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General Electric Company Complaint - Potential Danger of GE Microwave - GE Spacesaver Microwave Model JVM1631

GE Spacesaver Microwave Model JVM1631 - Complaint
Review by joejta on 2004-12-29
HUNTSVILLE, ARIZONA -- We own a GE Model JVM1631 Spacesaver microwave which was installed by the builder in our new home in early 2000. In October of 2004 the magnetron tube failed and we paid a GE repair person $75.00 to replace the tube. The part itself was under a 9 year warranty, but we paid for labor. It seemed to work fine until December 2004 when burnt odor began coming from the area above the control panel. We also noticed black smut in that same area. We researched the web and found numerous fires involving GE Microwaves. I called GE "consumer no service", but got little help. We have unplugged the unit and are shopping for another. Further research on the web reveals that similar microwaves have started running on their own and caused the fires. In addition, as a side note, two neighbors have had GE microwaves either replaced by GE or extensive repair performed. Don't believe this? Do a web search with the words "GE microwave fires". I'm looking for another microwave by another manufacturer.
Comments:
Posted by Slimjim on 2004-12-30:
Make sure you ask who made it. US manufactures, like GE, don't build microwaves. They are Asian sourced and most American brands are made by one company. You could end up with the same components, jsut a different name on the front.
Posted by big mama on 2005-11-28:
The GE spacemaker microwaves that catch on fire were made by Samsung and sold under GE's label. The membrane behind the control panel can fail resulting in the microwave turning itself on and running empty until it catches on fire. Homes have burned down because of this. When Samsung discovered the defects of the membranes they recalled 180,000 units in 2003 and another 115,000 in 2004. Because the bulk of their microwaves were installed in RV's the recall was done through the NHTSA. GE should have recalled these microwaves but didn't. The spacemaker series in question are the JVM 1300, 1400, 1600, 1800, and 1900. It isn't just the membranes that can cause a fire in these microwaves. The heat sensor is a safety mechanism and is supposed to turn the unit off if the contents get to an extreme temperature. Heat sensors are failing resulting in fires within the cavity. Also, the wires to the motor that operates the turntable are known to arc and result in fires within the floor and sides of the unit, eventually spreading if not caught and disabled. Lastly, a common problem with magnetron failures is something GE has admitted to but they still charge consumers to replace them. I wouldn't trust GE or their products ever again. For more information go to the website www.BringGoodThingsToLife.org
Posted by Noneill on 2006-07-06:
Yikes! I going home and checking my model number. I know it is a GE Spacemaker. It was installed by the builder of our home in 2001. Recently the turntable stopped working. Guess I will be buying another brand if this is one of the problem models.
Posted by TOMSOLVER on 2006-07-08:
About 3 years ago, I bought a GE spacesaver microwave oven model #JVM1430wd002. It runs but does not heat. I guess I'm not alone with this problem. The answer was simple for GE - offer free replacement of defective parts. Instead they have lost my confidence and my business. So long GE !!!
Posted by TOMSOLVER on 2006-07-08:
P.S. Your junk is in the dump.

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