Panasonic is recalling approximately 640,000 drum washer-dryers sold in Japan and Taiwan after detergent leaking from the automatic dosing system was linked to smoke and fire incidents.

The recall covers LX-series machines manufactured between August 2021 and July 2025. Panasonic is offering a free replacement detergent-tank component and repair. The action does not affect models sold in the United States or other markets outside Japan and Taiwan.

According to Panasonic’s official notice and Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency, detergent can leak from the automatic dispensing tank and reach electrical components, creating a fire risk. Reports indicate six fire or smoke incidents in Japan and one in Taiwan, with no injuries recorded. The recall involves 18 models in Japan and three in Taiwan.

What owners should do

Affected owners are advised to stop using the automatic detergent-dosing function until the free corrective work is completed. Manual dosing remains possible in the meantime. Owners should follow the country-specific instructions issued by Panasonic to arrange the repair.

Why this matters for the industry

Automatic detergent dispensing has become a common convenience feature on premium laundry appliances, reducing the need for manual measuring and allowing more precise dosing by load size. This recall highlights a practical design consideration: placing liquid storage and dosing hardware inside a machine that also contains electrical wiring and controls introduces an additional potential failure mode that manufacturers must manage carefully.

Panasonic’s response — free parts and labour — follows standard industry practice for addressing such issues once identified.

WhiteGoodsNow will continue to monitor any further updates from Panasonic or relevant safety authorities.