Suffering from the 417 issues for two years now (started about 14 months into ownership). In addition to broken struts the washer has awful mold problems (yes - even with regular cleaning, wiping and leaving it open when not in use), as well as the top of the control panel chipping and breaking off where it meets the washer top metal. It's loud, it doesn't spin quietly and it's lumpy and shakes, rattles and walks.

It's a piece of sh*t and I've had it.

So, I doubt this is the right place to post this, but seeing as how the majority of posters here have problems with this model in particular, I'd like to ask who has done reliability research and either considered or purchased a better model?

I know that many, many front-loaders have reliability and/or mold problems (class action lawsuits with Whirlpool and LG for mold to state just two of the more-notable instances) -- and I don't know if Consumer Reports has ever really followed up on reliability stats, but I find the lack of accurate web-based reliability reporting to be largely missing. 99% of it is "I bought this last week and I'm sooooo impressed!", or "I've always been a fan or Whirlpool products - my gas range and oven lasted 20 years!"

In light of my ability to find any real qualitative or quantitative info on reliability of FL washers I'm actually considering going back to a top-load model. I remember my previous washers lasting 10+ years with NO mold or reliability issues. And I'm curious: 90% of the EU has been using FL washers for over two decades. Their laundromats are filled with them! How is it that they have products that seem to last, not leak and not mold up -- and we can't seem to get something like that here in the US?

Ideas, links, experience regarding the best models to consider from those of you who have do some research or are in the repair business for front load washers would be highly appreciated! My thanks.

- Matt

One more: the techs here have been GREAT help for so many (myself included). I would assume that you guys can work on anything, but would rather not have to spend your days off working on your own washers so you probably buy value and reliability. Again - that's guess, but if I'm right what would YOU buy? FL? TL? Brand and model?

Hi,

I would say your best bet would be the top-load by Kenmore(its made by Whirlpool), thats what I would buy.

You can purchase here:




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

Thanks Jake - as always your feedback on this is much-appreciated!

Anytime makakio.

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