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Whirlpool Washing Machines

andrew of newtown, CT September 2, 2009

We purchased a Whirlpool washer WWTW57ESVWW-WH, and received it on 7/15/09. The machine shreds clothes on the regular wash cycle, which is related to a water level sensor problem. It either puts too little water in tub, or defaults to the fill machine to the max water level. C&E was contracted by Bernie's to troubleshoot the problem, but they apparently found no problem, but instructed us to not use the normal cycle, only the gentle cycle. This cycle does not remove soil, and leaves too much water after spin, which requires inordinately long dryer cycles. This is not energy-efficient. Many cases are documented that the water level sensor switches are defective in this model, which is why we do not want this machine. Bernie's wants a 10% restocking charge, which I do not feel we should pay, hence this complaint.

Tracy of Everson, PA August 25, 2009

Two and a half years ago we bought a Cabrio washer and dryer set. In June, the washer started flashing an F1 error code. Water will flow into the detergent dispenser then the F1 code flashes 3-5 seconds after you begin a cycle. You have to reset it by pressing cancel and then pressing start 2-3 times then it will run. With 19-22 minutes left in a cycle, depending on which cycle used, the washer stops again, it will flash F1 until you reset it by pressing cancel and then pressing start 2-3 times then it will run.

I did a search on line and found out that this is an exceptionally common problem with the Cabrio. Whirlpool has recalled the part and is fixing people's machines for free as a result. I was thankful to hear this since it is a higher end, 900 machine and it should last longer than 2 1/2 years.

I called customer service today 8/25/09 and was told that my model number is not covered under the recall even though I am having the exact same problems as others whose machines were covered. I was offered help in scheduling a service call that I would have to pay. Also, as a result of my search I found the part in the washers (6600 series) covered under the recall is the same part and part number the factory previously installed on the (6300 series). If it is recalled in a 6600 it should be recalled in a 6300.

I am asking BBB for All Parts and Labor covered by Whirlpool to repair my Cabrio Washer with a defect caused by a part(s)installed on ALL Cabrio Washers generating an F##" Code error as printed on page 19 in the use and care manual provided with the Cabrio Washer by Whirlpool.

Trina of Covington, LA August 14, 2009

Whirlpool Duet washing machine has brown sludge around washing basket, bad order, continues to get brown sludge buildup. Had a repairman come to check out the machine. he said ongoing problem with this machine. He suggested leaving door to washing machine open, and to use Affresh--a tablet that you use monthly to help the situation. Worthless tablet, doesn't help at all! Reluctant to leave washing machine door open due to safety issues with pets. I do however leave the door cracked, but doesn't really help the situation...still brown sludge buildup occurs.

archana of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India August 12, 2009

I bought whirlpool sensation elite on 17-8-07 from vijay electronics jaipur. after 1year it started giving drain problem. i lodged a compalint ON 23-9-08 AND one person named aslam came and checked and said "there is no problem and i cant wait for 1-2 hrs to check problem so whenever problem cane again call me on my cell".

next day when problem came we called him but he never returned back and that complain is still pending and the company never ever took pain to resolve pending compalints. after that within a week my son was diagnosed with cancer and i could never persue the washing machine problem.

now on 10-8-9 i again lodged a compalin AND the mechanic came the next day and said the UCB needs replacement (see the difference between judgement of two mechanics). but he said he doesn't know when could he be able to do that. today i called him again but he gave no satisfactory answer.

whirlpool has some reputation but such incidents are dimming its reputation. i need a replacement that too very soon. i didn't buy such an expensive machine to bear the mental anguish. if their mechanics are not trained thats not my problem. problem should be resolved last year only but because of der mechanics it is still pending.

Alicia of Waxhaw, NC August 11, 2009

I have been having problems with my Whirlpool Cabrio washing machine. I keep getting a F51 code. It basically shuts down the machine in mid-cycle. It happens anywhere from 2-12 times during one load. You have to push pause and then start to get the load going again. Sometimes that won't work either and you have to push rinse and spin and hope your clothes are clean.

A repairman came out and said it was the control board that needed to be replaced and it would cost almost 500. The machine cost 831 and was just 2 years old. I researced online and found that it is a very common problem, even a petition is going around for Whirlpool to fix this problem. Everyone has the same problem right when the warranty runs out. In my research I also discovered that MANY people have had their parts replaced by Whirlpool free of charge after they called and spoke to a supervisor.

I called Whirlpool for the same deal that everyone is getting and they told me they couldn't do anything about it and that they have no record of a problem with my model Cabrio. They did offer a discount though. I refused that as well. I have contacted the BBB and joined the petition. I never like to sue but this is ridiculous. These top line machines should last longer than 2 years and if everyone is having the problem then it is obvious that it is a defect in the product development and Whirlpool needs to stand by their product.

Right now I am living with the defect which causes a much longer wash cycle. I also need to be home when laundry is being done so I can restart it over and over again. This is causing more power usage and definitely more water use than the water effienct machine is supposed to use. I never liked doing laundry but now I dread it wondering how many times I will have to check on it and how long it will take.

Michael of Anderson, SC August 7, 2009

A couple of years ago our Whirlpool Gold dryer started marking brown marks on our clothing around 2-3 inches long. We contacted whirpool and they supplied us with a certified tec. that correct the problem by replacing a seal in 2007. Which turns out to be a temporary fix...I have noticed this same mark again recently. I notified whirlpool which advised they could pay for the part and we would have to pay for the labor. They set up a tech to come out. The guy called to say that he would have to come look to see what the problem is and for the first 10 minutes the charge would be 65.00.

So I told him what the problem was and what part would be needed and he stated they don't keep that on the truck he would have to come out to evaluate the problem in order to get the part and come back to fix it next week which in turn would have been well over 100.00 he stated. So I cancelled him and contacted whirpool back to see if they could help us a little more since to me this is a mfg defect. (You pay lots of good money for an appliance and you expect a longer life that they have plus this dryer is ruining my clothing)

So Maria-a supervisor stated that mfg defects are only covered in the warranty period which as she stated we are too far out of. She offered to pay for the parts only and we can pay for the labor which I finally pulled out of her that the seal that was replaced a couple of years ago was 30.00. Maria also offered us a 15% discount off a new product, I hope she was kidding since we have no money in this economy to purchase a new appliance. I advised her we would not be purchasing a new product and especially a whirlpool product. Maria also informed me there is no lemon law on appliances.

JIBU of TINELEY PARK, IL August 4, 2009

I brought new Whirpool cabrio washer and I have to replace the Control board 2times.. For all the customers alert, there is problem with whirlpool cabrio model # wtw6600sw1 serial # ct3971426... whirlpool or a&e is not covering the defaulted board.

patricia of valatie, NY August 1, 2009

I have wasted an entire day of my life trying to find out why my Whirlpool Cabro Washer is displaying the F51 code. I called several local authorized service centers who were completely clueless. Finally, one local guy gave me the number for Whirlpool and told me to ask them about the F51 code and to find out what parts he should order to make the repair. Whirlpool customer service was NOT helpful and refused to tell me what the error code meant. I requested to speak to a supervisor and the rep left me on hold for 20 minutes before I was disconnected.

Apparently this error code is a common occurance for a Cabrio at 2-3 years out. I would never buy another Whirlpool appliance and wish I knew about this potential problem prior to making my decision. I thought that I was making a sound investment and purchasing a washer that would last years. I was told the repairs would cost about 450. This is outrageous considering what I initially paid for this washer 3 years ago. I would probably be better off purchasing a cheap Kenmore for 350 that will last for 15 years and scrap the Whirlpool money pit Cabrio. Whirlpool should be ashamed for stealing money from consumers for repairs that are happening to all Cabrio's. "Come on Whirlpool - do the right thing and step up to the plate!

Christine of Newbury, OH July 29, 2009

In 2003, I purchased three new Kitchenaid appliances, one of which was the Superba washing machine, model KAWS850LE0. From the very beginning, the machine would occasionally overflow, on a frequency of about once every six months. I assumed it was my error, since I would let the tub fill with water and soap slightly before adding the clothes, so I never called the manufacturer about the warranty. I started putting clothes in first, then filling with water, but the problem persisted. It appears that the wash water does not drain before the rinse water comes into the tub.

Then we moved in 2006 and took the washer with us since it was only 3 years old. The problem came with us, and I then decided to contact the manufacturer. Whirlpool would not honor the warranty, since it had lapsed by the time I decided to contact them. But they offered to consider some help if we used their authorized repair centers. We did that on several occasions, paid for the trip charges, only to have the repairment unable to replicate the problem. We replaced a few parts that they tought were possibly causing the problem, at our expense of course.

Still the problem persists. I am done with the repair centers. Whirlpool has been unwilling to conceed that this machine has a serious flaw, and has not paid for any repair visits, but offered me a token 15% off a new appliance. I passed on the offer. I really thought washers fell into the category of "durable goods" which should last in excess of 10 years. Obviously not Whirlpool or KitchenAid products. Paid hundreds of dollars in repairs with no results. Flooding of machine ruined clothes on laundryroom floor, since the colors bled when they became soaked.

Shandree of Santee, CA July 28, 2009

2 and a half years ago we bought a Cabrio washer dryer set. Just recently, the washer started flashing an F1 error code. I did a search on line and found out that this is a common problem with the Cabrio. Whirlpool has recalled the part and is fixing people's machines for free as a result. I was relieved to hear this since it is a 1000 machine and it should last longer than 2 1/2 years.

I called customer service today and was told that my model number is not covered under the recall even though I am having the exact same problems as others whose machines were covered. I was offered help in scheduling a service call that I would have to pay for. I feel ripped off. I should have bought a less fancy machine for half the price. Lesson learned. I will never buy a Whirlpool appliance again.

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