Wow, never heard of this happening.
I have front loading and live in the country with well water. Since getting the front loading, we have not run low on our well water (happens in the country).
As far as front loaders smelling, they can if you do not follow manufactuer specs. We leave the door ajar with, of all things, a Kleenex packet holding it open where the catch is.
Once a month I use white vinegar in a sanitize load which gets to 180* and, as alway's, leavbe the door ajar after every load. It is the only quirk in front loaders that I have experienced.
For those with back problems like me, I pull out the lower drawer, set the laundry basket on it, pull out the clothes and don't have to do all that bending over which kills my back. Just lift the basket and off to fold.
Sure glad you did not get hurt and that the store and manufacturere are taking care of you. Be a different story if they weren't. That would be the time to call in the lawyers.