Maytag Dishwasher Dependability

We also have a Maytag dishwasher that is less than 5 years old. We
are on our 10th set of new wheels for the top rack. We also only load
light plastic items on the top self and product abuse is not a factor.
We have had both sides break, fixed and break again. It is a serious
product problem with plastic wheels attached to a metal screw. The
wheel cracks and the screw falls out. I have a feeling it has to do
with how often you use the sanitizing function (we use it even wash
for baby bottles). The heat seems to wear down the plastic wheels.

MAB

I work in a customer service type of position and deal with questions
related to appliances.

I can tell you that Maytag, overall, is a very good product and makes
a good quality dishwasher. I have not seen any problems with their
dishwashers, to speak of, or the wheels like you are talking about.

Call the place you bought it from and find out if there is an extended
service package with it. You would be surprised as to what a retailer
may do in such cases.

If you do replace it, I would still think about a Maytag. Amana also
has some that is like it.

The sad part is that instead of modern technology being used to
manufacture appliances that will serve us well over time, it is
instead used to manufacture appliances designed to malfunction, in one
way or another, shortly after the expiration of the original warranty,
forcing us to either pay the outrageous price of parts and/or labor,
or to just keep throwing out what is broken and replacing it with
something new, which is how these companies manage to stay in
business.

Your letter is very well written, making it a pleasure to read, and I
agree that we simply are not getting the quality and service we
deserve. I think Maytag should overlook the technicalities and replace
the broken wheel, instead of taking the risk of losing you as a
customer over something so minor.

After reviewing your letter, William, I conclude that the reason for
the breakdown makes little or no difference.

When you purchased the dishwasher in February 2005, you were
automatically provided with a one-year limited warranty from the
manufacturer. This is standard from most manufacturers, GE included.
You were guaranteed the product should perform, without fail, during
the first year. If it didn't, the manufacturer was willing to accept
the cost to fix or replace the appliance. Beyond that year, however,
the cost became yours.

In some cases, a retailer or manufacturer may offer to back the
product for longer with promotions or the purchase of an additional
warranty package. If you declined to purchase such a package, you
were telling the retailer and manufacturer that you were willing to
accept this cost yourself.

I wonder why consumers purchase products with clear understandings
given to the warranty coverage and then argue and complain when they
incur the expense? Look, this website should be for issues in which
the manufacturer or retailer hasn't provided something that has been
guaranteed. This is not the case. In fact, the manufacturer covered
the service expense during the first year, as they guaranteed they
would, so they should be applauded.

As for the expense at hand, you should make a sincere effort to
understand if there is anything you are doing to damage the rack. You
may then consider paying the service charge to repair it. A
reasonable Maytag will cost you at least $400, so the service is far
less expensive. If you are going to continually break, or have other
problems with the dishwasher, you may want to cut your losses and
replace it now. If you do, take the time to shop around for
reasonable warranty packages, and only from reputable dealers.

I load my dishwasher the same way: plastic containers and perhaps 2-3
glass tumblers on top, and bowls and plates down below (I don't put
anything big in either rack). I'd be pissed if they accused me of
misloading my dishwasher (I'm VERY anal when it comes to loading a
dishwasher--by the book!).

Can't they just assume that maybe, just maybe, you have a round of bad
luck when it comes to this dishwasher?