Kenmore Consumer Reviews - Page 4

MARYLAND -- Having hardwood floors in my home with only a few rugs, I purchased a basic Kenmore vacuum cleaner model # 216.37000 in October 08. I have found that this product does not function as one expects. The problem seems to be that the motor lacks sufficient power to propel the dirt all the way into the vacuum bag and instead it collects into a tight wad or bolus around the base after a very short use. Then the vacuum spits the dirt out into the room.

I have written a complaint to Sears head office and got a phone call from some secretary who kept telling me to take the vacuum to a Sears repair center although I insisted that the vacuum was not in need of a repair but that it was a manufacturing problem. It was a very unsatisfactory phone call with her finishing up saying that she would report the problem to the appropriate division. She gave me a phone number to call which was a waste of time.

The person who answered had no idea what to say and also ended up telling me to take the vacuum to a repair shop. The point is that this seems to be a model that should not be sold to an unsuspecting public. Customers who only want a basic product should not be fobbed off with this piece of rubbish.

MASSACHUSETTS -- When I redid the kitchen at our Cape Cod summer home last year (2008), we installed Sears Elite appliances because on the Cape, getting service for other upscale major brands can be difficult. No one at Sears explained to me that the icemaker/water filtration system in the refrigerator is really not appropriate for seasonal use, because it must be professionally drained each fall if the house will not be heated over the winter. It is impossible for a homeowner to drain the system.

And the Sears service representative informed me that they will NOT perform the service, either. My plumber refused to drain the system because it is difficult and time-consuming and sometimes the system still freezes and cracks the plastic components within the ice maker and filter system. I returned to the Cape this spring to a leaking water filter, no ice making, and a bill for $270 to repair the water filtration system, and it is not covered by the warranty.

DALLAS, TEXAS -- Purchased a Kenmore Elite Oasis Washing Machine in January 2007. Fast forward to February 2009. Repairman was out today and advised that the tub was "bad". He could not even repair it but suggested I contact Sears directly. Cost to replace tub (after having machine two years?) was over $400. Or they would "graciously" give me smart service package for over $200. Really? The washing machine was basically two years old and it is no longer working! Does the Kenmore name (tradition of quality) mean nothing? An appliance that is two years old just falls apart? What a piece of junk.

KELOWNA, B. C. CANADA -- I bought a Kenmore washing machine from Sears in 2004. I wanted the very best and this was supposed to be it. It cost 599.00. Well I have never been so disappointed in an appliance in my life. I cannot get a clean wash out of this machine. It twists all my clothes and sheets into a tight rope and therefore nothing is rinsed. I don't expect you to do anything about this but I just wanted you to know what a piece of junk this supposed best washer on the floor is. I have always preferred Kenmore appliances but I will never buy another one after this experience.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA -- After 30 years and 3 kids, my wife wants a new washer and dryer; after all, our old Kenmores are looking a little ragged. I bought them new in 1979, and except for a new $35 pump, that I installed myself; they'€™ve worked flawlessly the entire time.

Before I start shopping I thought I checked out Consumer Reports and boy am I shocked; even the repair people I talk to seem to agree, the new machines are not designed last. The plastic parts like gears tend to wear out after a few years, the electronic controls and touch pads break easily and cost a fortune to repair, and everyone suggests that only fools let the very expensive extended service contracts lapse.

I suppose the high cost of those contracts should tell me something. If they were half as reliable as my old ones, they wouldn't cost so much. I'm sure they charge a lot because the new machines break a lot. Even worse, after a few years, they won'€™t sell you a service contract at all. I guess even $1,600 washers and $1,200 dryers are designed to be replaced about every 7 years.

What's wrong with the heavy old machines that had no electronics or plastic gears? Was it really worse for the environment than manufacturing 3 replacement machines, and filling up landfills up with the old ones, and all the service calls and parts that also had to be discarded? New ones claim they can save up to $20 a year in water and energy costs. Five years of that savings won'€™t even pay for one service call. I know my wife won't like it but I think my old ones are probably worth keeping even if I do have to have them repaired one day.

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA -- I just had my 5 year old Kenmore side by side refrigerator catch fire. This filled my kitchen with smoke and when I looked behind the service panel in the back I had actual flames in the insulation. I pulled the panel off and suppressed the fire. I found many burned wires on the relay on the compressor. The compressor was still running as it failed to kick off! I called Sears and all they would do was to agree to come out and fix it for a price. No apparent concern to check it for possible safety hazards on other refrigerators. If I owned another one I would be calling Sears for a safety check!

AVONDALE, ARIZONA -- Bought a Sears Kenmore Stainless Steel Stove two years ago. Love it at first but then the handle to the door came off and surprise the whole door fell apart. Front panel, glass shield and inside panel. Put handle back on but it continually came off. Finally had to replace handle with bolts and nuts to keep it held on together. But now have no handle on stove.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND -- I bought a Kenmore Elite, Model # 10657873800. The unit is less than 4 years old. All the shelves (plastic) has cracked. Sears nor Kenmore will respond. I do feel the shelves should not crack. Seems there is an imperfection.

STERLING HGTS., MICHIGAN -- Microwaves handle finish is coming off after one year. Refrigerator ice maker stopped working, then the door started making noise when I open it. Now the water doesn't come out and this will be the 5th repair person to come out, this is one year old also.

I bought a new Kenmore refrigerator from Sears in 2005 and it went bad just a few days ago. I put a new relay starter on the compressor and it burnt that one up. I then was told it was the compressor itself. The compressor is more than a new refrigerator. I have my old one in the garage. Have had it for 30 years and it still runs. I just think that it's pretty bad that I have to throw it out when the repair is more than I can buy a new one for.