The year 2016 marks a tough year for Samsung. First, there was a design flaw on the brand new Galaxy Note 7 phone, which went on sale in late August, that caused the batteries to explode.
The company had to recall every one of the phones. Forbes estimates Samsung's losses will approach $17 billion. That's not the company's only problem, however.
Another recall was made in November for 34 different models of washing machines, and, like the phones, those washing machines also explode.
Heavy loads can cause the machines' lids to pop off. Pictures have circulated online of the lids making holes in walls. Nine injuries have also been associated with the lids flying off, including a broken jaw.
Vero Beach homeowner MiMi Kurigar says it's more than she bargained for when she bought a brand new washer and dryer set.
"You're not allowed to use the heavy duty cycle," she said, then added, "You're not allowed to use the bedding cycle, which isn't great for washing towels and sheets."
Kurigar says she fears her own washing machine.
"I'm just using the delicate cycle, because I really don't want my washer to blow up," she said. "It's a brand new house."
Samsung promised to either give customers like Kurigar a rebate or send a certified crew to fix the problem. But, Kurigar says she's been trying to get a technician to come to her home for weeks. She says four appointments she made have been canceled. Angrily, she started to ask questions of the company contracted to make the repairs for Samsung.
"I had a very nice woman on the phone finally explain to me that the reason they'd been canceled was because they didn't have the part from Samsung to fix it, and that they were waiting on this part for many other people," Kurigar said.
Kurigar says she has no choice but to wait for someone to finally show up, but she says in the future, she will change the way she shops.
"It will probably be my last Samsung product, at this rate," she said.
Samsung recalled 2.8 million washers six weeks ago, and, at the time, promised to make all of the necessary repairs.
WPTV reached out to Samsung, asking why Kurigar and other customers are struggling to get technicians to come to their homes and why the critical parts needed to fix the washing machines aren't available.
Those questions were not answered. A spokesperson only gave a brief statement, stating, in part, "We are moving as quickly as we can and we apologize for any inconvenience this is causing."
