Recall: LG Recalls Top-Loading Washing Machines Due to Risk of Injury


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2012
Release #13-073
LG Recall Hotline: (855) 400-4639
Sears Recall Hotline: (888) 812-2935

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

LG Recalls Top-Loading Washing Machines Due to Risk of Injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Top-Loading Washing Machines

Units: About 457,000

Manufacturer: LG Electronics Inc., of South Korea

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.

Incidents/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.

Description: 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*******
WT5101HV through
WT5101HW 111KW*******
Kenmore Elite 29002 005KW*******
29272 through
29278 111KW*******

The model and serial number can be found on a label fixed on the rating plate on the top back of the washing machine.

Sold at: 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.

Manufactured in: South Korea

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.

Consumer Contact: 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.



LG WT5001CW   LG WT5101HV
LG WT5001CW


  LG WT5101HV


LG WT5101HW   Kenmore Elite 29002
LG WT5101HW


  Kenmore Elite 29002


Kenmore Elite 29272   Kenmore Elite 29278
Kenmore Elite 29272


  Kenmore Elite 29278


Location of the rating label on the washer

Location of the rating label on the washer



Rating label with the serial number

Rating label with the serial number