Over two years since the recall of 144,000 Samsung washing machine the ACCC has announced that 45 047 recalled Samsung washing machines have not been located in homes across Australia, posing a serious fire risk to the community.
ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard explained that in April 2013 Samsung announced a recall of over 144 000 units of 6 models of top-loading washing machines that had been for sale since 1 February 2010.

The 6 affected Samsung model numbers are:

• SW75V9WIP/XSA
• SW65V9WIP/XSA
• SW70SPWIP/XSA
• SW80SPWIP/XSA
• WA85GWGIP/XSA
• WA85GWWIP/XSA

Ms Rickard added that under the Australian Consumer Law, owners of affected machines are entitled to their choice of a repair, an exchange or a full refund.
“Each of these machines is a fire risk and the ACCC is working with Samsung and NSW Fair Trading to try and locate these machines. If moisture penetrates the machine’s electrical connectors, a fire hazard can result. There have been reports of 252 fires/smoking incidents with the recalled models “. Ms Rickard commented “We are appealing to everyone visiting family and friends these holidays to help them check their washing machines. If the machine is a top-loading Samsung, you must check the model number on the back of the machine or in the product manual.”
Ms Rickard also asked people staying in holiday houses to check the machines where they are staying, as these washing machines may not have been checked, especially if the house may have been vacant for a while.

If you find an affected machine that has not already been repaired by Samsung, you should contact Samsung immediately on their toll free Hotline 1800 239 655 (8am to 8pm AEST 7 days a week) or register the machine here.