Whirlpool recalls 5,000 more washing machines over fire fears
Whirlpool is to recall an extra 5,000 washing machines after finding problems in three more models, adding to a recall of more than half a million units that were at risk of catching fire.
The company said models WMAQC641PUK, WMAQG741PUK and WMFG741GUK will be added to the recall list, and that it would contact all owners of the machines it is aware of.
The model numbers can be found in the recess inside the door or on the back of the appliance.
Appliance repairer Jake Duthie explains where you can find the model number on your washing machine
Whirlpool issues recall for more than 500,000 fire-risk washing machines
Whirlpool washing machine recall: What you need to know and what you should do now
Whirlpool said it had located more than 165,000 of the machines on its recall list since launching a campaign to track them down earlier in the month.
That still leaves around 354,000 left to identify.
In a statement, Whirlpool said: "Nearly two million people have contacted Whirlpool to check if their washing machines are part of the recall since the company announced the safety issue in mid-December.
"Over 90% of these people have been given peace of mind that their appliances are not affected."
In December 2019 ITV News spoke to Whirlpool customer Sarah Jones:
Video report by ITV News Business and Economics Editor Joel Hills
The recall started when customers discovered flaws with the washing machines’ door locking system that can cause the devices to overheat and catch fire.
The problem affected Hotpoint and Indesit branded products sold in the UK between October 2014 and February 2018.
Whirlpool vice president Jeff Noel said: "We are hugely grateful to everyone who has already come forward and we urge all remaining owners to please get in touch with us as soon as possible.
"While this is good progress, we know there is still work to do. That’s why we are working seven days a week to look after our customers and running a widespread campaign to raise awareness.
The company has offered to replace or repair all the affected washing machines, but consumer group Which? said it has been contacted by many customers who fear waiting for a fix.
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection at Which?, said: "It would clearly be unacceptable if customers were left for many months without adequate washing facilities in their homes, particularly when there is also no offer to cover consequential costs such as trips to the laundrette.
"The company should do the right thing and offer customers a refund, so people can get fire-risk machines out of their homes and quickly find a suitable replacement."
Here is a full list of the models involved in the Whirlpool recall of fire-risk Hotpoint and Indesit branded washing machines:
WMAQC641PUK
WMAQG741PUK
WMFG741GUK
FML 742P UK Hotpoint
WMAOD 743G UK Hotpoint
WMAOD 743P UK Hotpoint
WMAQB 721P UK.M Hotpoint
WMAQC 641P UK.M Hotpoint
WMAQC 741G UK Hotpoint
WMAQC 741P UK Hotpoint
WMAQC 741P UK.M Hotpoint
WMAQF 621G UK Hotpoint
WMAQF 621P UK Hotpoint
WMAQF 641 P UK.M Hotpoint
WMAQF 721G UK Hotpoint
WMAQF 721P UK.M Hotpoint
WMAQL 621G UK Hotpoint
WMBF 742G UK Hotpoint
WMBF 742K UK Hotpoint
WMBF 742P UK Hotpoint
WMBF 742P UK.M Hotpoint
WMBF 763P UK Hotpoint
WMEF 722 BC UK Hotpoint
WMEF 742 P UK Hotpoint
WMEUF 722P UK Hotpoint
WMEUF 743G UK Hotpoint
WMEUF 743P UK Hotpoint
WMFG 741P UK Hotpoint
WMFG 741P UK.M Hotpoint
WMFUG 742 P UK.M Hotpoint
WMFUG 742G UK Hotpoint
WMFUG 742P UK Hotpoint
WMFUG 842P UK.M Hotpoint
WMJLF 842P UK Hotpoint
WMJLL 742P UK Hotpoint
WMSAQG 621P UK Hotpoint
WMXTF 742G UK Hotpoint
WMXTF 742K UK Hotpoint
WMXTF 742P UK Hotpoint
WMXTF 742P UK.M Hotpoint
WMXTF 842P UK.M Hotpoint
WMYL 7151PS UK Hotpoint
XWA 81252X K UK Indesit
XWA 81252X W UK Indesit
XWD 71452X K UK Indesit