A Detergent Leak Can Reach Internal Wiring
Panasonic is recalling 640,671 front loading washer-dryers in Japan and Taiwan after identifying a fault that can allow detergent or fabric softener to leak onto internal electrical wiring, creating a risk of smoke or fire. The company has recorded six incidents in Japan and one in Taiwan, with no injuries reported.
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The recall covers 622,527 machines in Japan and 18,144 in Taiwan across 21 model numbers. Panasonic announced the action on October 15 and is offering free replacement parts, inspections and repairs. Owners should stop using automatic detergent and softener dispensing, empty or remove the dispensing tanks, and use manual dispensing while arranging the recall work.
The consequences have extended beyond damaged appliances. An April 2024 fire in Saitama Prefecture destroyed an affected washer-dryer and one building, while five other buildings were damaged as the fire spread.
Panasonic says the machines can continue to be used with detergent added manually under its recall instructions. The immediate task for owners is to check the exact model and manufacturing details, disable automatic dispensing if their machine is affected, and register for the free work.
Japan accounts for about 97.2% of the recalled machines, based on 622,527 of the total 640,671 units. The remaining 2.8% are in Taiwan. The manufacturing periods differ between the two markets: August 2021 through August 2024 in Japan, and September 2022 through July 2025 in Taiwan.
How the Fault Can Start a Fire
The automatic dispensing system stores detergent and fabric softener in tanks and releases them into the wash without the user measuring a dose each time. Panasonic identified a problem at the connection between those tanks and the dispensing unit.
Liquid can escape from that connection outside the washing tub, then travel through the appliance and reach wires near the back or lower side. Detergent or softener on those wires can weaken their insulating covering. Insulation is the protective layer that keeps electricity inside its intended path.
When that protection deteriorates, electricity can take an unintended path between conductors, causing a short circuit. Local heating can then ignite plastic components beneath the wires, leading to smoke or fire.
The repair program addresses several points in that chain: preventing liquid from escaping, replacing a seal in the dispensing unit, checking wiring for contamination, and adding a sheet designed to resist burning near the plastic components below the wires.
Which Machines Are Included?
The Japanese recall covers 18 model numbers sold under the LX series, including products with NA-LX and NA-SLX prefixes. Their manufacturing dates run from August 2021 to August 2024, with different periods for each release group.
- Models released in 2021, manufactured from August 2021 through September 2022: NA-LX127AL, NA-LX127AR, NA-LX129AL, NA-LX129AR, NA-SLX12AL and NA-SLX12AR.
- Models released in 2022, manufactured from July 2022 through September 2023: NA-LX127BL, NA-LX127BR, NA-LX129BL, NA-LX129BR, NA-SLX12BL and NA-SLX12BR.
- Models released in 2023, manufactured from August 2023 through August 2024: NA-LX125CL, NA-LX125CR, NA-LX127CL, NA-LX127CR, NA-LX129CL and NA-LX129CR.
The three affected models in Taiwan are NA-LX126BL, NA-LX128BL and NA-LX128BR, manufactured from September 2022 through July 2025. Together, the 18 Japanese models and three Taiwanese models make up the 21 model numbers covered by the recall.
Owners should use the full model number when checking their machine. Similar names can refer to different products, and the manufacturing period is part of the recall criteria. On the Japanese models, an L at the end of the model number identifies a door that opens to the left; an R identifies a door that opens to the right.
How to Check a Washer-Dryer
Panasonic places model and serial number information on labels near the upper inside edge of the front door and, on relevant models, near the lower part of the right side of the appliance. The warranty paperwork can also provide those details.
For Japanese customers, scanning the QR code near the upper inside edge of the door allows Panasonic's system to obtain the model and serial number automatically. If the machine is covered, the system directs the owner to the application page for the recall.
Registration is also available through Panasonic's website or by telephone. Having the complete model and serial number ready helps identify the appliance and arrange the correct replacement parts. The Japanese and Taiwanese service numbers are different, so customers should use the contact for their market.
What Owners Should Do Now
Panasonic asks affected users to stop automatic dispensing of detergent and fabric softener. Owners should empty the automatic dispensing tanks or remove them, then follow the instructions for adding detergent manually.
Manual dispensing means adding the amount needed for each wash through the machine's designated manual dispenser, rather than leaving a supply in the automatic tanks. Panasonic says other washing functions can still be used under this arrangement.
The company's recall guidance includes videos showing the settings for manual dispensing and the replacement procedure. Owners should follow the instructions for their particular model, because the controls and settings can vary.
In Japan, Panasonic says automatic dispensing can resume once the owner has fitted the improved replacement tanks according to its instructions. A later home visit remains part of the recall program, so households should also arrange access for the inspection and any further repair.
Replacement Tanks Come Before the Home Visit
The Japanese program has several stages. After an owner registers, Panasonic sends three replacement tanks for detergent, fabric softener and other dispensing liquids. The new tanks include changes intended to prevent liquid from leaking outside the washing tub.
Owners can install those tanks themselves using the company's instructions. The modified tanks carry a horizontal mark above the number on the front, helping distinguish them from the original parts. The old tanks are returned using a prepaid shipping label included with the replacements.
A technician then visits the home to replace the dispensing unit's gasket, the seal that helps keep liquid inside the connection. The technician also installs a sheet designed to resist burning on the plastic components below the relevant wires and checks whether detergent or softener has reached the wiring.
If liquid contamination is found, another repair visit is arranged to replace the affected wires. A household may therefore need more than one appointment, depending on the condition of its machine.
Replacement tanks, inspections and repairs are free. Panasonic has not given a completion date for the entire recall. The detailed sequence involving three tanks and later home visits applies to the Japanese program; Taiwanese owners should confirm their local arrangements when registering.
Seven Incidents and a Fire That Spread
Panasonic has received seven reports of smoke or fire involving affected products since 2024. Six occurred in Japan and one in Taiwan. Damage has included burning at the rear of machines.
The Saitama fire in April 2024 caused the most extensive property damage described in the recall coverage. The washer-dryer burned, one building was completely destroyed, and five other buildings were damaged by the spreading fire. No injuries were reported across the seven incidents.
The manufacturing and incident dates show why both older and more recent purchases need checking. Japanese machines affected by the recall were made over roughly three years, while Taiwanese production covered by the action continued through July 2025.
- August 2021: Manufacturing began for the earliest affected Japanese models.
- September 2022: Manufacturing began for the affected Taiwanese machines.
- April 2024: A fire in Saitama destroyed an affected appliance and one building, and damaged five other buildings.
- August 2024: The manufacturing period for affected Japanese machines ended.
- July 2025: The manufacturing period for affected Taiwanese machines ended.
- October 15: Panasonic announced the recall and free corrective work.
For owners, the practical consequence is a change in how they do laundry while waiting for parts: automatic dispensing must be stopped, the tanks emptied or removed, and detergent added manually according to Panasonic's instructions.
Where to Arrange Free Service
Customers in Japan can contact Panasonic's dedicated recall service at 0120-878-303. The stated telephone hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The published schedule provides daily service through December 27, 2026, followed by service from January 4, 2027, excluding weekends, public holidays and company holidays.
Customers in Taiwan can call 0800-580-785 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., excluding weekends and national holidays. Applications and information are also available through Panasonic's official website.
Japanese owners can use the QR code inside the door, an online application or the telephone service to register. Panasonic's instructions cover both the immediate switch to manual dispensing and the later installation of replacement tanks.
The recall involves keeping track of two tasks: changing the dispensing setup now and completing the replacement and inspection process. For Japanese households, receiving new tanks is followed by a technician's visit, with wiring replacement arranged if the inspection finds contamination.
Key Points
- Panasonic is recalling 640,671 washer-dryers: 622,527 in Japan and 18,144 in Taiwan.
- The recall covers 18 Japanese model numbers and three Taiwanese model numbers.
- Leaking detergent or softener can damage wire insulation, cause a short circuit and ignite nearby plastic components.
- Seven smoke or fire incidents have been reported, with no injuries. A Saitama fire destroyed one building and damaged five others.
- Affected owners should stop automatic dispensing, empty or remove the tanks, and follow Panasonic's manual dispensing instructions.
- Panasonic is providing free parts, inspections and repairs. Japan's contact is 0120-878-303; Taiwan's is 0800-580-785.
