Maytag Washer Recall By Consumers

There have been many recall issues with Maytag washing machines in recent years. Despite the generally outstanding performance of this laundry appliance brand in the top loading sector, there have been mechanical problems in a few of their recent model iterations, especially with front loaders.

The year 2005, saw the wave of several Maytag washer recall statements being made. These recalls were made voluntarily in conjunction with the U.S CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

However, those same recalls and consumer complaints continued through the next several years. Many people have begun to feel that Maytag washers are not worth the effort. They feel that they should not invest in the company any longer due to how even brand new machines seemed to stop working within only a few months.

The Maytag washer problems have varied. Sometimes the bearings are damaged. At other times the transmission stopped working altogether. More than a few individuals have purchased a brand new multi-thousand dollar washer and dryer combination appliance only to discover that anywhere from a few months to a few years later it will need repairs. The typical washing machine that is considered a worthy design will last ten to fifteen years without needing major repairs.

Maytag Neptune Washer MAH5500 Recall

A large number of the most prolific Maytag problems have been found in their Neptune series. The Maytag Neptune MAH5500 and 8700, for instance, have failed some critical tests and received many negative reports.

Some people have purchased one of these models only to find that the clutch, transmission, and outer tub would have to be replaced.

Mold was reported growing on their supposedly mold-resistant tubs, and the doors had a tendency to either not lock, or to stay locked at inopportune times after a few years.

The continual breakdown complaints for these products combined with destroyed clothing and the cost of fixing the machines turned into a class action lawsuit against Maytag.

The court settlement awarded victory to the plaintiffs forcing the company to pay the individual's involved. However, the payments came only in the form of service-calls, and credit on purchasing yet another Maytag washing machine. This put a final nail in the coffin that is the Maytag era. Their front-loader washing machines have disappeared from many stores.

Common Complaints and Problems

There have been many customer service complaints to the company since the legal lawsuit was settled.

While the representatives have seemed friendly and customer oriented it is still a long wait to get through to someone that can actively help an individual. In many instances mold growing has been the major issue involved with a given Neptune Front-loader.

Service technicians and repairmen will usually be able to fix this issue simply by replacing the rubber gasket so that the water will drain appropriately. However, this will not always work as the bristles in the washing machine may acquire mold as well. Bleach was cited as a temporary fix for this, but it is still considered a serious issue due to most of these washers being less than three or four years old.

The Maytag washer recall came as a surprise to many in 2010. This was not because of the stellar quality of the product. They were surprised because they were not informed or announced in a more timely fashion the information that they needed to call Maytag's 800 number to have the machine taken in for repairs or replacement. Many consumers missed out on their window of opportunity altogether and were forced to use a substandard machine or buy an all new one.

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