ORLANDO, Fla. – The Consumer Product Safety Commission on Tuesday announced the recall of 457,000 LG washing machines, citing dangers associated with unbalanced loads.
The recall affects several LG and Kenmore Elite Brand top-loading washing machine models. The CPSC says an unbalanced load in those models can cause the washing machine to shake excessively and the drum to come loose during use, posing a risk of injury to consumers and property damage to the surrounding area.
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LG has received at least 343 reports of washing machines vibrating excessively; at least 187 of those reports cited minor property damage. One minor injury has also been reported to the manufacturer.
The following models are included in the recall:
- LG WT5001CW, WT5101HV, WT5101HW with serial numbers 002KW through 111KW.
- Kenmore Elite 29002, 29272, 29278 with serial numbers 005KW through 111KW.
"Consumers who have observed their recalled washing machine shaking excessively should immediately stop using it," the commission said in statement. "Consumers should be aware that loading their machines with water-proof or water-resistant items, such as mattress pads, mattress covers and similar items, increases the chances of loads being unbalanced."
LG models were sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, Kmart, Sears and local retailers nationwide. Kenmore Elite models were sold at Kmart and Sears. All were sold from April 2010 to December 2012.
LG and Sears will provide free in-home repairs. Consumers must contact the companies to make arrangements. For LG: toll-free at (855) 400-4639. For Kenmore or LG washers purchased at Sears or Kmart: toll-free at (888) 812-2935.