Panasonic is recalling about 640,000 drum washer-dryers sold in Japan and Taiwan after detergent leaking from an automatic-dosing system was linked to smoke and fire incidents, according to the company and Japanese recall authorities.
The action covers LX-series machines manufactured from August 2021 through July 2025. Panasonic is providing a replacement detergent-tank component and repair at no charge. The recall does not cover U.S. models.
Leaking Detergent Can Reach Wiring
Panasonic’s official notice says detergent can leak from the automatic dispensing tank and affect electrical components. Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency recall database also lists the action.
Jiji Press, in a report published by Nippon.com, reported six fire or smoke incidents in Japan and one in Taiwan, with no injuries. The total includes 18 models in Japan and three in Taiwan.
Owners Should Stop Using Auto-Dose
Panasonic is instructing affected owners not to use the automatic detergent-dosing function until the repair is completed. Owners can continue to follow the company’s country-specific instructions for arranging the free corrective work.
Why the Failure Mode Is Notable
Automatic detergent dispensing has spread across premium laundry products because it reduces measuring and can meter detergent by load. Panasonic’s recall illustrates an additional service consideration: the dispensing hardware places liquid-storage components inside an appliance with wiring and controls.
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That does not establish a similar defect in other brands or models. For U.S. owners, the Panasonic action is an overseas recall rather than a stop-use notice for machines sold domestically.
