April 27, 2024

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Samsung Electronics said on Feb. 12 it has reached a preliminary settlement in a class action suit over complaints about washing machines recalled in the United States in late 2016.

In November 2016, the Korean tech giant recalled about 2.8 million top-loading washers made between March 2011 and October 2016 and sold in the US. 

According to the US industry tracker Consumer Report, Samsung and three major retailers that sold the products -- Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s -- settled the class action suit that alleged certain washers had design and manufacturing defects and the company‘s voluntary recall didn’t adequately compensate consumers.

With the preliminary settlement, consumers who purchased the recalled top-loading washing machines can now file a settlement claim.

The firm denied that the top-loading washers were defective, but said it decided to settle the case to avoid “distraction” among consumers.

“Samsung has chosen to settle class-action lawsuits involving top-loading washing machines that were subject to a voluntary recall,” the company said in an emailed statement. “This settlement only applies to certain washing machines produced until 2016 that have long been off the market. The company chose to settle to avoid the distraction and expense of litigation.”

By Ram Garikipati and newswires (ram@heraldcorp.com)