January 6, 2026 – A consumer recently reported a severe incident involving an LG WTN300CW washing machine that shook so violently during operation it reportedly shifted sideways, broke nearby plumbing, and damaged a wall. The incident, which resulted in significant property damage but no injuries, highlights potential safety concerns with the appliance’s stability and operational integrity.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On July 21, 2025, a consumer initiated a wash cycle with their LG WTN300CW washing machine. During the cycle, the appliance began to shake with extreme force, described by the consumer as sounding “as if someone dropped a bomb in the basement.” The violent vibrations caused the washing machine to move sideways, impacting and breaking the plastic plumbing pipes of a nearby sink. The washer also hit an adjacent wall, resulting in visible bowing on two sides of the appliance itself.
The extensive property damage necessitated the hiring of a plumber, costing the consumer approximately $3,000 for repairs to the broken plumbing. Fortunately, no personal injuries were sustained during the incident.
Following the event, the consumer contacted LG Electronics, USA. An unnamed representative informed her that the damage to the washer was considered “cosmetic” and that she would be required to pay $394.00 for a service technician to assess or repair the unit. Despite the severity of the incident, the consumer and her husband subsequently attempted to use the washer two additional times, during which it reportedly operated without shaking. However, they remain highly concerned about its future use and safety. This reported issue bears a striking resemblance to concerns that led to CPSC Recall 13-073 involving similar LG washing machine models.
Safety Concerns
The incident involving the LG WTN300CW washing machine presents several significant safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the potential for uncontrolled, violent shaking of a heavy appliance. Such extreme movement can lead to the machine detaching from its connections (water hoses, drain pipes, power cords), causing water leaks, electrical hazards, and further property damage. The forceful movement could also potentially trap or strike an individual if they are nearby, although no injuries were reported in this specific instance.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if the washer operates without incident for subsequent cycles, the reported event suggests an unpredictable and potentially recurring malfunction. The structural integrity of the washer itself may have been compromised by the impact, potentially leading to further operational issues or reduced lifespan. Consumers face the ongoing risk of similar violent shaking, which could occur unexpectedly during any wash cycle.
- Who Might Be Affected: Consumers who own an LG WTN300CW washer, particularly those with units experiencing unusual vibration or shaking, are at risk. Anyone in the vicinity of the appliance during a malfunction could be affected by its uncontrolled movement or subsequent property damage (e.g., flooding, structural damage).
- Property Damage Potential: As evidenced by this incident, the potential for significant property damage is high. This includes not only the immediate cost of plumbing repairs ($3,000 in this case) but also potential damage to walls, flooring, other nearby appliances, and even structural components of the home due to water leaks or physical impact. The machine itself sustained physical damage (bowing), indicating its own internal components may have been affected. The similarity to CPSC Recall 13-073 also suggests a broader manufacturing or design issue that could impact numerous units.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an LG WTN300CW washing machine, or a similar LG model, and have experienced excessive shaking or unusual noises during operation, please take the following steps:
- Immediately Cease Use (if symptoms occur): If your washing machine exhibits violent shaking, unusual noises, or moves excessively, immediately stop the cycle and unplug the appliance from the electrical outlet. Turn off the water supply to prevent potential leaks.
- Check for Previous Recalls: Research past CPSC recalls for LG washing machines, specifically CPSC Recall 13-073, to determine if your model or similar models were affected. Even if your specific model isn’t listed, the shared characteristics of the incidents are a cause for concern.
- Inspect Your Washer: Carefully examine your washing machine for any signs of physical damage, such as bowing, dents, cracks, or loose components. Ensure the washer is level and that the transport bolts (if recently installed) have been removed. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and load balancing.
- Document Everything: If you experience an incident, take clear photographs and videos of the damaged appliance, any affected property (plumbing, walls, floor), and note the date and time of the incident. Keep all receipts for repairs or service.
- Report the Incident:
* Contact the CPSC: File a detailed report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. Your report helps identify dangerous products and can lead to recalls.
* Contact LG Electronics, USA: Report the issue directly to the manufacturer. Clearly state the nature of the incident, the damage incurred, and reference the incident report number 20250721-DFCA4-5415934 if applicable. Be prepared to provide documentation.
Manufacturer’s Response
On July 2025, after the incident, the consumer called LG Electronics, USA. An unnamed representative told her that the damage to the washer was cosmetic and that she would have to pay $394.00 for them to send out a service technician to cover repairs.
On December 17, 2025, LG Electronics, USA provided a formal response: “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.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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.