June 4, 2026 — An incident report highlights a significant safety concern with the LG Wash Tower, model WKGX201HWA.ABWEEUS. The report details instances where the integrated gas dryer component of the unit automatically activates and continues to run unprompted, with no apparent method to permanently shut it off.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On May 17, 2026, an incident report was filed concerning a Single Unit Front Load LG Wash Tower with a gas dryer, model WKGX201HWA.ABWEEUS. According to the report, the dryer component of the unit began turning on automatically and continued to operate unprompted. Crucially, the user reported that there was no way to permanently shut off the continuously running dryer. This malfunction presents a serious and persistent operational issue, as the appliance continues to run without user input or control.
Safety Concerns
The described malfunction of a dryer automatically turning on and being unable to be shut off presents several critical safety concerns:
- Immediate Fire Hazard: An unmonitored dryer that continuously runs poses a severe fire risk. Overheating of the heating elements, combined with accumulated lint (even in regularly cleaned machines), can ignite clothing or lint, leading to a house fire. The gas dryer component further exacerbates this risk.
- Electrical Shock and Burns: Malfunctioning electrical components could lead to electrical shock if users attempt to intervene. Additionally, prolonged, uncontrolled operation could cause external surfaces of the dryer to become excessively hot, posing a burn risk.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond the immediate risk of fire, continuous operation can lead to accelerated wear and tear on the appliance, potentially causing other components to fail. A fire or excessive heat can cause extensive damage to the laundry area, surrounding structures, and personal belongings, potentially triggering sprinkler systems and resulting in water damage.
- Energy Waste: An appliance running continuously and unprompted will consume significant amounts of electricity and gas, leading to inflated utility bills and an unnecessary environmental impact.
- Who Might Be Affected: This issue could affect any consumer who owns the LG Wash Tower model WKGX201HWA.ABWEEUS. Children, pets, or individuals with limited mobility might be particularly vulnerable if a fire or other hazard develops, as they may not be able to react quickly or safely evacuate.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an LG Wash Tower model WKGX201HWA.ABWEEUS, especially if you experience the dryer turning on unprompted and being unable to shut it off, please take the following actions:
- Immediate Disconnection: If safe to do so, immediately unplug the entire Wash Tower unit from the electrical outlet. If the unit is hard-wired or cannot be safely unplugged, switch off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the laundry area. Do NOT attempt to use the dryer if it is exhibiting this behavior.
- Verify Your Model: Check the model number of your LG Wash Tower to confirm if it matches WKGX201HWA.ABWEEUS. The model number is typically found on a label inside the dryer door or on the back of the unit.
- Do Not Attempt Repairs: Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself, as this could worsen the problem or expose you to further hazards.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Immediately contact LG Electronics, USA, for guidance and service. Provide them with your product details and describe the incident accurately.
- Report the Incident: File a detailed incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify dangerous products and can lead to recalls or safety improvements.
Manufacturer’s Response
LG Electronics, USA, responded to the incident report on May 20, 2026, stating: “LG manufactures this washing machine to meet or exceed all relevant standards including UL2157. Our process not only rigorously tests to insure the quality of product leaving our factory, but we also carefully monitor how our products perform in use. LG takes very seriously the concerns of our customers and uses such feedback on an on-going basis to evaluate and improve our products. Consumers desiring more information about their washing machines should either visit our web site at http://www.lg.com/us/index.jsp or call our toll free number: 1-800-243-0000.”
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.