In August of this year, 2016, I purchased one of what would become 2.8 million recalled Samsung, top-loading washing machines (involving 34 different models) that may EXPLODE FROM WITHIN. Samsung has known of almost 750, documented, serious consumer injuries and damages to consumer homes since 2011, but didn’t notify purchasers of a problem with their washing machines until November, 2016. They mailed us “warning labels” with instructions on how to apply them to their machines.
I love this line in their instructions: “You have successfully applied the under-the-lid warning label to your washer.” Gee… Am I supposed to feel better now?
Samsung has a well-documented pattern of not only selling defective, dangerous products, but downplaying the resulting large-scale, life-threatening consequences as though if they ignored them, they would go away. Samsung drug their feet on addressing their Galaxy S7 Note cellphone’s combustible batteries. When they finally spoke up, they promised their Galaxy S8 cellphone replacements were safe. They were not.
So why should I believe their free “in-home washing machine repair” is safe? BTW, even after their “fix,” they warn you not to run the machine on a high speed with heavy items inside like towels and sheets. Numerous worldwide reports say the machines STILL explode after the company fixed them. The other consumer option is $127 toward the purchase of another Samsung washing machine, or a paltry $27 toward another other brand. This doesn’t acknowledge those of us who purchased “matching” washers and dryers. We’re screwed, regardless, on that one.
Each day since receiving my warning labels, I’ve called Samsung’s recall hotline. Each time I’m told due to extremely high call volumes I need to call back when they’re less busy. Samsung’s recording then suggests I go online to address my problems but then says, “Due to heavy traffic on the website, you may experience ‘latency issues,’ and you may want to reach one of our support channels at a later time.”
Whether it’s the high number of dead and dying Samsung semiconductor plant employees with suspicious, rare cancers and terminal diseases; a fine by the European Commission for being part of a price fixing cartel; the guilty verdict against Samsung’s willful patent infringement of Apple’s intellectual property; Samsung’s knowledge of cellphone explosions dating back to 2012 and now their washing machine debacle they’ve known about since 2011, Samsung needs to take an ethic’s lesson and put the consumer first. As sure as day becomes night, Samsung won’t do that. Why?
BUSINESS 101: Follow the money trail.
- October, 2016, Samsung announced a 30 percent increase in shareholder dividends. Talk about greedy, unconscionable gall.
- Samsung accounts for 23 percent of South Korea’s economy.
- South Korean people think Samsung is more powerful than the President of South Korea.
In the meantime… Tell me again what the warning label is for? It sounds like a warning about Russian roulette. How many bullets—I mean washes—do I have before my washing machine explodes?
22 thoughts on “Samsung or Scamsung?”
Ugh. This is awful and good on you for documenting these issues, I had no idea! And I’ve just realised that we have a Samsung washing machine. But I won’t be touching any of their products in future, thanks for the warning. It makes me sick that so many companies ‘follow the money trail’ – and it’s not just global corporations either, I see entrepreneurs doing it daily. Essie xx
Hi Essie, You might want to check the model number on the back of your washing machine just to double check it’s not one of their 34 models that explode. Doesn’t matter if they’re new or older. If you can’t pull the machine out from the wall, take a photo with your cellphone. Just hold your camera back behind it and snap. Model number should be on the upper left or upper center. xoxo, Brenda
Oy…I had no idea that a washer could explode. Sound like Samsung needs to get their act together. Thanks for the warning on this company. My 15 year old Maytag Neptune set is still going strong.
You should see some of the photos… and the bruises on a woman’s back and waist, where her kidney’s are. Oy, is right! Scary! xoxox, Brenda
So sorry you’ve had such trouble getting through to them, although I’m not sure they’ll do much for you if you do get through! We have Samsung phones and have been pleased, mostly. But your documented report gives a clear picture of their ethics issues! Thank you for sharing this, and I’m sorry you are stuck in that situation. It’s so fun to get a new washer and dryer set, so it’s especially disappointing to find out its explosive! Hope you are able to get a better resolution soon. Hope you are able to enjoy this Christmas season,and can focus on the beauty and joy of the One Who came. Love you and lifting you up to the Father of lights.
Sweet Beckye, It was fun to have a pretty, new, matching set. There are no better resolutions from Samsung. I just need to do some research and find a good washing machine. Thank you for the well wishes. God has blessed me beyond all reason, and I’m so grateful. xoxo, Brenda
Seriously, that sticker! The gall!! Unbelievable!
I know!! I vacillate between scratching my head and feeling like I’ve been duped.
Thank you for explaining this situation so well so it benefits others! I am very sorry for the position you find yourself in. I will say I had to replace my Kitchen Aid washer and dryer (they no longer make washers and dryers only kitchen appliances) after eleven years of heavy use. I purchased matching front loading Whirlpool washer and dryer and guess what,they are proudly made in the good old USA. I not only am very happy with them but I feel I am helping people in this country have a job and benefits. Let’s all try to put our country first and buy American made products after all, it will help all of us in the end! Merry Christmas!
I’m the queen of buy America first, so it’s really puzzling that I bought a Samsung. This time I’m going to research American made brands. Merry Christmas, Deborah!
Holy moly!!! Thank you – I will never buy a Samsung product ever again.
Once you lose trust in someone, something, or a brand, it’s hard to get it back! Samsung will never earn my trust back. xoxo, B
This is beyond disturbing. That said, I guess I’ll be keeping my Samsung Galaxy6 phone forever. It has the best camera of any phone and better than my 35mm, too. We’re going to be in the market for a new washer/dryer in the near future and Samsung won’t be on my list. I don’t understand why there hasn’t been a massive recall. $$ talks.
b
iPhone cameras are phenomenal. I bought a 6SPlus, with the big screen, and can’t imagine how I lived with a tiny cellphone. We do everything online now so a bigger screen is the ticket for me. I’m starting to research American made washer/dryers. xoxox, Brenda
I’m agreeing with Donna. I will never buy a Samsung product again. Ever!
Diane, I didn’t have room to write about all of Samsung’s other transgressions, but buyer beware! They’re beyond shameful.
Wow! This is terrible. The only Samsung products I have are televisions. I hope they don’t explode!
My research didn’t reveal any problem with Samsung TVs, but stay away from their cellphones and washing machines. Thanks for stopping by, Martha.
Hi Brenda,
I’m sorry you had such a bad experience. My daughter likes Samsung products but I don’t have much familiarity with them.
Janice
Janice, I hope she doesn’t have one of the 34 Samsung washing machine models that explode. They’ve been on the market since 2011. Thanks, Brenda
Popping in to wish you a Happy Christmas Brenda!
Of late my blogging has been in a holding pattern.
My husband and I recently purchased a Samsung washer and dryer.
. . . the very first washer and dryer we have purchased “not made in the USA”. ( We were those reliable top of the line at Sears shoppers, owning only two sets of washer and dryers, previous to this purchase, the first pair lasting 18 years for a two load a day family of four and two dogs. Because of this, we applied a portion of our nearly 50% off savings on the purchase to a five year warranty for both. I am hoping and praying for a safe relationship with the products.
As my old set showed signs of wear, my husband encouraged me to keep the loads lighter. I gradually switched to lighter coverlets for Spring and Summer into Early Fall and duvets with down for Late Fall and Winter instead of the traditional comforters. Yes, I adjusted to the behavior of a machine! ( Seems like we adjust quite a bit in this crazy world we live in.)
Daily we are reminded of risks of things we have invested in. Without risk of sounding too old . . . they don’t make things like they used to. Compare Cuisinart and Kitchenaid to those built in the ’80’s. I treat mine like gold.
Is it the “lesser price” . . . or a eventually a “high price” we pay by going global? ( Taking on Toyota . . . I am thankful my little grey commuter was not involved in their last danger filled controversy.)
Thank you for your caring and thoughtful insight.
Wishing you a safe and healthy 2017!
~Lynne
w/L
Hi Lynne, Happy to hear from you! Like you, I had a Sears washer/dryer for 20 years. Worked great. When James and I moved to the Little House, I gave it to my stepson and his wife because it wouldn’t fit in the tiny space we had. I was so excited to have a new washer/dryer so it’s been disappointing to have it turn out to be a dud. I’ll decide what to do about it after the holidays. I love my heavy, dinosaur Cuisinart, and my Toyota has 195,000 miles on it, so I’m with you when you say, “They don’t make things like they used to.” xoxox, Brenda
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