SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Electrical shock / short

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20190920-8F7E0-2147377567. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Product: LG WT4801CW (White LG washing machine WT 4801CW). Incident: My top loading LG washing machine model number WT4801CW exploded before the spin cycle. The top popped off, the control panel popped open, the drum completely detached, the machine jumped up punched holes in the drywall opposite of where it was sitting that went all the way thru to the other side of the wall, and it landed outside the laundry room. There were also pieces of the plastic from the machine everywhere and it was now leaning. I only had 2 twin sized fitted sheets in the washer while it was in use. I called my home warranty company ([REDACTED]) to repair the machine and their repairman told me all the shocks were broken. They denied my claim to fix the machine stating that the damage was caused due to overloading, despite me telling them it was not even half way full and sending photos to prove it. A google search showed me that these explosions were common with LG top loaders, however, my model was not under recall. I called LG and explained to them that my incident was the same as all of the other 100's of complaints about their top loaders that I saw reported online. There was even a similar class action lawsuit for [REDACTED] machines having the same problem. In the end, LG said there was nothing they could do because the machine was over a year old (purchased 2012). I am glad I wasn't near the machine when it happened or I would have for sure been in the hospital. It was the loudest thing I have ever heard in my life, I was terrified!