12 Washing Machine Brands to Avoid [with Recall Data]

A washing machine is often the most frequently used tool out of all of your home appliances. Unfortunately, various lacking washing machine brands shake violently, the washer’s basket flies out, or even catch on fire.

You want a machine that will last you years, if not an entire decade, with little to no maintenance. Avoiding washing machine models that are notorious for such issues will save you hundreds of dollars in repairs. The last thing you want is to get stuck with a sub-par machine and a hefty repair bill.

Based on our research and recall data from the CPSC, avoid washing machines brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE. Samsung had the highest number of recalls, with 3 million units recalled in 2016. LG recalled 457,000 units in 2012, and Whirlpool recalled 170,000 units in 2020. GE had just 62,000 recalls. Recall hazards include the top detaching, washer shaking, and risk of catching on fire.

Now that we know which brands we should avoid, let’s dig into the actual recall brands, models recalled, hazards, the number of units recalled, and when it took place.

After reading through many consumer reviews on home appliance websites, we found the Whirlpool Cabrio Wtw6300ww0 top loader and the Whirlpool WFW862CHC Gray Front Load Washer to be the lowest-rated models.

Users have reported poor water efficiency with the Whirlpool Cabrio Wtw6300ww0 top loader as this model doesn’t use enough to wash your clothes. So, your clothes are usually soapy or covered in residue.

The Whirlpool WFW862CHC Gray Front Load Washer produces an obnoxious amount of noise and has a problem with the balancing mechanism. Also, just like the top loader model, it has a water efficiency issue.

During our research, we discovered a wide variety of consumer complaints about the Whirlpool Cabrio Wtw6300ww0. Several people had mentioned their mainboard failing within the first few months of purchase, and others had issues even securing replacement parts in a timely fashion.

Consumers have also mentioned that they see residue on their clothing and linens as the washer has a lower than average water fill level. It’s also very prone to clogging, which means you may need to use low-sud soap.

For larger loads of laundry, this washer has an issue with keeping the lad balanced. This means the cycle will typically time out with a UL error, which means you’ll have to shift the laundry manually. Don’t fill your tub more than 2/3 of the way to forgo this problem.

The Whirlpool WFW862CHC Gray Front Load Washer has a problem with its balance mechanism. Some consumers have complained of a loud jet-like high-pitched noise coming from their laundry room. This model also has a problem with keeping the laundry balanced, so some people have experienced strong vibrations and their floor shaking too.

Like the top loader, this front load washer has a lower than average fill level which has caused residue stains on clothing and linen. It is highly recommended that you do not use scent booster beads or powdered soap in this washer as they will clump up and stick to your laundry due to the poor water efficiency.

Generally speaking, Samsung washing machines are efficient and work great! However, we’ve discovered two models that you should avoid at all costs, and those are the Samsung WA45M7050AW/A2 Top Load Washer and the Samsung WF45R6300AV Stainless Steel Smart Front Load Washer (2019).

The Samsung WA45M7050AW/A2 Top Load Washer has a 2.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. There have been reports of poor drainage, low lifespan, and overall it’s just poorly built.

The Samsung WF45R6300AV Stainless Steel Smart Front Load Washer (2019) has an even lower rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars with multiple consumer complaints of the constant need for replacements such as heating element and drum. The poorly balanced drum causes massive vibrations, which can be very bothersome.

Despite the parts of the washer being in working order, the Samsung WA45M7050AW/A2 Top Load Washer has a habit of completely dying out after less than 12 months of service. This washer has a problem with a faulty timer, which sets the washer to wash your clothes for a couple of hours at a time with no way to open the lid to stop it, eventually leading to burnout.

If that’s not enough to steer you away from purchasing this awful machine, the overall build is made out of thin metal that warps easily and rusts out. So regardless, you’re guaranteed some sort of disappointment, whether it’s from mechanical failure or the breakdown of the body itself. One consumer even said it was “The worst washer they’ve ever owned.”

The Samsung WF45R6300AV 4.5 cu. ft Stainless Steel Smart Front Load Washer (2009) has some significant problems with its mechanics. Everything from the main control board to the motor, assembly, and the drum has had to be replaced not long after purchasing it.

While replacements eventually are needed on any washing machine, Samsung doesn’t seem to have the particular parts for this model in stock. So you’re left with a poorly functioning washer that vibrates itself into a U6 error code because it’s so unbalanced.

This brand takes pride in its compact washing machines specially designed for smaller spaces and greater portability. However, their washers have been consistently rated ‘poor’ online and for good reasons. Its main issue is the ease of use because you need to shut off and drain the water for each load manually.

Customer reviews for Costway washing machines spoke negatively about the compact size. Many users claimed that the machine could not reach a water source, which made it impossible to use. Users also shared that drainage was a complicated process.

The Costway – 15 in. 1.4 cu. ft. High-Efficiency 120-Volt Smart Portable Top Load Washing Machine with Steam ENERGY STAR and the Costway – 14 in. 1.6 cu. ft. Portable Top Load Washing Machine Mini Compact Washer Dryer is rated the lowest.

As far as the Costway – 15 in. 1.4 cu. ft. High-Efficiency 120-Volt Smart Portable Top Load Washing Machine with Steam ENERGY STAR goes, the primary complaint is the amount of noise this little washer makes. Due to its lightweight steel drum, the spin cycle causes this particular model to thump throughout the house.

Since the washer becomes unbalanced so quickly, it’s inefficient to wash clothing, and heavy amounts of residue are left on your clothing and linens.

When it comes to the Costway – 14 in. 1.6 cu. ft. Portable Top Load Washing Machine Mini Compact Washer Dryer model some consumers have complained about parts breaking easily and the washer dying out within the first year of owning it.

This washer also doesn’t hold much laundry, and you can’t wash coats, blankets, sweaters, or larger clothing in it. And even when it does wash, it doesn’t efficiently drain, leaving water pooling in the bottom of your machine.

While Farberware is great for their cooking utensils, coffeepot, and ceramic knives, the same cannot be said for their washing machines. This brand is so focused on their cookware that they couldn’t focus on their washers adequately.

The Farberware 1.0 cu. ft. Portable Top Load Washing Machine in White has some pretty significant issues all around. Everything from ill-fitting parts to excessive noise while running and draining problems. Not to mention, it doesn’t wash clothes as efficiently as a washer should.

One major issue with the Farberware 1.0 cu. ft. Portable Top Load Washing Machine is that you have to drain it manually, and if the draining isn’t efficient enough, you would be left washing your clothes with dirty, stagnant water. While draining is relatively easy, it doesn’t quite get all the water out.

Furthermore, there have been reports of ‘horrendous squealing’ and issues with connecting the washer to the faucet in the first place. And another problem one consumer complained about was that the washer stops mid-cycle, and even after restarting it, the machine stops again even though it’s brand new.

Siemens was one of the best brands for home appliances. Siemens washing machines were some of the best on the market, but Siemens has somehow lost its glory in the past few years.

Nowadays, their washers aren’t nearly as good as they once were and are generally on the list of the washers to avoid if you want to get your money’s worth. The Siemens ultraSense WFXD5202UC, in particular, is a model that should be avoided. Across several review pages, the biggest issue with this model is wiring problems and shaking.

The only good thing about Siemens washers is the design and appearance, and they generally look super high-tech and fit contemporary interiors perfectly. But, other than this, we don’t have much good to say about Siemens washers, and we recommend you avoid them.

The Siemens ultraSense WFXD5202UC has been known for shorting out during cycles and sometimes producing a burning smell. However, while this machine was not recalled, many consumers are worried about the fire risk. Most of the shorting are due to the electric board and a failing internal power supply.

This model has a bad issue with shaking as the load becomes easily off-balanced, and consumers also complain about random error codes being thrown. However, there is speculation that this problem is related to electric board issues.

The complaints are plentiful. They have been said to break down at the drop of a hat, often with many people saying that their design is difficult to use even among professional cleaners. That’s not a good look. Worse, their customer service gets complaints, too.

In particular, the 4.3 cu. ft. High Efficiency Front Load Washer in White, ENERGY STAR has a very low lifespan. Consumers complained that after less than a year, the drum of this washer was shot. Also, there seem to be molding issues as water escapes to places that it shouldn’t.

The 4.3 cu. ft. High Efficiency Front Load Washer in White, ENERGY STAR also has an awkward gap between the body of the washer, and drum which is where socks escape to and plug the drain. The mold issue is also worrying as it develops rather quickly and it’s hard to get under control.

Several consumers across a few review sites for this model have said that the washer hasn’t lasted over 12 months. This sudden stopping doesn’t seem to be connected to any ‘one’ problem which is frustrating as there’s no permanent fix to this problem.

Most of the time, you really can’t go wrong with a Summit machine. You will find stuff that you enjoy in their lines, and several of their models have gotten awarded for their excellent design. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Summit’s SPWD2201 line seems to have a terrible rap among users.

Leaks, poor design, and terrible drying have all been reported. These seem to be pretty bad. When they break, they seem to be unfixable to make matters worse. They will have to be removed. This is the case with the Summit SPWD2201SS 24″ Washer/Dryer Combo with 2 cu. ft. Capacity Stainless Steel Drum.

The S ummit SPWD2201SS 24″ Washer/Dryer Combo with 2 cu. ft. Capacity Stainless Steel Drum has a bad habit of tearing holes in clothing, and there have been reports of rust in the drum. When you wash your clothes and linens, this rust stains them, causing you to throw them away.

Keep in mind that this is a washer and dryer combo. Consumers have mentioned that the dryer is very poor at drying clothes and can take a few hours.

The Speed Queen brand is the lowest-rated brand for dirt removal. It also performs poorly for spin efficiency, meaning your clothes will take longer to dry after a wash. In return for your hard-earned cash, you’ll get a good rinse cycle but very poor water efficiency.

The Speed Queen TR3003WN Top Load Washer lacks a range of wash options and features, with no fast wash or wools wash setting and no auto-sense water level, delay timer, or time-remaining display. While 3.7 stars isn’t a horrible rating, it’s still too low for a well-renowned brand. The Speed Queen front load washers are wonderful, the top loaders? Not so much.

Do not waste your time purchasing a Speed Queen TR3003WN Top Load Washer as this model has some significant issues. Consumers have complained that a regular clean cycle is too short to wash their clothing. The spin cycle is also poor at wringing out the clothes with no option for an extra spin,

Not to mention, the noise level on this washer is obnoxiously loud. Plus, if you accidentally overload it, you will most likely break the flaps on the agitator, and eventually, your clothing will tear.

The Danby brand is one of those misunderstood brands, but not in a good way. They’re a supposedly excellent brand, but consumers have had nothing but issues. Especially the Danby DWM030WDB-6Top Load Washer and the Danby 2.7 cu. ft. White 115-Volt All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo-DWM120WDB-3.

There are many design flaws with both of these models, which is why it’s highly advised that you forgo these models, and this brand, all together. The agitators are harsh, and the water leaks from the tub.

The Danby DWM120WDB-3 is known for more or less unplugging itself from the wall during the spin cycle. It shakes and vibrates so bad that consumers have complained about being able to feel it through the floor no matter where they are in the house.

Not to mention, this particular model has one belt to spin the agitator, which causes a burning smell when it runs. Eventually, this leads to burn out and since the belt is embedded, theine.no way to fix it without destroying the motor.

The Deco DC 4400 CVAll-in-one 1200 RPM Compact Washer and Electric Ventless/Vented Dryer with Sensor Dry Feature in White is a front-load washing machine with the Deco brand.

You might think this washer is relatively unique from the outside. However, there have been numerous complaints regarding this washer, and it has reportedly stopped working in the middle of a wash cycle, according to users.

On occasion, the display does not show anything. Its display is also prone to malfunction. You can press the buttons, but there’s a chance you won’t get a response. As a result, we advise you to stay away from this brand.

The Haier HLC1700AXS 24-Inch Wide Front Load Washer And Dryer Combination model is one of the front-loading washing machines you should think carefully about buying. While it works pretty well, there’s one major downfall; the awful screeching noise from the belt.

Also, there have been numerous complaints that the machine balls up your sheets and blankets. Sometimes they get so twisted up in the machine that they will sustain unsightly tears and marks.

Frigidaire is a washing machine brand that should be avoided. Their washers are infamous for having back-to-back problems and being prone to faulty parts, especially the Frigidaire FLCG7522AW White Gas Washer/Dryer Laundry Center.

Frigidaire washing machines overall received a dismal rating from Consumer Reports regarding owner satisfaction. The front-loader washing machine category was rated as the least dependable brand.

It’s not just third-party groups and businesses that have noticed Frigidaire washers’ poor quality. Customers give Frigidaire washing machines an average of 2.6 stars, indicating poor reliability and customer satisfaction. Customers have also expressed their dissatisfaction with Frigidaire’s customer service.

LG is a South Korean electronics company that has been around since the 1950s. LG makes everything from cell phones and televisions to solar panels and air purifiers.

According to consumer ratings, LG is the best washing machine brand on the market. LG has top-loading and front-loading washing machine models available such as the LG TurboWash 5-cu ft High-Efficiency Impeller Top-Load Washer (White) ENERGY STAR in the Top-Load Washer, but each with a different cycle option.

LG’s washing machine and dryer designs are elegant and straightforward. Most LG machines are Energy Star certified, indicating extremely energy efficient.

Maytag is a firm based in the United States that manufactures its products in both the United States and Mexico. Whirlpool bought the company in 2006 after it was founded in the late 1800s.

Top-loading and front-loading washing machines are available from Maytag. Customers love Maytag’s dependability and user-friendly machines, giving the brand five stars on many models.

The highest-rated model is the Maytag 4.7 cu. ft. Smart Capable Top Load Washing Machine. This model has a remote start feature that allows you to control your machine using the Maytag app from anywhere. This model’s Advanced Vibration Control lowers the machine’s noise to ensure quiet operation.

On home appliance websites, GE washing machines are frequently rated as the best washing machines. General Electric is a technological corporation based in the United States that makes the kitchen and household appliances, among other things.

GE offers a wide selection of washing machine types, from basic design and functionality to high-tech Odor Block and vent systems. For example, the GE 5.0 cu. ft. Front Load Washing Machine with OdorBlock UltraFresh Vent System has a 4.7 rating and a 94 percent approval rating with over 1,000 reviews.

You’ll have a hard time finding a GE washing machine that has received negative feedback, and GE is unquestionably one of the most dependable washing machine brands available.

The Miele 1418903 from the Little Giants Series is what you need if you want a low-maintenance, durable, and programmable washer and dryer combination. It includes a PWM908DPSS front-load washer and a stainless-steel PDR908HPSS 24-inch innovative electric dryer.

The package contains a high-efficiency Axial Airflow system that helps to speed drying while using less energy. EcoSpeed Wash Pattern is also integrated, with an optimized drum rhythm that takes in water at a modest speed at first, then accelerates for enhanced washing movements.

This set promises excellent performance and durability, intended for commercial throughput. Thanks to powerful heater elements and a sophisticated synchronous motor, these units endure many years longer than conventional domestic units.

Like most Miele machines, the washer is equipped with CapDosing technology, which uniformly and automatically distributes fabric conditioners during the washing process.