Samsung Top-Load Washing Machine Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Corroding Problem

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A new proposed class action lawsuit alleges certain Samsung top-loader washing machines are defective in that the flange at the bottom of the tub can corrode prematurely, often within only a year of purchase. 

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The 49-page Samsung washing machine lawsuit says that once the flange begins to corrode, tiny particles are released into the machine during wash cycles. These particles attach to clothing, clog hoses or become trapped in the impeller, which can prevent water from properly draining from the machine, the filing says. 

Moreover, the alleged Samsung washing machine corrosion defect can lead to mold and debris build-up, which can also release into the machine and leech onto clothing, the suit relays. Overall, the filing contends that the flange corrosion problem is likely to prevent the Samsung washing machines from performing their essential function of washing clothing, which renders the products “unfit for [their] ordinary purpose.” 

The suit claims Samsung has known of the washing machine corrosion problem since at least 2013, when the first complaints from customers began to roll in. The proposed class action accuses Samsung of concealing its knowledge of the top-loader washing machine flange defect and failing to remove the apparently defective machines from the marketplace or take remedial action. 

“Instead, Samsung sold Plaintiff’s Washing Machine even though it knew, or was reckless in not knowing, that its Washing Machines were defectively designed or manufactured and would ultimately result in the flange prematurely deteriorating,” the suit says.

According to the case, consumers who have complained to Samsung about the problem have simply been instructed to clean the tub or, in other cases, Samsung will offer to send out a service technician at the consumer’s expense. Samsung washer owners who have attempted to replace the faulty flange either cannot find the proper replacement part or have to pay around $200 for a replacement flange “made of the same material” that will also corrode, the complaint shares.

“Consumers, including Plaintiff, have complained repeatedly to Samsung about this Flange Defect, but Samsung refuses to properly address and rectify the problem and has failed and refused to reimburse customers for repairs, citing expired warranty periods,” the case summarizes.

The lawsuit states that the particular Samsung top-loader washing machines plagued by the flange corrosion issue were made with an aluminum spider arm shaft flange and include, but are not limited to, those with the model numbers WA52M7750AV/A4, WA55CG7100/AWUS, WA50R5200AV/A4, WA55A7300AE/US, WA47CG3500AV/A4, and WA45T3200AW/A4. 

As the case tells it, proposed class members would not have bought the affected washing machines, or would have paid less for them, had Samsung disclosed the alleged flange corrosion defect. 

The lawsuit looks to cover all consumers nationwide who, within the last six years, bought a new Samsung washing machine and experienced a deteriorated flange or a flange that is “susceptible to becoming deteriorated” due to the alleged defect. 

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