CPSC recall 13-073, announced December 18, 2012, covers LG Electronics Top-Loading Washing Machines (about 457,000 units). An unbalanced load 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. The notice cites 343 incident reports and 1 injury. Consumers should immediately contact LG or Sears for a free in-home repair of the machine. Recall contact: call (855) 400-4639 or (888) 812-2935, or go to www.lg.com/us.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Recalled washing machines have the following model and serial number ranges: Brand Model Serial Number Range LG WT5001CW 002KW******* through 111KW******* WT5101HV WT5101HW Kenmore Elite 29002 005KW******* through 111KW******* 29272 29278 The model and serial number can be found on a label fixed on the rating plate on the top back of the washing machine.
Which products are included?
The recall involves three LG and three Kenmore Elite Brand top-loading washing machine models manufactured between February 2010 and November 2011. The units come in beige, white and graphite steel colors. Recalled washing machines have the following model and serial number ranges: Brand Model Serial Number Range LG WT5001CW 002KW******* through 111KW******* WT5101HV WT5101HW Kenmore Elite 29002 005KW******* through 111KW******* 29272 29278 The model and serial number can be found on a label fixed on the rating plate on the top back of the washing machine.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
An unbalanced load 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.
Incidents and injuries
LG has received at least 343 reports of washing machines vibrating excessively, of which at least 187 involved minor property damage. One minor injury has been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately contact LG or Sears for a free in-home repair of the machine. Consumers will also receive supplemental information to be inserted into their owner's manual and a new caution label to be placed on the washing machine. Consumers who have observed their recalled washing machine shaking excessively should immediately stop using it. 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.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- LG Electronics
- Manufacturer
- LG Electronics Inc., of South Korea
- Product type
- Washing machines
- Recall number
- 13-073
- Units
- About 457,000
- Manufactured in
- South Korea
- Sold at / sales period
- 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 for between $899 and $1,099.
Top-Loading Washing Machines
CPSC product type: Washing Machines
Recall contact information
For LG; toll-free at (855) 400-4639, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT Saturday, or online at www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices. For Kenmore or LG washers purchased at Sears or Kmart; toll-free at (888) 812-2935, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Saturday, or online at www.sears.com and click on Customer Service Home then Product Recalls in the Product Information section.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
