RECALL: Top Loading Washing Machines for Risk of Major Injury

LG is recalling approximately 457,000 of its top loading washing machines due to risk of major injury.

According to the recall notice, an unbalanced load can cause the washing machine to shake excessively and the drum to come loose during use; posing a risk to consumers and a risk to property damage in the surrounding area. There have been at least 343 reports of machines vibrating excessively, of which 187 have involved minor property damage.

The recall includes three LG and three Kenmore Elite brand, top-loading washing machines manufactured between February 2010 and November 2011 and come in beige, white and graphite steel colors.

The LG models were sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, Kmart, Sears and local retailers nationwide. The Kenmore Elite models were sold at Kmart and Sears. Both models were sold between April 2010 and December 2012.

"Consumers should immediately contact LG or Sears for a free in-home repair of the machine. Consumers will also receive supplemental information to be inserted into their owner's manual and a new caution label to be placed on the washing machine. Consumers who have observed their recalled washing machine shaking excessively should immediately stop using it. Consumers should be aware that loading their machines with water-proof or water-resistant items, such as mattress pads, mattress covers and similar items, increases the chances of loads being unbalanced."

Consumers can contact LG at 855-400-4639 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, or online at www.lg.com/us.

For Kenmore products, consumers can call 888-812-2935 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, or online at www.sears.com.