Maytag/Whirlpool Complaint - Don't buy Maytag 3000 Series Front Loader Washer - Tub Bearing Design Flaw - Maytag Front Loader Washer - mhwe300vf00

Posted by Venice09 on 2011-08-22:

So, you have to keep replacing the tub every few months? That was Maytag's only solution? Certainly they must be joking.

Maytag appliances are poorly designed. I know because I've had three. I, too, would never buy another one.

Posted by Skye on 2011-08-22:

That's crazy, as well as ridiculous. Their only solution is to basically cost you more money and headaches.

You should contact your state department of consumer affairs. Give it a try.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Complaint_Directory_59572_7.pdf

Posted by At Your Service on 2011-08-22:

My concern sounds like the problem COULD have more to do with your do-it-yourself repair.

We've discussed this among some of the other contributors. Some detest the concept of extended warranties. Others see a reasonable use for them. I am one of the latter. An extended warranty could have saved you the time, cost and effort of the do-it-yourself fix and, if the unit wasn't repairable, could have replaced it for you.
This is absolutely where additional warranty coverage would have helped out.

It may make a person feel better to state, "I'll never buy this brand again," but that also assumes a better option. I'd love to hear of this magical brand that never has problems or complaints.

Posted by trmn8r on 2011-08-22:

There are complaints about that bearing failing when HE detergent isn't used, unless I am mistaken.

Posted by Venice09 on 2011-08-22:

Anything worth buying does not need an extended warranty. It's wrong to sell poor quality products that need constant renewals of extended warranties to keep them up and running. It's the purchase that keeps on costing.

The OP purchased a washing machine from Maytag in good faith. It obviously has a design flaw. If it can't be fixed, how many extended warranties is he expected to buy? Just how much is this washer going to cost in the end?

As far as getting it replaced under an extended warranty, that's a fallacy and rarely, if ever, happens. It takes more time, energy and aggravation than a person can stand, which is exactly what the companies are banking on.

I believe it is now the consensus on this site that extended warranties are not worth the paper they are written on. Just read the comments, and you'll see what I mean.

Isn't it a total embarrassment to the appliance industry on a whole that there is not one reliable brand out there?

Posted by WP2008 on 2011-08-23:

Hi my name is Kyle and I am a representative of Maytag. I am sorry to learn of the issue you are having with your appliance. If there is anything that I can do please reach out to me via Facebook (Maytag) or Twitter (MaytagCare). Or contact us directly via e-mail Maytag_Digital@maytag.com please include your user name and what site we contacted you on for our records.

Posted by At Your Service on 2011-08-23:

I've been on the receiving end of a washing machine exchange under an extended warranty.

Along the lines of "Anything worth buying does not need an extended..."; why would it even be important to provide an original warranty?

Posted by Venice09 on 2011-08-23:

I have also been on the receiving end of a washing machine replacement under an extended warranty. That was when I changed my stance on extended warranties. I went through hell for exactly one year before they finally gave in to the fact that I had been right all along.

They did everything possible not to honor the warranty. I was blatantly lied to, deceived, manipulated, threatened and victimized with calculated mind games. I suffered through at least a dozen useless service calls that did nothing but waste my time. I spent endless hours on the telephone arguing with customer service reps whose only objective was to not part with a dime. They strung me along with solutions that didn't work, including an entire rebuild of the washer, until the extended warranty was about to expire. The ordeal was so stressful that it actually started to affect my health, but I was determined to get what I paid for.

Was it worth it? No.

I made a decision to never buy another extended warranty.

And keep in mind that this happened many years ago, long before companies started becoming so dishonorable. I can't imagine what it's like to cash in on an extended warranty now. Oh, wait!.. I can. All I have to do is read the reviews.

If something isn't designed and built to last a reasonable amount of time beyond the original warranty, it's not worth buying. Nothing should break on the 366th day unless it's designed to do so. Planned obsolescence exists whether you admit it or not. And don't ask me how long I expect appliances to last because I can't answer that. I think consumers instinctively know when they've gotten their money's worth out of an appliance. I also think consumers are fair and reasonable people who just want what they paid for without having to pay even more to ensure that it works beyond one year.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Posted by At Your Service on 2011-08-24:

Wow, I'm glad I don't live in that world.

My end was only a few years ago. One call. A service call the next day to determine the problem. A NEW washer a few days after that. It was actually the LAST month of a five year warranty. Pretty nice.

Sometimes attitude is everything.

Posted by Venice09 on 2011-08-24:

Well, then I guess all the people who have completely different experiences from yours have bad attitudes. Is that what you're saying?

It sounds like you are diminishing the importance of their complaints with unwarranted speculation.

Posted by jktshff1 on 2011-08-24:

AYS, a mfg's warranty is necessary to fix any "bugs" not discovered in manufacturing. Accidents happen and the manufacturer should cover them. If it does not fail during the warranty, usually, and there are exceptions, it's good to go. An extended warranty is for those who are uncomfortable with the product in the first place, and have the extra $$ to cover it. I would like to see the earnings a company like Best Buy makes on these extended warranties. Great way to boost the bottom line.

Posted by At Your Service on 2011-08-24:

You're absolutely right jktshff1 that a warranty is absolutely used to cover those problems that go undetected in the manufacturer's quality control process. However, warranty coverage is much more than just that. Reference this link illustrating a traditional "bathtub curve"... http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/apr/section1/apr124.htm

This curve is a common representation for the engineering of many products. Along the left side of this graft is shown the probability of failure. Along the bottom of this same graft is represented the length of time in which it would take the product to fail. In the beginning, this curve shows a higher probability for failure. The reason is based upon exactly what you've stated. Once the time period has surpassed the area represented by the first vertical line within the graft, probability for failure drops and levels out for some arbitrary given time. This period of time is labeled as the "Intrinsic Failure Period". Then you hit an area where the probability of breakdown increases substantially. This is represented by a second line AND IS GENERALLY WHERE MANY MANUFACTURER WARRANTIES WILL END.

So a warranty is guarantee to the consumer that if a product fails to operate within certain specifications, for a certain period of time coverage for the parts and/or labor will be covered by another party.

If warranty coverage is meaningless, than a 90 day warranty should be more than acceptable to the consumer. Personally, I'd never make what I would consider a major purchase without the consideration of warranty coverage. Short warranty periods, even a year, can be inexcusable IMHO. I take the time to consider the retailer and coverage options as seriously as the merchandise itself. That doesn't mean I would invest the money in an extended warranty, but it should become part of the buying decision every bit as much as the merchandise.

Posted by jktshff1 on 2011-08-24:

Never said coverage was meaningless. An "expert" numbers guy can make the look any way they want them to (look at our gubment). Me and many of my associates look down on extended warranties. That being said, the more "technically" advanced a product is, the more likely for failure due to the life of the electronics.
Put the numbers how you like, extended warranties are a gold mine for profits for the manufacturers and companies supplying them.

Posted by spektyr on 2012-06-14:

To be absolutely fair here, I've owned the 3000 Series washer and dryer for over two years and so far I've had no problems. I've always been a bit uncomfortable with the low water level but I've seen other people say it's normal for some HE machines and my clothes do come out clean, with the exception of some stubborn stains of course. I make it a point to obey the instructions and only use HE rated detergents. I even go as far as to use only liquids since I’ve seen powdered detergents clog the pumps and valves in some of the older washers. I live alone so I use the machines about once a week (3 to 4 medium loads). I would stay away from putting too many heavy clothes (e.g. jeans, sweats) in a load despite what the instructions say. Very large loads of heavy clothes may not balance well during a fast spin cycle and that can put a lot of wear and tear on the drum bearing and suspension. I know how the economy is tempting people to reduce the number of loads they do by making them bigger but the money you might save now won’t be worth the repair or replacement expenses this practice could create for you later. Don’t overwork your machine and it should last you a lot longer.

Good luck!

Posted by Michelle on 2012-09-19:

Just had this exact issue with my washer...bearings have gone bad, which shouldn't happen on a washer three years old. Maytag was more of a hassle to talk with and offered no assistance or suggestions other than my $1,000 washer has extended the one year warranty period...customer service rep was horrible and left me on the line when I asked for company address to send a complaint regarding washer. How do they not track these issues?? Sadly I own the marching dryer, two pedestals, and the top...

Posted by jvems on 2012-11-06:

Same washer same problem, bought december 2009
I had problems with a maytag fridge and stove, so they were off my list of appliances, but i have always used their washing machines with no problem, they are now off the list for all appliances

as for all of you extended warranty dummies what you pay for that extended warranty is about half the price of a new machine, so if you make it the five years you are out.

suck it nerds

Posted by maytag unhappy customer on 2012-12-04:

3rd new washer in 6 months maytag stacking 3000 series...1st one bad bearings second one drenched my new townhouse for a faulty hose connect...have a serviceman coming today for third new replaced one...its pounding like the first new one replaced....maytag told me on the phone no issues reported on this model on bearing problems...THEY ARE LIARS ITS ALL OVER THE INTERNET THE PROBLEMS WITH THESE MODELS....3rd time a charm? will see waiting for my damage estimate from insurance....thanks for ruining my new townhouse and denying the problem maytag...is money really worth the lies???

Posted by steve a on 2013-01-21:

maytag 3000 model MHWE300VF00.
had problem from the begining. first the major motor bracket wasn't even installed. next the tub bearings went out. let me know when they admit theres a problem hartford1993@yahoo.com.