Is Your Washing Machine Recalled? How to Check

How to Check If Your Washer Is Recalled#

Follow these steps to determine if your washer has an active recall or class action:

1. Locate the model and serial number — on top-loaders, check the back or underside of the lid. On front-loaders, check the door frame (rubber gasket area) or the back panel
2. The Samsung top-load washer recall (November 2016) affected 34 models manufactured 2011-2016 — 2.8 million units. Model numbers start with WA. If you have a Samsung top-loader from this era, check immediately
3. Search CPSC at cpsc.gov/Recalls with your brand name + "[washing machine](/blog/repair-or-replace-washer)"
4. Check your manufacturer recall page directly — Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE all maintain active recall databases

Why This Matters#

Millions of recalled appliances remain in use because their owners never received the recall notification. CPSC estimates that only 30-40% of recalled consumer products are actually repaired or returned. This means more than half of all recalled appliances are still in homes, creating ongoing safety risks for families who are unaware of the defect. Checking your appliance recall status takes less than 5 minutes and could prevent a fire, gas leak, or injury.

After Checking — Next Steps#

Whether or not your appliance is currently recalled, these ongoing practices protect your household:

• Register your washer with the manufacturer for automatic recall notifications
• For Samsung top-load washers from the recall period: if you did not participate in the recall remedy (free repair or rebate toward replacement), you may still be eligible
• Monitor class action databases for your brand — Samsung front-loader mold and LG front-loader drum bearing class actions affect models not covered by official CPSC recalls
• Keep purchase receipts for all major appliances — class action settlements often require proof of ownership

Common Recall Patterns for Washers#

Understanding common recall patterns helps you evaluate potential risks even before a recall is announced. Based on CPSC data, here are the most frequent defect categories for washer recalls:

• Excessive vibration / structural failure: The Samsung 2016 recall (2.8M units) involved top panels detaching during high-speed spin. This remains the largest washer recall in history.
• Wiring harness fires: Short circuits from vibration-damaged wiring insulation. Multiple brands affected across top-load and front-load models.
• Door lock failures: Front-load washer doors opening during high-speed spin cycles, posing injury risk from the spinning drum and hot water expulsion.
• Mold and mildew (class actions): Front-load washer door seals trapping moisture and promoting mold growth. Whirlpool, Samsung, and LG models are affected by class action litigation.

Official Resources and Contacts#

These official resources provide authoritative information and assistance:

• CPSC [Samsung Washer](/blog/samsung-washer-dryer-combo-error-codes) Recall — The 2016 Samsung top-load washer recall affecting 2.8 million units — the largest washer recall in history.
• CPSC Recall Search — Search all washer-related recalls across all brands and years.
• Samsung Washer Recall Lookup — Samsung dedicated washer recall page — check if your specific model and serial number is affected.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Which Samsung washing machines were recalled?#

Samsung recalled approximately $2.8 million top-loading washers in November 2016 due to excessive vibration that could cause the drum to separate from the chassis during high-speed spin cycles. The recall affected 34 models with model numbers starting with WA, manufactured between March 2011 and November 2016. This recall was prompted by 733 reports of units experiencing excessive vibration or the top detaching. Samsung offered free in-home repair or a rebate toward a replacement washer. The recall did NOT affect Samsung front-loading washers.

Where is the model number on a washing machine?#

Top-load washers: check the underside of the lid (visible when lid is open), the back panel of the machine, or inside the door opening on the frame. Front-load washers: check the door frame area (visible when door is open — often on a sticker around the rubber gasket), the back panel, or the side panels. Samsung washers also have the model/serial on a sticker inside the control panel top — lift or tilt the control panel housing. The model number is typically 10-15 characters with both letters and numbers.

Is there a class action for Samsung front-load washer mold?#

Yes. Multiple class action lawsuits have been filed regarding Samsung front-load washers developing mold and odor in the door gasket. While Samsung has not issued an official CPSC recall for this issue, settlements have provided affected owners with reimbursement for repairs or partial refunds. If your Samsung front-loader has a persistent mold smell despite regular cleaning, document the issue with photos, keep maintenance records, and check class action databases like topclassactions.com and classaction.org for current settlement eligibility.

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