South Korean giant Samsung has established itself as one of the world’s top tech brands. Since its foray into electronics in the 1960s, Samsung has expanded its catalog to include products we use every day: televisions, cell phones, refrigerators, and even smartwatches. However, not everything the company makes is without its share of problems and scandals. Over the years, Samsung has faced several major product recalls due to flaws that, in some cases, have compromised user safety. Below, we take a look at some of the The most relevant reviews in Samsung history.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (2016)
The most iconic case, and perhaps the most damaging to Samsung’s reputation, was the 2016 recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. The model promised to be one of the best smartphones on the market, but everything fell apart when reports began to emerge that the devices’ lithium-ion batteries were overheating and, in some cases, exploding. The situation became so serious that the U.S. Department of Transportation banned the phones from being carried on airplanes.
Samsung attempted to relaunch the Note 7 with new batteries, but the issues persisted, prompting the company to permanently recall the model and offer full refunds or replacements. While Samsung has continued to release new models in the Note series, the Galaxy Note 7 left an indelible mark on the brand, and some believe it was the beginning of the end for the product line, which was discontinued in 2021.
Samsung Washing Machines (2016)
The same year that the Galaxy Note 7 was recalled, Samsung faced another big problem: a massive recall of washing machines. More than 2.8 million top-loading washing machines were recalled due to a defect that caused the lid to come off during a wash cycle.
Affected consumers could choose to have their washing machines repaired or receive a partial refund to purchase a new unit. The recall had a significant impact on public perception of the reliability of Samsung appliances and marked a difficult time for the company.
Samsung Washing Machines (2022)
In 2022, Samsung faced problems with its washing machines again. This time, the problem was that 14 models of top-loading washing machines overheated due to a faulty control panel, which again created a fire hazard. However, unlike previous recalls, this one can be fixed with a software update.
Buyers of Wi-Fi-enabled washing machines were able to automatically download the update through the Samsung SmartThings app. For those without a Wi-Fi connection, Samsung provided a key so they could install the update manually. It was the first recall in the history of the devices to be resolved with an over-the-air (OTA) software update, giving the incident a historic feel, albeit not for the best of reasons.
Samsung Electric Stoves (2024)
In August 2024, Samsung faced one of the latest and most significant recalls involving higher-end electric ranges. The problem arose due to the ease with which controls could be activated either accidentally or by users’ pets. The defect was responsible for more than 250 reported fires, as well as property damage and injuries. The recall affected 30 different range models, totaling more than 1.1 million units.
Instead of returning the ovens, customers could get locks or control covers to prevent the problem. Additionally, Wi-Fi-enabled ovens can now send notifications to smartphones to alert users if the stove is turned on.
Samsung: Tech giant not without problems
While Samsung has established itself as a titan in the tech industry, these massive recalls showed that even the biggest companies can run into serious trouble when quality and safety issues arise. The company has shown responsiveness and adaptability in addressing these issues, though not without significant damage to its reputation.
Source: Digital Trends
