CPSC recall 23-080, announced Dec. 22, 2022, covers these exact Samsung top-load washing machine models: WA49B5105AV/US, WA49B5105AW/US, WA49B5205AW/US, WA50B5100AV/US, WA50B5100AW/US, WA51A5505AC/US, WA51A5505AV/US, WA51A5505AW/US, WA52A5500AC/US, WA52A5500AV/US, WA52A5500AW/US, WA54A7305AV/US, WA55A7300AE/US, WA55A7700AV/US. The washing machines can short-circuit and overheat, posing a fire hazard. A free software repair, delivered over the air on Wi-Fi-equipped models or by a free USB dongle on non-Wi-Fi models. Stop using the washer until the update is confirmed installed.
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the model against the WA list
ReversibleSamsung's top-load washers in this notice have models beginning with WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A or WA55A. The label is inside the lid or on the back panel. Compare the full code, including the /US ending, with the list above.
Stop using the washer until the update is installed
ReversibleSamsung's remedy asks owners to stop using an affected washer until the software repair is confirmed installed. Unplug it if you are not using it, and wash clothes elsewhere meanwhile.
Wi-Fi models: let the update arrive
ReversibleIf your washer is connected to Wi-Fi, Samsung delivers the software repair over the air. Make sure the washer is connected through the SmartThings app, then check Samsung's status page for confirmation.
Non-Wi-Fi models: request the USB dongle
ReversibleWashers without Wi-Fi get the update from a free USB dongle that Samsung sends. Follow the printed steps to plug it in at the control panel, and keep the washer unplugged until you are ready.
Keep the washer unplugged if it is Wi-Fi capable and not yet updated
ReversibleSamsung's advice is to stop using it until the update is installed. Unplug it so that nobody starts a cycle by accident, and check for the update notice in SmartThings.
Look for signs of heat
ReversibleCheck the control panel and the cabinet for discoloration, a burning smell or melted plastic. If you see any, leave the washer unplugged and call Samsung before doing anything else.
Record when the update is confirmed
ReversibleOnce Samsung confirms the repair, note the date and keep the confirmation. You can then use the washer as normal.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Official CPSC recall notice 23-080, announced Dec. 22, 2022, with the complete affected-model list and incident count.
Samsung's own page for checking whether the free software repair is installed on a specific unit.
Exact questions
Common questions about “Samsung top-load washing machine recall — CPSC 23-080”
What is the hazard?+
CPSC says the washers can short-circuit and overheat, posing a fire hazard. The notice records 51 reports of smoking, melting, overheating or fire.
Is the repair a part replacement?+
No. It is a software repair delivered over the air or by a free USB dongle.
Can I run the washer while I wait?+
Samsung's remedy says to stop using it until the update is confirmed installed.
How do I confirm the update is installed?+
Samsung's own page, listed in the sources, lets you check a specific unit.
How long does the update take?+
The repair is a software update; Samsung's page gives the current steps.
Is the washer still under warranty?+
Check Samsung's terms; the recall remedy is free regardless.
How do I check the washer?+
Compare the model to the notice.
What is the risk?+
The control panel can overheat.
What do I do?+
Follow the notice.