Maytag Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. are recalling 270,000 front-loading washing machines because they pose a potential fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.

A leak in the unit's electrical connections could cause an electrical short and ignite a circuit board, the commission said.

Both companies urge their customers to stop using the machines right away and contact the company for free repairs. So far, Maytag has received five reports and Samsung has received one report of incidents involving ignition in the circuit board. No injuries, fires or property damage outside the washing machine have been reported.

The voluntary recall involves 250,000 Maytag washers with model numbers that begin with MAH9700 or MAH8700. Recalls for 20,000 Samsung washers involve units that begin with model numbers WF306BHW or WF316.

Furthermore, Maytag units that end in the following serial numbers are also subject to the recall: GA, GC, GE, GG, GJ, GL, GN, GP, GR, GT, GV, GX, JA, JC, JE, JG, JJ, JL and JN.
The units were sold at retailers in the U.S. from April 2005 through August 2006 for between $1,000 and $1,200 each.

Company website

Recall notice