A fire sparked by an older top loader Samsung washing machine has prompted a recall reminder.

Owners of four top loader Samsung washing machines manufactured more than a decade ago are being encouraged to double-check their model number following a fire at a home in Auckland.

The family of five who live at the house found their washing machine on fire on September 25 after their smoke alarm sounded.

The fire was able to be extinguished without it causing significant damage.

Fire and Emergency’s community risk manager for Counties Manukau Thomas Harre said smoke alarms helped prevent what could have been a much worse outcome.

“This family was very lucky to have been ambient and awake with working smoke alarms meaning they all evacuated to safety with minimal property damage, however the outcome could indeed have been very different.”

The washing machines, which were voluntarily recalled in 2013, were manufactured in 2010, 2011, 2012 and some models in 2013. Affected model numbers are SW75V9WIP, SW65V9WIP, SW80SPWIP and SW70SPWIP.

Anyone who still has one, which has not been repaired, is encouraged to contact Samsung on 0800 SAMSUNG to request a repair, replacement or refund.

The washing machine model was subject to a voluntary recall in 2013, with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Energy Safety and Samsung all working together. 

Communications with consumers included direct mail fliers, text alerts, calls and paid advertising.

MBIE national manager consumer services Simon Gallagher said over the following four years, more than 96% of impacted washing machines were repaired, replaced or refunded to remedy the fault.

“While this remedy rate is considered high for electronics recalls, I’d encourage anyone who has a Samsung top loader washing machine model built between 2010 and 2013 to check their model number to confirm it isn’t one of the models affected. If it is, they should get in touch with Samsung.”

Consumers can check the Product Safety New Zealand website for details of product recalls or subscribe to receive regular updates on recalls.