Complain about a product or service

Hoover Vacuum Cleaners

Dawn of Pleasanton, CA March 12, 2009

Dawn of Pleasanton CA (03/12/09)
Last March we purchased a Hoover Windtunnel Self-Propelled Vacuum from Lowe's. I needed a self-propelled vacuum because I have had two back surgeries and most vacuums are too heavy. The first day we used it we had to replace a belt. Since then we have replaced many belts and have had it smoking. Three weeks ago, the on-off switch quit working. The only way to turn it off is to unplug it. I have sent emails to Hoover and have not gotten a reply.

I've also called and sat on hold for over 20 minutes each time with no response. Their website only gives a 330 area code so I'm paying long distance to sit on hold. Today I searched online and found an 800 number and again sat on hold. Reading this site I've found that everyone has had the same problem I have and have either gotten no response from Hoover or no satisfaction. I will never buy another Hoover product.

Susan of Pacific Palisades, CA February 18, 2009

Susan of Pacific Palisades CA (02/18/09)
My Hoover Upright Self propelled Wind Tunnel caught fire today. No flames. Lots of smoke and a horrible smell. Nothing was obstructing the roller brushes etc. The base of the vacuum was emitting billows of smoke and I had to unplug it immediately. I was afraid the thing would go up in flames. It was very hot.

Because I have rheumatoid arthritis, I have 2 Hoover self propelled Wind Tunnel vacuum cleaners. I cannot lift or carry them upstairs and downstairs so I have two. I am confused as to which vacuum started burning. It is either model # U6436-900 or model #U6436-900.

I see on your website that other Hoover self-propelled vacuums have been recalled. The model that caught fire is less than 2 years old and has been a problem since I purchased it. The rubber band keeps breaking including the smaller rubber band that activates the Self Propel feature. I have had to special order this band several times from my hardware store.

The Vacuum is an expensive piece of crap (made in China) It is hazardous because it caught fire. I am sure that the smoke was toxic because we almost choked from the smell which lingered for several hours.

Luckily we did not have serious physical damage. Only the inhalation of the toxic smoke that permeated the house for several hours was the consequence.

Virginia of Keyser, WV February 11, 2009

Virginia of Keyser WV (02/11/09)
Short and sweet.. I bought my first Hoover Upright Wind Tunnel Self Propelled model #U6439 on Oct. 25, 2007. Within 5 months, the selfpropelled feature stopped working, the embedded dirt finer feature stopped working, and you could not turn it off except by unplugging it. I was fortunate that the store where I purchased it said we could return it for an exchange which I did...for the same model. I just thought at the time it was a fluke, but I was wrong and went ahead with the same model. Now.. within 9 months this one is doing the same thing.

I phoned Hoover who would do nothing except tell me to take it to a service center, which means that I would be without a vacuum cleaner for an extended amount of time. I refuse!!!!!!! The SAME MODEL, TWICE in UNDER 2 years is doing the EXACT SAME THING and all they would tell me is there is no recall on this model. This place is selling a product that they HAVE to know has these problems. DO a Google search.. you'll find out. Just type in the product and model number and you'll find out.. it's EVERYWHERE!!!!!!! I will never buy a Hoover product again and advise anyone who read this to do the same!!!!!!

Robert of Spring Lake, MI February 2, 2009

Robert of Spring Lake MI (02/02/09)
We have been owners of the Hoover Windtunnel Self Propelled vacuum for over 12 years. The first one still runs great but the height adjustment broke and we can't use it on thick carpet anymore. In late 2007 we bought a new model. The first one lasted 3 weeks and the beater bar froze up and fried the plastic housing. Lowe's gladly gave us a refund and we bought the 2nd one. This unit howls like crazy like a bearing is bad in the drive unit. It has now become impossible to use because the drive belts won't stay on. They get so hot that they smoke and stretch out and jump off.

I have contacted Hoover via their customer service website and can't get a response for over 2 weeks. I have no expectation of warranty coverage but would like some sort of guidance on a possible repair. I find it totally unacceptable that a company such as Hoover does not respond to customer requests for assistance. Based on the volume of complaints about Hoover products and their non-existant customer service I will never buy one of their products again.

Highly frustrating. Can't vacuum the house. Going through 2~3 packages of belts (genuine Hoover) per week. House smells like burning rubber. Spent 200 on Consumer Report's 2007 highest ranked upright vacuum and it's a junker.

Tamara of Alma, MI January 28, 2009

Tamara of Alma MI (01/28/09)
I purchased a Dirt Devil 'Purpose for Pets' by Hoover about 6 months ago. Within 2 months it was shutting off (overheating?) within 2 months. Also, the on/off switch would stick in the on position. My friend, who had purchased the same vacuum at the same time I did was having the same issues. We both took them back, and stupidly exchanged them for the same vacuum, because I will admit, when this vacuum DOES work, it works very well, suction wise.

I had only had the second vacuum a few more months when it, too, began to have the same problems. Then one day it started smoking, and by the time I got it unplugged (the switch was stuck AGAIN) the plastic pieces on the end of the roller brush had completely melted! Talk about a fire hazard.

I returned it to Wal Mart, but since it had been over 3 months, they refused to return it, and instead offered to send it to Dirt Devil for me free of charge. They said the company would be contacting me, and I would probably have my vacuum back (repaired) within 2 weeks. Haha. It has now been over 2 MONTHS and I have heard nothing. I called the 800 number, and was put on hold for over 45 minutes before I finally gave up. This happened THREE times. What do I have to do to get my money back?

I intend to complain to Wal Mart next. They should not be selling such a shoddy product from a company that has NO customer service whatsoever. After reading all the complaints online, I just don't understand why no one has done anything to make this company responsible for their product!

I am a single mother who cannot afford to simply 'replace' a vacuum that was less than 6 months old. This was an expensive purchase for us, and I expected it to last at LEAST a couple of years, and instead it didn't even last one. I guess I should just be lucky it didn't start a fire.

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