LG washing machines

The reports, as CPSC published them

201. No one hurt

     Made Jun 25, 2013 · , sent to the company Jul 12, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jul 26, 2013

     The product, in the report: Top load washer

     The consumer stated that he has been experiencing with his washer since purchase. The washer would shake violently while in use, sometimes it would move across the floor, bang into the wall. It had punctured holes in the wall. He feels that he experienced similar problems of Recall number: 13-073. Hazard: 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 washer became inoperable around 1/2013, he contacted LG and he was referred to factory service. 1/14/13 The service technician advised that the control panel needed to be replace because of electrical wires were short circuit. On 2/4/2013, the panel was replaced at his expense. The washer is now operable, but at times still shakes excessively.

     The model of his washer is part of the recall but he was never notified of it, he feels that the firm should reimburse him for the repair done in January.

     Model

     WT5101HV

     Serial number

     109kwvqi7111

     Bought from

     Home Depot, Alabama

     Bought

     Nov 12, 2011

     Where

     Bonifay, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

202. No one hurt

     Made Jun 18, 2013 · , sent to the company Jun 26, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jul 11, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG high efficiency top loading clothes washer

     We had bought an LG brand High efficiency clothes washer. Within 3 months the machine literally blew apart during a spin cycle. The only thing that prevented the top panel from hitting our hot water heater and dryer were the water lines that were attached from the wall to the top panel of the machine. The square body of the machine was no longer square, but round from the drum beating it apart. We had made the mistake of contacting LG in regards to our 3 month old washing machine exploding in the middle of our house. They sent a replacement...... 2 months later. We have had our replacement for 18 months and now it is vibrating badly during spin cycles and making noises when agitating. I hope that you are able to do something about these faulty products and get them off of the market. LG should be ashamed of these machines and their lack of service in dealing with them.

     Model

     WT5001CW

     Bought from

     Home Depot, Washington

     Bought

     Jun 15, 2011, about then

     Where

     Ravensdale, Washington: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 34, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     My Spouse

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

203. No one hurt

     Made Jun 15, 2013 · , sent to the company Jun 24, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jul 9, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG TOP LOAD WASHER

     LG HE top load washer model WT4801CW with diamond glass top. The washer was Not in use heard a loud pop opened the laundry closet to see what the noise was and the entire top of the washing machinf was shattered.

     Model

     WT4801CW

     Bought from

     BEST BUY

     Bought

     Nov 9, 2011

     Where

     summerville, South Carolina: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unknown

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

204. No one hurt

     Made Jun 10, 2013 · , sent to the company Jun 18, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jul 2, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG Washer Model #WT5101HV Serial No.# 104KWGG3C231

     Washing a load of clothes on Sat.June 8th when we heard an awfully loud noise..We thought the air conditioner fell off the the house (thats how loud it was..) Went into the laundry room and found my washer in the middle of the room after it had hit my dryer and knocked stuff off a shelf that is above it..The drum had put a big dent in the front of the machine and the top was twisted around..Just spent the last 1 hour(6/10/13) on the phone with LG..That was a very big joke..After talking with 7 different people and giving my name and Model no. and serial no. 7 times I have some one coming out to repair something that I feel is unfixable..They kept saying they don’t understand my problem..I am just gratefully none of my grandkids were in the laundry room at the time, some one could have been seriously hurt..And LG was trying to get out of repairing this, they wanted me to contact Best Buy, who I bought the unit from because I have a extended service plan through them..When its them that have the recall that we never received anything on..I registered my product on line when I purchased it..I was told they do not have to notify everyone on the recall and that we should have heard about it through following them on face book or online or through the TV..Will never buy an LG product again..

     Model

     LG WT5101HV

     Serial number

     104KWGG3C231

     Bought from

     Best Buy, Nevada

     Bought

     May 30, 2011

     Where

     Henderson, Nevada: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unknown

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

205. No one hurt

     Made Jun 10, 2013 · , sent to the company Jun 18, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jul 2, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG Top-Loading Washer Model WT5001CW Serial: 103KWRE12694 Rated Voltage/Frequency: 120V AC, 60Hz Water Pressure: 14.5-116PSI (100-800kPa) Dimensions: 27”(W)x28 3/8”(D) x 45 3/8” (H), 55 3/4” (H with lid open) Net Weight: 145.5 lbs (66 kg) Max Spin Speed: 1,100 RPM

     Washer became unbalanced and started bouncing around. Now making a grinding sound during spin cycle.

     Model

     Model WT5001CW

     UPC

     T1309ADFN,ABW,EEUS

     Serial number

     103KWRE12694

     Bought from

     Fry’s Electronics, Texas

     Bought

     Jul 26, 2011

     Where

     McKinney, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 38, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

206. No one hurt

     Made Jun 5, 2013 · , sent to the company Jun 13, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jun 27, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG Front Loading Steam Washer

     I currently own an LG front loading washing machine and feel there is potentially a significant safety issue with this machine. When the washer is running there is no override option to get the door open. I have noticed this on several occasions and have had to frustratingly wait until the internal mechanism has cycled down before the door will unlock and open. This time can range from 10 minutes if there is not much water in the washer to significantly longer if there is a good amount of water.

     Each time this happens, I immediately think what if someone had an emergency and needed to get the door open because a child or pet had accidentally climbed inside. Unfortunately, there is no override or way to get the door open in an emergency. The parent or pet owner would have to watch helplessly as their child or pet slowly suffocated or drowned in the washer as they waited the allotted time for the machine to cycle down for the door to unlock.

     This seems like a huge oversight and massive potential death trap that should be addressed with LG and any other potential front loading washers. I did contact LG and they did not seem very concerned but did file a complaint report for me. They indicated their washers have passed all federal safety inspections. If this is the case, someone wasn’t very thorough when they passed the machine when it does not have a safety override to open the door in case of emergency.

     All appliances can be a death trap for children and pets getting trapped inside. But to knowingly have a product on the market that locks and has no option to open except to wait for the internal cycle is an accidental death waiting to happen. Please look into requiring the manufacturer to correct this oversight in not only the LG front loading washer, but in all front loading washers that do not offer an option to open the front door during the cycle.

     Thank you so much for your time.

     [REDACTED]

     Model

     WM2487H*MA

     Where

     Verona, Wisconsin: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

207. No one hurt

     Made May 28, 2013 · , sent to the company Jun 5, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jun 19, 2013

     The product, in the report: Model #WT5101HV, Serial#111KWCF15883

     The LG washing machine shook so violently the top of it sheared off and hit the dryer & wall.

     Model

     WT5101HV

     Serial number

     111KWCF15883

     Bought from

     Home Depot, Arizona

     Bought

     Jan 5, 2012

     Where

     Mesa, Arizona: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unknown

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

208. No one hurt

     Made May 25, 2013 · , sent to the company Jun 4, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jun 18, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG washer, HE top-loader, white Model # WT5101HW Serial # 102KWAT00032

     This incident occurred with my less than 2 year old, $845 LG HE top loading washer (model# WT 5101HW). I ran into my laundry room on Monday morning after hearing a noise that sounded like an explosion and discovered my washer, about 15 min into the normal cycle with one king set of sheets, With its top detached and resting askew on the base. It was dented all over, had water pouring from its base and the washing drum was detached from the machine. I immediately unplugged it because there was an burnt rubber smell in the air. My $845 LG dryer was dented so badly during the incident that it makes a grinding noise if it is turned on. Aftercalling the HH Gregg warranty dept, I was told that this model was recalled. I called the LG recall center and was asked if I could try running the machine and told “not to worry” that I would get a call in 3-5 business days with an appointment date and time. Finding this unacceptable, I had HH Gregg call LG to expedite things. On Wed. A repair man came to my house, told me that both machines were non repairable (surprise!) and that I needed to email pictures to LG. I did this on Wed and contacted them today having not heard from them. I was told that I would get a call in 3-5 days from them. I find their response unacceptable and their lack of concern for customer safety appalling. I have a family of 7 and after spending more than $1600 on a washer and dryer from LG, I expect better service and a faster response time.

     I am so grateful that none of my children or pets were in the room at the time. A force strong enough to blow the top off of a washer and damage a dryer is dangerous.

     Model

     WT5101HW

     UPC

     Do not know

     Serial number

     102KWAT00032

     Bought from

     HH Gregg, North Carolina

     Bought

     Jul 3, 2011

     Where

     Wilmington, North Carolina: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unknown

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

209. Seen by a doctor or nurse

     Made May 8, 2013 · , sent to the company May 24, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jun 10, 2013

     The product, in the report: top loading washing machine

     The consumer stated that she purchased a top loading washing machine and was experiencing problems with the machine. 3 months after purchase she called ad said the washer was shaking on spin and would move, they said she must be loading the washer wrong. She could not even was a twin size blanket. She called and called, then the odor started. The consumer stated that she had contacted the manufacturer several times and they did not provide any assistance. She stated that she contacted the manufacturer one last time to inform them of the odor and shaking problems that she was experiencing with the machine. She stated that the manufacturer sent a technician to her home on 05/06/2013 and he informed her that her machine was included on a recall.

     The technician said he was an engineer for LG. He could smell it. He asked consumer if he washed clothing the person would wear in like a chemical plant/industrial. He pulled the bottom of the tub area, it was coated with what looked like some kind of dark slime.

     She stated that the technician upgraded the software of the machine and he also noticed that there was a bad odor inside the machine. The consumer stated that the technician removed the drum and found that the there was a thick layer of mold underneath the drum. She stated that the technician assisted in removing the layers of mold, but there was still some mold left inside.

     She stated that the technician informed her that it seemed as though the machine was not properly installed. The consumer stated that she was not sure it was the person who installed it because the bolts could have come loosed when the machine was aggressively shaking.

     The consumer stated that her 25 years old daughter has been suffering from respiratory problems and its now on an inhaler. Her grandson also had respiratory problems, was on a nebulizer and has suffered pneumonia twice. The consumer stated that she believes that these problems are due to the mold in the washing machine.

     The consumer stated that she believes that this problem should be investigated, since this machine has more problems and hazards than what is being stated on release number: 13-073.

     UPDATE FROM CONSUMER:

     On June 19th 2011 my husband and I purchases outr LG washer from HH Gregg Appliances at 704 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehead, PA 18052. Washer- WT510iHV- LG washer HE, top load, silver with extended warranty for 5 years. Serial 103KWJU0392

     After about 1/3 months of use the washer shook and moved on spin. I called the store, transferred to service. They accused me of loading washer wrong and that I could void warranty. I called a number of times. Not too long an odor started, smelled like rotten eggs to date. They do not cover odors they stated to use [REDACTED] which I had been using. The last call placed which was either late April 2013, early May 2013. Now they told me a recall on the washer. We never got a letter, nothing. But they came out for that on Monday, May 6 after 9 AM.

     The man said he was an engineer with LG and here to fix the warranty problem only. While here, he smelled the bad odor. He had the bottom of the drum and it was covered with a darking yellow/brown stuff with stuff in it. He scraped as much as he could off into the tub next to the washer, but said there is still stuff there.

     He told consumer something like a screw was loose and that whoever installed should have tightened it. (Consumer called HH Gregg. The said that LG should have made sure it was tight). The person that came out did not leave anything to the fact that he fixed the matter.

     after almost 2 years of having this washer to find out something was loose and water went under the tub and all the built up. The scent is horrible. The washer is unplugged- I go to the laundry mat.

     I have asthma, nearly passed in our mudroom a few times. My daughter, age 25, needs an inhaler now. Her son, his grandson- asthma attacks and got very ill.

     all these times I called and they’re blaming me for loading the washer wrong. Now look at the recall that I know about now posted in Dec. 2012. And the loose bolt inside and no one would check it till a recall.

     Model

     WT5101HV

     UPC

     Unknown

     Serial number

     103KWJU03692

     Bought from

     HHgregg, Pennsylvania

     Bought

     Jun 1, 2011, about then

     Where

     Barto, Pennsylvania: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 2, Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Other Relative

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

210. No one hurt

     Made Apr 24, 2013 · , sent to the company May 1, 2013 · , published by CPSC May 15, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG Washing Machine LGWT5101HV

     My LGWT5101HV washing machine blew up. I had put an average size load in, and was sitting in a room about 20 feet away. I heard a loud noise that sounded like the wall had collapsed. I went to the laundry room to see what had happened, and the top of the washing machine had completely detached itself from the rest of the washer and it was embedded in my wall. There was water all over the floor. It was such a violent event, it had thrown itself into the side of my dryer, denting it enough so the cylinder inside now rubs against the side of the dryer frame when it was tested. After it hit the dryer, it bounced the other way and embedded itself into the drywall of my laundry room, creating a hole 4 feet tall by 1 foot wide hole in the wall.

     Model

     LGWT5101HV

     Serial number

     110KWNM3X495

     Bought from

     RC Willey, Nevada

     Bought

     Mar 24, 2012

     Where

     Las Vegas, Nevada: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 41, Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

211. Not said

     Made Mar 13, 2013 · , sent to the company Mar 21, 2013 · , published by CPSC Apr 4, 2013

     The product, in the report: ELECTRIC LG WASHER, MODEL NO. WT5001CW

     I have an LG electric Washer Model WT5001CW, which is on recall list. i received the recall letter and called SEARS to come out to do the recall service. they came out to upgraded the software to the Washer and now the Washer shake more than it used to be. and it’s non stop working. i just called SEAR again and they will come out to service again. I just report that whatever the recall service they do to this LG Washer. it doesnt’ work. the wahser shake event more than it used to and it may damage to the house or person because it won’t stop working. if you need any additional quesion, please call me at [REDACTED]. Thanks, [REDACTED]

     Model

     WT5001CW

     Bought from

     SEAR, North Carolina

     Bought

     Jan 11, 2011, about then

     Where

     new bern, North Carolina: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Unspecified

212. No one hurt

     Made Mar 5, 2013 · , sent to the company Mar 14, 2013 · , published by CPSC Mar 28, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG Clothes Washer WT5001CW SN# 109KWGGAG295

     Washer is off-balanced, now leaks

     Model

     WT5001CW

     Serial number

     109KWGGAG295

     Bought from

     Best Buy

     Bought

     Dec 9, 2011

     Where

     Long Valley, New Jersey: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 34, Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

213. No one hurt

     Made Mar 2, 2013 · , sent to the company Mar 15, 2013 · , published by CPSC Mar 29, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG WT5001CW washing machine

     LG WT5001CW clothes washer broken/changed significantly by firmware replacement being done by Sears/LG per U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

     Had the same good professional Sears service tech come out twice, once to do the recall firmware upgrade, once to follow up on the complain. PROBLEM IS, washer immediately started using much less warm water (even at hottest settings), leaves far more moisture in clothes when “done”, and run times are now 50% longer. The washer went from being excellent to mediocre or poor at best and was essentially broken/changed to the point of being unsatisfactory by the firmware change.

     Acceptable remedies: - Reload the original “problematic” firmware. - Correct the “recall” firmware - Replace the digital electronics board in the washer with one that causes the washer to behave as original - Replace the washer

     Will pursue this with LG, as the Sears tech says there’s nothing more he can do.

     Model

     LG WT5001CW

     Serial number

     007KWYP04490

     Bought from

     Sears

     Bought

     Sep 3, 2010

     Where

     Springfield, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unknown

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

214. No one hurt

     Made Dec 18, 2012 · , sent to the company Jan 8, 2013 · , published by CPSC Jan 23, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG Washing machine Model # WT5001CW

     LG Model WT5001CW SN#111KW******* PURCHASED 03/2012

     This is actually my second washer. The first machine (purchased 01/2011) malfunctioned, became unbalanced and the spinning drum broke completely lose from the unit. It broke free of the housing and crashed into the dryer and wall. LG replaced the unit in March 2012 with the same model. The newer machine, same model is showing repetitive behavior of the original machine. The brackets supporting the drum are inadequate. The machine does not turn itself off if unbalanced. Violent shaking and banging occur whether the load if off balance or not. Size of load is also not relevant. I see a recall exists for this current model and LG is sending to my home a repair technician to install some sort of new balancing awareness gadget and warning sticker. (really? a sticker?) It is my opinion that a new sensor is not the source of the problem. The support brackets are inadequate for holding the weight of the drum. Bad mechanical design is also an issue. I would hope LG would refund consumers of their purchase amount ($899.00+) to allow the consumer to purchase a better washer. I know that it is just a matter of time before this washer breaks again. The first time it happened no one got hurt and damage to my home was minimal. I hope I’m as fortunate the second time.

     Model

     WT5001CW

     UPC

     unknown

     Serial number

     111KWLR7J368

     Bought from

     Best Buy, Illinois

     Bought

     Mar 24, 2012

     Where

     Algonquin, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unknown

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

215. No one hurt

     Made Dec 12, 2012 · , sent to the company Dec 28, 2012 · , published by CPSC Jan 14, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG WM2016CW

     I bought a LG Front Load Washer in June 2008 and it worked great until last summer when dangerous black mold and mildew was growing inside my washer. Our clothing when washed stink ed of mold and mildew. We threw out hundreds of dollars of clothing. Black mold was in the rubber door gasket and other parts of the washer.I called LG customer service that the mold is caused by too much soap and overloading the washer. I did neither. The companies have poorly designed the Front load washers thus causing poor air circulation which results in dangerous black mold and mildew. They know of this problem and they are doing nothing about it. So, after researching this problem, I bought the product (Washer Fan) for sixty dollars and bought numerous other products to rid my washer of mold and mildew. My wife is post transplant patient who is in constant danger being exposed to mold. This is a class action lawsuit against all front load washer companies with mold issues that is pending in the courts.

     Model

     LG WM2016CW /Front Load Washer

     Serial number

     805KWSB02382

     Bought from

     Sears, Washington

     Bought

     Jun 15, 2008, about then

     Where

     Tacoma, Washington: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unknown

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

216. Hurt, no treatment

     Made Dec 5, 2012 · , sent to the company Dec 21, 2012 · , published by CPSC Jan 9, 2013

     The product, in the report: FRONT LOADING STEAM WASHING MACHINE

     LG FRONT LOAD STEAM WASHER - MODEL WM2487HRMA. While washing a load of approximately 5 towels the inner glass portion of the door shattered during a spin cycle. The glass was all over the inside of the machine and the towels. All of the glass couldn’t be removed because it wasn’t tempered and the shards were too small to be carefully handled. My hands were cut in several places removing the towels and the glass that i was able to remove. LG refuses to repair or replace the machine because they don’t believe the towels would cause that. I have pictures of the incident.

     Model

     WM2487HRMA

     Serial number

     805KWVQ06887

     Bought from

     SEARS, New Hampshire

     Bought

     Oct 4, 2008

     Where

     Hudson, New Hampshire: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 34, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

217. No one hurt

     Made Dec 4, 2012 · , sent to the company Dec 27, 2012 · , published by CPSC Jan 18, 2013

     The product, in the report: LG Front Load Washer

     I am writing about LG front load washers and dryers which could involve all front loads.

     I went to my daughters house to sit her 2.5 year old twins. While playing they went into the laundry room where the new washer and dryer are installed. The boy opened the door and the girl crawled in. The in NOTHING to prevent the door from being closed and the start button hit.

     ALL OF THE CONTROLS ARE ON THE FRONT WELL WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN. NO CONTROLS OF ANY APPLIANCE SHOULD BE WITHIN REACH OF A CHILD.

     Thank goodness I was there to prevent the death of my granddaughter.

     These front loads with controls on the front are a terrible design when it comes to child safety.

     Model

     Wm2655hva lg

     Bought from

     HH Greg, Ohio

     Bought

     Nov 28, 2012

     Where

     Akron, Ohio: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 2, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Other Relative

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

218. No one hurt

     Made Nov 16, 2012 · , sent to the company Dec 12, 2012 · , published by CPSC Dec 28, 2012

     The product, in the report: LG Top Loader High Efficiency Washer

     I purchased LG Waveforce Top Loading Washer WT5001cw and Gas Dryer Set on 7/9/11 from Best Buy. I had a little issue of leaking that out of nowhere was resolved. On 10/31/2102, I went to the washer to get my whites out. I couldn’t open the washer because it was locked. I pressed the power button & it would not turn on. I pulled out the manual to troubleshoot the issue. There was nothing in the manual to address this issue. I then called LG. I talked to a rep out of a call center in the country of Panama. The person told me to unplug unit for 30 seconds to reset. I did this. That did not work. The person then told me to check the circuit breaker to see if the outlet tripped. I checked the circuit breaker & everything checked out normal. That did not fix issue. They told me to plug it into a different outlet. I did this. That did not fix issue. I told rep that I smelled a burning smell coming from unit. The rep told me to unplug unit. I immediately unplugged unit. Rep stated that since the unit was a bit over warranty, I would have to send my original receipt to them to be approved for an extended warranty.

     I faxed LG the documents they requested. As we waited days to see if this warranty was going to be approved, on Sunday, 11/4/12, my husband went down to basement to see if washer would turn on. He plugged it back in & smelt a burning smell & saw smoke coming from the back of unit. He took off a small white cover in the back to see what was happening. We found out that the main power source in the washer had caught on fire and this wasn’t the first time since 10/31/12. We immediately called LG to report this & they seemed uninterested in helping us. This call center was in Asia.

     We also took many pictures. This rep told us we needed to contact LG on Monday to find out what to do next. On Monday, we called & talked to a rep in the USA by the name of [REDACTED] **, a supposed supervisor for LG. She wasn’t helpful whatsoever and she was extremely rude. She made us re-fax and email another copy of original sales receipt to call us a few hours later to tell us that we were not approved for the extended warranty. She said her superiors told her that because we took off the back panel, we voided the warranty or any option for an extended. We were like “Are you ** kidding us?” This was an emergency situation of an LG appliance on fire in our home and it caught on fire previously days before this.

     Then this [REDACTED] rep told us to go to Best Buy to see if they could do anything for us, which we did that same night, which was tonight. The Best Buy manager pretty much laughed (not at us) as they were shocked LG told us to go back to them. Now, we are in a situation of being without a washer. We are trying to figure out what to do next. This appliance cannot be repaired. Even if it could, we don’t want a fire hazard in our home or have to worry about it re-catching on fire in future.

     Model

     WT5001CW

     Serial number

     105KWHX7T41

     Bought from

     Best Buy, Illinois

     Bought

     Jul 2, 2012

     Where

     St. Charles, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     My Spouse

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

219. No one hurt

     Made Oct 8, 2012 · , sent to the company Oct 16, 2012 · , published by CPSC Oct 30, 2012

     The product, in the report: Front loading steam combo washer/dryer.

     I have an LG washer/dryer steam combo Model # WM3988H. It is 120 volts. The machine was plugged into its own 120V grounded outlet. There was an electrical short of some sort. The plug and wall outlet were burned. There was a small fire at the outlet. Also, the motherboard burned out. The machine always gives off a lot of heat when it runs, but there was never an error indicator light that came on. The machine is not equipped with any sort of safety shut off.

     Before it stopped working, I had heard a “pop” sound when I pressed the on button. It did this on three occasions. Then the machine stopped making the sound when I used it. And then the machine would not turn on at all. It made the pop sound about 4 weeks ago for the first time. It stopped working 2 weeks ago. The repairman was here today, October 8th. It was the first time that I learned that the plug, wall outlet, and motherboard had shorted out and burned.

     Thank you.

     Model

     WM3988HWA

     Serial number

     711KWQW00404

     Bought from

     Home Depot

     Bought

     Mar 1, 2008, about then

     Where

     Los Angeles, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 55, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

220. No one hurt

     Made Aug 20, 2012 · , sent to the company Sep 25, 2012 · , published by CPSC Oct 17, 2012

     The product, in the report: LG Electronics Washing Machine

     The consumer says she was washing clothes when the machine went into the spin cycle, when it started spinning out of control. It sounded like lightning bolts coming through the wall. The consumer went into the laundry room and saw the washer jumping out of control when it shot forward off of the wall and cracked the granite countertop underneath. The door flew open and the latch to the door is now broken. The washer was on approximately 30 minutes prior to the incident. She contacted the manufacturer the next day on 8-14-2012, who offered to send out a technician for a fee.

     Incident Date: 8-13-2012

     Model

     Tromm 2847

     Serial number

     WM2487HM

     Bought from

     Brand Mart, Florida

     Where

     West Palm beach, Florida: Unspecified

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

221. No one hurt

     Made Mar 22, 2012 · , sent to the company Mar 30, 2012 · , published by CPSC Apr 13, 2012

     The product, in the report: LG Washing machine and dryer, model 5101HW

     I purchased an LG washer/dryer set (model 5101) in Jan 2011. On the night of March 5th, I began a load of laundry that consisted only of a mattress pad from my king sized bed. Approximately 20 minutes into the cycle, I heard a loud boom that sounded like thunder. After investigating, I found that the washing machine had literally exploded. I found the washing machine rotated 180 degrees with the lid completely blown off. There were open, exposed wires. The force of the blow moved my dryer about 6 inches to the left and caved in the entire side of that machine. It also caused damage to my wall. Had I been in the room when it happened, I would have been injured. I have plenty of photographic evidence of this. After searching the internet, I was surprised to find that I was not the first person this has happened to. This machine needs to be recalled, as it is unsafe.

     Model

     WT5101HW

     Bought from

     Home Depot, Texas

     Bought

     Jan 11, 2011, about then

     Where

     Plano, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 33, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

222. No one hurt

     Made Mar 3, 2012 · , sent to the company Mar 12, 2012 · , published by CPSC Apr 2, 2012

     The product, in the report: LG WM3455HW washer/dryer combo

     I own a LG washer dryer combo that smells very very bad and is causing health problems for me. The smell can get so bad that i will leave my home for periods of time to give the house time to air out. I purchased it new toward the end of last year from best buy. As I am writing this to you I have read on line that this is a serious problem with front loaders in general. I have also learned there are some options that I will try this week to get rid of this smell. I can’t believe the manufacturers didn’t know about this before production. Thank you

     Model

     WM3455HW

     Serial number

     101KWVQ00103

     Bought from

     Best Buy, Michigan

     Bought

     Nov 20, 2011, about then

     Where

     hazel park, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

223. No one hurt

     Made Feb 17, 2012 · , sent to the company Feb 28, 2012 · , published by CPSC Mar 13, 2012

     The product, in the report: white LG front-loading washer, model # WM2140 CW

     I arrived home from vacation to find the glass on my front-loading washer shattered. Nobody had been at my house, the washer was not in use when I left and had nothing in it. It was a year old (to the day) when it occurred. The washer model is an LG WM2140CW. LG and the Home Depot warranty dept both say they have never heard of this happening before, but a quick internet search shows it has happened many times with a variety of front-loading models, most of which were in use at the time and sent shards of broken glass blasting across the room, putting dents in nearby walls and appliances. A few say the replacement glass the repairman used was much thicker than the original, leading them to believe the companies are aware of the problem. I feel like these are literally ticking time bombs now, and would not allow my kids in the laundry room while it is on if I knew of this problem, and I fear for the safety of other children who are at eye level with the hazardous glass - it will kill them if they happen to be walking past when it explodes.

     Model

     WM2140CW

     Serial number

     012KWWZ08361

     Bought from

     Home Depot, California

     Bought

     Feb 12, 2011

     Where

     Loomis, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 29, Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

224. No one hurt

     Made Sep 17, 2011 · , sent to the company Sep 26, 2011 · , published by CPSC Oct 12, 2011

     The product, in the report: LG front load washing machine

     The glass broke out of the door during washing. There were large sharp pieces inside the washer.

     Model

     wm2016cw

     Bought from

     Lowes, Colorado

     Bought

     Sep 8, 2011, about then

     Where

     aurora, Colorado: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Female

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

225. No one hurt

     Made Jul 25, 2011 · , published by CPSC Sep 29, 2011

     The product, in the report: LG Front loading washer

     LG WM2050CW- Front Loader Washing Machine.

     Mold forms on the rubber seal to the door, this is apparently very common, from my online research over the issue, which eventually lead me here. The machine is about 2 years old, so I am stuck with it, but there has been an odor for at least a year, but I just recently figured out why. It is disgusting and dangerous, but seems I am stuck with it, since buying a new (different brand) one is not an option for us.

     Model

     LG WM2050CW

     Bought from

     HH Gregg, Indiana

     Bought

     Jul 9, 2009, about then

     Where

     Spring, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Unspecified

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Unspecified

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

226. No one hurt

     Made Jun 3, 2011 · , published by CPSC May 11, 2012

     The product, in the report: LG Electronics WM2101HW 4.0 Cu.Ft. Front loading Washing Machine (serial #005KWKS02277)

     LG Electronics WM2101HW 4.0 Cu.Ft. Front load washing machine (serial #005KWKS02277) Delivered and installed by retailer on 11/08/2010. Used for first time that day. Water flooded out the bottom, flooded my condo, flooded the condo below mine, and poured into the garage below that. Water was coming out of ceiling light fixtures in unit below mine. I found that the water filter was loose. (a screw in part near the bottom of the washer). A technician who visited said it would eventually have shut off automatically. It didn’t shut off automatically. The owner’s manual make no mention of flood risk. Manufacturer denies any responsibility.

     Model

     WM2101HW

     Serial number

     005KWKS02277

     Bought from

     RC Willey Home Furnishings

     Bought

     Oct 22, 2010

     Where

     Salt Lake City, Utah: Home/Apartment/Condominium

     Who was involved

     Age 60, Male

     The reporter’s relation to them

     Self

     As this report names them

     Brand LG, made or sold by LG Electronics, USA

     How badly, in CPSC’s words

     Incident, No Injury

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources