Two U.S. recalls cover certain Samsung top-load washers: a 2016 recall for tops that could detach during use, and a 2022 recall for a short-circuit and overheating fire hazard. Neither applies to every Samsung washer. Check the washer’s complete model and serial numbers against the official recall information; a model-family match alone may not confirm that your unit is included.
How to check whether your Samsung washer is recalled
- Find the complete model and serial numbers. The 2016 CPSC notice says the identifiers are on labels at the back of the washer. For the 2022 recall, CPSC identifies a label inside the top lid and another on the rear. Record both identifiers exactly, including letters, numbers, and suffixes. See the 2016 CPSC notice and the 2022 CPSC notice.
- Check the relevant official recall information. Use Samsung’s 2016 top-load washer recall page for the earlier recall and its 2022 software-update support page for the later one. Compare the complete model and serial information; the 2016 notice and 2022 recall both have serial-based coverage.
- If the result is unclear, contact Samsung through its current official support route. Ask Samsung to confirm whether the unit is affected and whether a remedy has already been completed. The remedies described in older notices do not guarantee that historical rebates or refunds remain available.
How the two U.S. recalls differ
| Recall | Coverage and hazard | Remedy described in the notice |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Certain top-load washers among 34 listed models; serial information determines whether an individual unit is included. The washer top could detach from the chassis during use, creating an impact-injury risk. | In-home reinforcement repair, an exchange rebate, or a full refund for qualifying recent purchases, under the historical notice terms. |
| 2022 | Specified model and serial ranges in the WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, and WA55A series. A short circuit could cause overheating and fire. | Software update. Samsung says affected washers should be updated before use. |
These are separate recalls with different hazards and remedies. The 2016 recall was announced November 4, 2016; the 2022 recall was announced December 22, 2022. For the 2022 recall, CPSC recorded 51 reports of smoking, melting, overheating, or fire, including 10 reports of property damage. Those are reports in the notice, not a failure rate or a count of unique affected machines. Sources: CPSC 2016 notice and CPSC 2022 notice.
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What to do if your washer matches the 2016 recall
The CPSC notice described three remedy choices: a free in-home repair to reinforce the washer top, with a one-year manufacturer-warranty extension; a rebate toward another washer, with installation and removal described in the notice; or a full refund for consumers who had bought the washer within 30 days of the recall announcement. These are the notice’s historical terms, not confirmation that a particular option is still available to you. Confirm your unit’s status and current options with Samsung.
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Samsung’s recall page gives precautionary cycle guidance for affected owners awaiting a remedy: for bedding, water-resistant, or bulky items, use the delicate or waterproof cycle until the repair is complete, the washer is exchanged, or the Home Label Kit is applied. Consult Samsung’s recall page and contact its support team about your specific case.
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What to do if your washer matches the 2022 recall
The remedy is a software update, not the mechanical reinforcement described for the 2016 recall. Samsung says affected machines should be updated before use. Follow the instructions on Samsung’s 2022 washer software-update support page after confirming your model and serial range.
If an affected washer does not have Wi-Fi capability, Samsung’s support page instructs owners to contact Samsung for a dongle to download the update. Use Samsung’s current instructions to arrange the update and clarify whether it has already been applied to your machine.
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Which Samsung washers were included?
2016: certain top-load models
The 2016 CPSC notice lists 34 top-load models: WA40J3000AW/A2, WA45H7000AP/A2, WA45H7000AW/A2, WA45H7200AW/A2, WA45K7600AW/A2, WA45K7100AW/A2, WA48H7400AW/A2, WA48J7700AW/A2, WA48J7770AP/A2, WA48J7770AW/A2, WA50K8600AV/A2, WA50K8600AW/A2, WA52J8700AP/A2, WA52J8700AW/A2, WA400PJHDWR/AA, WA422PRHDWR/AA, WA456DRHDSU/AA, WA456DRHDWR/AA, WA476DSHASU/A1, WA476DSHAWR/A1, WA484DSHASU/A1, WA484DSHAWR/A1, WA48H7400AP/A2, WA50F9A6DSW/A2, WA50F9A7DSP/A2, WA50F9A7DSW/A2, WA50F9A8DSP/A2, WA50F9A8DSW/A2, WA52J8060AW/A2, WA5451ANW/XAA, WA5471ABP/XAA, WA5471ABW/XAA, WA56H9000AP/A2, and WA56H9000AW/A2. A model listed here does not by itself establish that an individual washer is covered; check the serial number through Samsung’s 2016 recall information. Samsung describes this recall as affecting certain top-load washers manufactured from March 2011 through October 2016 and says front-load washers were not affected by this recall.
2022: specified model and serial ranges
The 2022 recall applies to specified model and serial-number ranges in the WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, and WA55A series—not every washer in those model families. Use the detailed ranges in the CPSC 2022 notice and Samsung’s support page to verify your unit.
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- 4.4 cu ft capacity Washer with Active & vibration reduction tech
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- Self Clean keeps the tub fresh without harsh chemicals
Does the recall apply outside the United States?
This article covers U.S. recall information published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Samsung’s U.S. recall and support pages. Recall coverage and remedies can differ by country. If the washer is outside the United States, check the relevant local product-safety authority and Samsung support for that market rather than assuming the U.S. model or remedy terms apply.
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