Samsung, NHTSA Announce Recall of Microwave Ovens in RVs

MT. ARLINGTON, N.J.--Oct. 8, 2003--Samsung Electronics, in cooperation with the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), announced the recall of nearly 184,000 microwave ovens that were installed in recreational vehicles (RVs) sold in the US during the past 3 years. Samsung has determined that some of these microwave ovens may present a safety hazard due to a defective part that may cause them to begin operation unassisted and result in smoke or fire.

Samsung will repair the ovens free of charge for consumers. In the meantime, consumers who own RVs with the affected ovens should unplug the microwaves - or, if that is not possible, leave the microwave door ajar, which will prevent the oven from operating. As a general safety precaution, consumers should never store items in microwave ovens or leave items in the ovens after use.

Samsung is currently working with more than 150 RV manufacturers nationwide to arrange to have the microwave ovens repaired for consumers free of charge. The details of the recall and repair procedures are currently being finalized with these manufacturers. Complete instructions for consumers will be issued as soon as the details are finalized.

"Samsung is dedicated to creating superior products and offering exceptional customer service," said Ron Hartle, Director of Samsung's Customer Care Center. "Samsung's top priority is consumer satisfaction and safety, and we are committed to taking all appropriate actions to address and resolve this issue as expediently as possible."

The microwave ovens with parts affected by this recall were built by Samsung between May 20, 200300 and September 2003 and installed in RVs sold between 2001 and 2003. The models of microwave oven affected are: MR5491G, MR5491G01, MR5492W, MR5494W01, MR5493G, MR5493G01, MR5494W, MR7491G, MR7491G01, MR7492W, MR7492W01, MR7493G, MR7493G01, MR6698WB, MR6699GB, and MR6699SB. Consumers can locate the model number and manufacture date of their oven on the inside of the microwave oven door. No other Samsung microwave ovens are involved in this recall.

For more information, consumers should contact the Samsung Customer Care Center at 1-800-932-3837 or visit the Samsung web site at: www.samsungusa.com/microwaveovens.

Consumers may also visit the NHTSA website at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm; the NHTSA campaign number is 03E044000.

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics and information systems products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung Telecommunications USA, Samsung Electronics Canada and Samsung Electronics Mexico. Please visit www.samsungusa.com for more information.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunications, flat panel display and digital convergence technology. Samsung Electronics employs approximately 75,000 people in 89 offices across 47 countries. The company is the world's largest producer of memory chips, TFT-LCDs, CDMA mobile phones, monitors and VCRs. Samsung Electronics consists of four main business units: Digital Media Network, Device Solution Network, Telecommunications Network and Digital Appliance Network Businesses. The company web site is located at http://www.samsung.com.