Samsung just recalled nearly 3 million washing machines because they might explode

REUTERS/Steve Marcus

Samsung Electronics, which is already reeling from a global recall of its Note 7 smartphones, said it would recall about 2.8 million of its top-load washing machines in the United States to address safety concerns.

The top of the washing machines can unexpectedly blow off from the chassis during use, posing a risk of injury from impact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement on Friday. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been reports of 730 different units "exploding," hence the recall. One woman told ABC News she narrowly avoided a serious injury when "all of a sudden, without warning, the washing machine just exploded."

"It was the loudest sound," she said. "It sounded like a bomb went off in my ear."

The machines being recalled were manufactured between March 2011 and November 2016.

Samsung received nine related reports of injuries, including a broken jaw, injured shoulder and other fall-related injuries.

Samsung, the world's top smartphone maker, is grappling with a global recall of at least 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire. 

While this defect isn't the same as the Note 7's issues, it will likely raise further concerns over the company's quality control measures and product safety.

In a press release, Samsung said it will offer affected customers the option of a free in-home repair that includes "reinforcement of the washer's top" (along with a year-long extension of their warranty), or a rebate that can be put toward a new Samsung or "other brand" washing machine. The company says that rebate will vary based on the date and model of the recalled washer. It says those who bought their machine in the last 30 days can receive a full refund. 

As with the Note 7 recall, it's also trying to entice customers to stay with the brand in spite of the mishap — the company says those who pick a new Samsung washing machine will get an "additional loyalty incentive up to $150" toward the replacement device. 

Credits: Jeff Dunn