Old washer shot craps 2 days ago. Began researching for replacement.

I have had nothing but good luck with my Maytag appliances (Dishwasher, Double Oven, Micro, Fridge and Dryer (2 years ago)), so naturally, I went looking for Maytags.

I wanted a top loader that was energy star rated, I looked at Sears, HD, BB and Lowes. Lowes was the only one tht actually had the combo. I was ready to get the MAVT546EWW model for $517, but the sales guy directed my attention to a Neptune (MAH5500BWW) floor model that is on clearance for $595.

I looked at it and decided that based upon options etc, that it was a good buy. Granted, I had not researched this model.

I went ahead and got it and it is to be delivered onThursday (2 days from now). Well, after doing some research, I am highly concerned about this model and am thinking about going back to the original model.

I did buy the extended warranty, so, I do feel confident that any repairs will be covered, but I am not sure if I want to deal with the hassle...of taking time off to have repairs done...

So, from what I can tell this model has these issues..

Control boards
Mold smell
Wax motor problems
Tub not spinning

Now, I have read alot of reviews and they are all most negative. What I don't know is what percentage of these units have failed...I mean, are the 100,000 made and there are 100 complaints?

Consumer reports lists Maytag (all appliances) as the same repair frequency as Kenmore, Whirlpool and GE...roughly about 10%..

Has Maytag done anything to correct these issues. I have no idea how old this unit it as it has been a flloor model..


This is why I am here, to ask repairmen their experiences with this model and maytag....

Any thoughts/ suggestions are appreciated....

Thanks...

If you want a front loader I would go with the Whirlpool Duet.
Anything is better then a MAH5500.

Just my thoughts...

I would 2nd them thoughts... see less problems with the DUET

I can't beleive it!
The washer got delivered on Thursday. Tried to run the first load on Friday PM and it ran and finally stopped with a 'lr' code.
Called Lowe's and they were absolutley no help!
Called the 800 number and the earliest they could send out an repair man is tomorrow.
I am going back to Lowes to pick out a different washer. They can keep this piece of crap!
I am beginning to think that this 'floor' model was actually returned (for the same reason) and the re-sold the friggin thing!

Yes, i have seen this happen before, a new appliance bad out of the box. Your doing the right thing in exchanging it without hesitation.

Jake

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Let us know what you end up getting.

explained the problem and exchanged the unit.

They gave an additional 10% off any unit they had.

Ended up chosing another Neptune MAH6700AWW.

The reg price was $849 on sale for $749.

Less the 10% was $671 and then $100 Maytag rebate netting to $571 or about $25 less than the original one we got.

To be delivered Thurs evening...

These front loading Maytags are apparently victims of some terrible engineering. Mine is 5 yrs old and has had two control boards, a moldy seal issue, and now the replacement seal leaks --and Maytag says good luck to ya, not our problem. Look at the costs of repair visits. The costs of the parts. The initial cost of the machine--you'll see this is a money pit. Have talked to two other owners and the dealer where I bought the machine (who is a trusted neighborhood guy who advised against the machine in the first place, but I did not listen.) Same kind of story from all sources. Get out now while the getting is good.

Actually, Maytag has repaired and upgraded everthing on these 3rd generation front loaders brand new today.

In fact its extremely rare that I ever have a service call on the new Maytags now.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

I recall how highly rated this unit was when I bought it. Forgive me if I doubt reports that sound a lot like those again. My experience with their customer service is enough to convince me of that. As for the machine, it still smells, and now it leaks (on my hardwood floor--upstairs--think about it), and no one at Maytag cares unless they are ordered by the court to do something. All I get from them is, sorry, not our problem. No company should survive with attitude like this toward its customers. As for me, I'm much worse off since they replaced my moldy seal. What a mistake that was, but how could I know? So I'm running small loads and using towels to soak up the spillage, and I'm long used to wiping out the thing with bleach after every four or five loads, and leaving the door open, and now I am researching a really more reliable brand. I will not put more money into this piece of junk. Do you have any suggestions for a stackable front loader, preferably that does not leak or stink, maybe is even kind of quiet? Any way you can think of that I can salvage the dryer, which seems ok?