Latest Samsung washing machine recall does not affect New Zealand

A recall of 2.8 million Samsung washing machines in the United States does not affect the manufacturer's machines sold in New Zealand.

The recall of 34 models of top-load washing machines announced by Samsung on Friday is the biggest in US history but a Samsung customer services representative in New Zealand said none of the affected models were sold here.

The washers were recalled because they could become dangerous while laundering bulky items such as duvets, which could cause the machines to vibrate violently or even burst apart.

Samsung had received 733 reports of faulty machines, and injuries including a broken jaw and injured shoulder.

While none of the models were sold in New Zealand the customer services representative said if any Kiwis did have one of the models, sold between March 2011 and November 2016, they should stop using it and ring Samsung immediately.

"These models are not sold in New Zealand but if people have brought a machine to New Zealand through immigration then they should call us."

The representative said four different New Zealand-sold Samsung top-loader washing machines were under recall for another reason.

Those four models were recalled in 2013 and the recall was ongoing. The Herald understands the recall was because of a fire risk created by water getting into the electronics of the washing machine.

The four models were produced from 2010 to 2013. No front-loaders were involved in the recall.

"It's for safety reasons. We do advise them not to use the washing machine and to wait for a service technician to make an inspection and we provide them options for refund or replacement."

A recall hotline had been set up and is manned 24 hours a day at 0800 855 502.

The faulty New Zealand model numbers are: SW75V9WIP, SW65V9WIP, SW80SPWIP and SW70SPWIP.

The faulty American models can found at this link: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/Samsung-Recalls-Top-Load-Washing-Machines

The giant recall is another blow for Samsung which issued a worldwide recall of its Galaxy Note 7 mobile phone earlier this year after some began exploding.

That recall is being helped along by the New Zealand telecommunications industry which will blacklist all Note 7 mobiles from November 18, meaning any Samsung Note 7s currently in use will no longer work on any mobile network.

Samsung has since suspended production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones.