to overheating and posed a fire hazard.

Did you purchase one of the allegedly defective Samsung top-loader washing machines? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

Zabransky is represented by Joseph LoPiccolo, John N. Pulos and Anthony S. Almeida and Bruce H. Nagel and Randee Matloff of Nagel Rice LLP.

The Samsung top-loader washing machines class action lawsuit is Susan Zabransky v. Samsung Electronics America Inc., et al., Case No. 2:24-cv-02133, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

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