Consumer Question - Front Load Washer

Q: Hi, Joe,

I bought a Whirlpool Duet Front-Loader Auto Washer and Dryer on 11-17-2007. The dryer is great.

On 6/11/2010 I got an Error Code 71 and ended up having to purchase a complete user interface control board for $393.38 installed. The repairman said he had never heard of one going bad in less than 3yrs.

Last week I started getting the same error message and cycles won't run. Of course there is only 1yr parts warranty so no luck with installer. Washers usually last for many years and the same thing has gone wrong with mine in 4 years at no small cost!

Have you heard of this with this machine and do you have any advice on trying to get Whirlpool to replace the board for free since this is the 2nd time it has happened in just over 4 years or is this a lost cause?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Carolyn

A: Hi, Carolyn,

Thanks for your note.

There isn't much I can say to lessen your frustrations. You are now one of the many homeowners who are angered by the appliance manufacturers and there is nothing you can do to get any kind of compensation. Your next purchase probably will be an old fashioned top loader.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon