Viking Refrigeration Reviews

Currently, my dishwasher has been out of service for six months and counting because the authorized Viking servicer can't seem to get the part from the factory because it's been discontinued! (My GE dishwasher lasted over 26 years and I could always get parts!). Finally, my Viking microwave broke twice in the first four years! All of this inconvenience and frustration just to have friends come over and admire the Viking Professional logo on all of my appliances, at least until I tell them that Viking has the worst-designed appliances ever made and the quality control department should be standing in some unemployment line somewhere for bilking customers out of their hard-earned money! Don't be a victim! Do not buy Viking!

The last tech was the only one who actually disconnected the water line from the water dispenser line on the fridge and checked/timed the water flow. He also checked to see if there were any kinks in the water line and there was not and we have also replaced the water filter after only having the fridge installed about 2/3 months. That did not make a difference in the flow of water. Is anyone out there having the same issue as we are having and what was done to correct this? Also the ice maker makes ice until it falls out over the side. They also replaced the arm that's supposed to stop ice making when it hits at that level. It does not stop till it's literally over the top. Help!

I contacted the retailer I purchased them from Designer Home Surplus and spoke to their customer service rep, and they told me that I should try another service company. I contacted Viking and explained my problem. I forwarded them a copy of my purchase invoice to prove I bought them. They didn't have much interest that their authorized Viking dealer might be selling written off merchandise, and they didn't really have an answer on what to do next but that I should contact the retailer. My fridge still is not fixed and I have been told it is being looked into. I asked them to authorize their authorized tech to fix the problem in the meantime not expecting it to be under warranty, just wanting to pay to fix my problem and use my fridge, but they won't make a call to authorize it. I would throw this unit in the trash but it's built in to my custom kitchen cabinets, so this is not an option as my kitchen was built to accommodate these horrible appliances.

We contacted an authorized installer. Lo and behold, the installer said installation is fine. The servicer is back and was told by a Viking rep that it could still be an installation issue, that the leveling is probably not correct or something. Whatever. The servicer adjusted level and thawed out the fridge chiller/compressor with a hairdryer. He said if this doesn't work, then they will replace the computer box. What a piece of crap. The saga continues and I need to take off of work for this nonsense. Don't buy Viking, I wish we didn't. Truly a waste of space and money.

Within 6 months, the first drawer cracked. I called the dealer and they told me my extended warranty would not cover broken drawers or shelves because that is considered wear and tear. I was completely annoyed. I tried to fix the drawer by crazy gluing it together. I also have red sticky tape wrapped around it to hold it together. I had to do the same with the cracked door shelf. Now 3 years later, I have three broken shelve doors and the broken drawer, all taped with red tape. It is absolutely disgusting the shabby quality of product that Viking builds. The oven that came with the house, the door became crooked too and doesn't close all the way. I had an authorized service come and see what could be done. Nothing! They no longer sell the hinge replacement part.

I had the same problem with the printing on the oven panel too. It has worn off and I had to write the temperatures and the baking programs with a black magic marker! I also called them to find out what I could do about that and they said I would have to buy a new front panel! I am 56 years old and have had many fridges and ovens in my life. I have never had any problems with any of them. Most of them were about $1,500.00-$3000.00. I will never buy a Viking product and when I am in an appliance store, I try to stand by the Viking section for as long as I can and tell anyone considering buying a Viking to not do it! I tell them to read the reviews about Viking products first. I decided to add my review so that if I can save one person from wasting their money, I will then be a satisfied Viking customer!

This isn't the first problem we've had with this fridge despite the fact that we've only had it for about a month. The freezer leaks almost constantly into an overflowing drip tray and is ruining the hardwood floor beneath it. After today's incident, I went to the basement to discover that water was pouring from the ceiling light fixture directly beneath the fridge. I'll be replacing this unit ASAP as I'm afraid to let my children open the door by themselves.

Then two weeks after the closed system was replaced, Viking sent notice about a 'hinge recall,' claiming the door could fall off. I did not see anything wrong with my refrigerator door hinges, but I called Viking and was strongly urged to replace the door hinge. Immediately, after replacing the hinge there was a significant problem. Now, the door does not close properly. Lo and behold, six weeks later, at the end of 2011, Viking issued a second 'hinge recall' and this time offered customers a reduced price of $4470 ($4100 plus tax) to buy a new Viking refrigerator. I contacted Viking’s customer service immediately because I wanted to know if Viking was willing to reduce the replacement cost of a new refrigerator to help compensate me for the major repair I just incurred.

After 3 months of phone calls and emails waiting for Viking to respond to my request, I finally sat on hold for 20 minutes waiting for a customer service representative (I use this term loosely) who was authorized to help. I explained the fact that I was willing to replace my refrigerator if the cost was truly $4500; but since I just spent more than $2000 on repairs, this new replacement refrigerator would effectively cost me $6500. I asked if Viking would be willing to reduce the replacement cost in any way. I was told, "No, the price you have is the price you'll pay."

I inquired why Viking had not made this replacement offer when my closed system failed before I sunk $2000 into this refrigerator just 3 months prior. I was told that was "beside the point" and I could "take the offer or not", but there "is nothing more Viking will do." I advise anyone and everyone who has not already made the purchase: don't buy Viking! This is a mediocre refrigerator, but their customer service is by far the worst and most insulting I have encountered. Yes, I will be buying a Sub-Zero to replace this piece of junk and use a front panel to match my other graphite grey appliances.

Note: For others with graphite grey appliances, I have found an Italian laminate by Abet Laminati that matches perfectly (879 Colorpact-sei is thicker than the regular product). I have had a test door made up to be sure it is a perfect match.

Last year it stopped cooling properly and I paid $350 to fix leaky refrigerant problem. Now, door recall number two happens (class action lawsuit). We were given the option to fix or replace the unit with a new one for a reduced cost of new. We chose a new one but wanted one that would work with our custom door panels as the first one was. I was told by a Viking recall rep that some modification of the panels might have to be done by an installer at our cost and I was fine with that. I ordered the refrigerator through the Viking distributor, Lakeview in Elk Grove, IL and was told 4-6 weeks. It took two months.

The original service manager left company during this time. The refrigerator was installed and the installers said the original panels cannot be made to fit as we were told. An estimate of $2,000 for new panels, plus there were no handles so add that to additional cost I wasn't expecting. 4 calls to Viking customer support over 3 weeks and no help, just excuses and they'd have to listen to call records to see whose fault it was why this won't work. Lakeview was also contacted and I had to keep emailing/calling them to get help and they said it was in Viking’s hands but nobody took the effort to call me and keep me informed.

I called Discover and filed a dispute to halt payment. That working for 3 weeks until Lakeview responded to Discover and said there was no way the panels would work because "the owner customized the doors for the panels" and that was not true. Both Viking and Lakeview knew my original model and serial number and should have been aware that the old and new units were not the same. Viking customer support called yesterday and left a message saying it's not their problem that I ordered the wrong refrigerator. Now, I have a refrigerator without panels, no handles and to add to the ** is this $10,000 refrigerator has been freezing all my vegetables in the bottom "keep fresh" drawer! Bottom line, stay away from Viking!

We requested that they replace but Viking refused and said this was their policy. I guess their policy doesn't cover customer satisfaction. We requested to talk to a manager, but Viking refused and obviously wants to hide complaints. So, here we are after having paid for the expensive piece of **, 10 months after, and the appliance is in the repair shop. Poor, poor unacceptable customer service by both the retailer (Trail Appliances in Richmond, B.C. Canada) and Viking Appliance service center in Seattle, WA. I was planning an outdoor kitchen build and was going to use Viking products - no way. Stay away from Viking products as they are expensive, poorly made, and Viking service is absolutely terrible with no customer service considerations.

We are currently waiting for the Viking repairman once again to come fix the refrigerator to hopefully stop the leaking that is damaging our hardwood floor. If I was independently wealthy, I would throw them all away; but I'm not. We made what we thought was a wise investment that would last us through retirement. I'm sure we will end up replacing all at some point when I've lost all my patience. If I do a Pinterest, it would be labeled "Stay away from Viking far, far away." There are much better, more reliable, less expensive products. Viking beauty is only skin deep.

On Feb 17, 2012, the unit stopped cooling. Everything in the freezer melted. I contacted Carl Schaedel & Co, the authorized repair company in my area. They could not come to "diagnose" the problem until 11 days later, February 28th. When they came, I had to pay them $189 for the service call. I then received a call from the office indicating that it was a problem with the "sealed system", and that the cost of parts and labor to repair the unit was covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, but my $189 fee was not returnable. Furthermore, the "first available appointment to come to do the repair was three weeks later, March 19th! Mind you, both my husband and I work for a living, so in addition to not having a refrigerator, we have to take time off from work to deal with this.

On March 19th, 2012, the service man came and replaced the "mother board". The refrigerator appeared to be working after the mother board was installed. He told me to wait 24 hours before using, which we did. After 24 hours it seemed okay, it was making ice etc. So, I went grocery shopping and purchased $175 worth of fresh and frozen items, put them in the unit and 6 hours later, I opened the freezer and everything had melted. Furthermore, now there appears to be a broken gasket, which was not broken prior to the service call, so the door is not sealing properly when closed.

On March 21, my husband called Carl Schaedel again. At this point, he was angry and frustrated so he gave the long list of issues over the years and then indicated that the March 19th "repair" did not fix the problem and he also mentioned the broken gasket. It took 8 days to get another service call.

On March 28, a different repair person came to the house. He walked in to the house and within 30 seconds said that it’s not a problem with the "mother board", it’s something else. But he did not have the part on the truck. He will have to order the part! He did however have the new gasket which he put on the door and then told my husband to pay him for that since it's not covered under warranty! My husband made him put the broken gasket back on. Why on earth would we pay for a repair to a refrigerator we can't use anyway?

So today is March 30. I have just gotten off the phone with Carl Schaedel "customer service" rep again, asking when the tech will come to do the repair. I was told that she does not have the report from the tech yet, that it usually takes 24 hours. Okay, well it's been 36 hours. I am now waiting for her to call me back, to tell me when they will come and whether or not it is covered under the warranty!

We have been without a fridge for 6 weeks now. We have two kids and have been living out of a cooler! Doing our best to shop for breakfast and lunch items that don't require refrigeration but dinners have been tough, so we have been eating out most nights which we cannot afford!

We also have a Viking 6 burner range which also had problems and had to be repaired several times, but that is another long story and my major concern right now is the fridge, as the situation is really debilitating.

We are, beside ourselves and after reading the numerous other complaints, it appears we are not alone. Is there nothing that can be done? I am sure the CEO of Viking is very well to do, at the expense of us consumers. I have seen references to a class action suit. I am willing to participate, will even take a leadership role in making it happen, but I have no idea how to go about this. Can anyone assist? Please?!

Do not buy Viking products. Let me know where to sign up for a lawsuit. We have spent hundreds of dollars on eating out and lost food from the broken fridge. Not to mention, our custom cabinets were built specifically to the specs for these products. If I spend the money to buy something else, I will have to re size all our cabinetry. So frustrated.

I have had a variety of different brands in my homes, as I have moved around, and I have never, ever had the issues I have had with this purportedly "professional" line of appliances. Anything can happen to any product, but what distinguishes companies is the way which issues are handled. I wouldn't have a Viking product in my home if they were free, and I cannot tell enough people to stay away from them. Shame on you, Viking. An American company, that is a disgrace. I agree with a previous writer, something serious should be done about them.

I had other problems which I won’t get into. The list goes on, but now for the last year (8th year) there is a cooling problem and the alarm goes off constantly. Had the repair guy out here and so he said what I may need, which will now cost me $1000 but he is not sure that will fix the problem. My neighbor has put thousands dollars into theirs and now it is not even repairable.

Of course I have called Viking several times and they do nothing for me. My repair man came out again and told me what they were offering 1/2 off a new Viking, but who can afford another $3600 plus tax when the first one was expensive enough? I don’t seem to have a choice because I don’t know if I can fit anything else in my built in and match, etc. Something should be done about Viking. Pay up. That’s all I have to say. I need a new refrigerator and they should pay for it. Let’s do something. They are getting away with it!

My 8 year old sustained some minor injuries. The door, which weighs a couple hundred pounds, damaged my tile and also dented one of my ovens. I am now without a refrigerator as I will not allow the door to be replaced a third time.

6. Water leaking from the ceiling in the garage, directly under the refrigerator.

Our refrigerator door actually did fall off. The service company then repaired it. Then came the formal recall because the service company did such a hack-job. They couldn't use the new repair kit that was issued for the recall. I had to order a new door. It took months with REALLY bad follow-up from Viking. A new door was installed, and there are visible repair marks all over the hinges. I cringe anytime the door swings open to the stop point.

In addition, we had to replace the heat unit on the electric glass range top we have. It now burns pots on one burner, and does not heat on one other.

Viking says I have to replace the whole front control board (at my expense), just so I can have readable controls (convection bake, bake broil and et cetera), as well as the temperature settings on the other dial. They are completely worn off. The Viking units were purchased in 2005.

Our ice maker also broke; hottest days ever in NJ, and it has taken two months to get parts from Viking (via Dan Marc Appliance in Fairfield, NJ , the service company and Carl Schaedel, the distributor). Also, I called one day before the warranty expired, and Dan Marc wrote up the service order charging me for some items even though they are under warranty. They claimed you need some harness kit for the ice maker that's not covered. You have to be kidding? In order to replace a warranty item, you need to order non-warranted products to install the new unit.

Really?

They also want to charge me $12.50 for a screw that keeps the door from swinging open too far. The screw happens to be in the same area where they replaced the hinge unit that was recalled. You'd think they'd cover it since it was probably damaged in the two repairs of the hinge.

I spent one hour and ten minutes on the phone with the distributor (When you call Viking you are automatically forwarded to the local distributor. This is probably to avoid any accountability or to frustrate the consumer into just paying for things versus wasting as much time as I did). The distributor could not even find my products serial number in the Viking system (even though I had numerous service calls where I had to be in their system). So, the distributor put me on hold for twenty minutes to call the service company directly. Ah, then they suddenly found my information.

The whole Viking product, service, distribution systems is a disaster.

I called Viking again on June 9, 2011 and spoke with Sally **. She said she called Carl Schaedell Company, their 'master tech' service center, and that they would go with our original tech to correct the issues. As of 6-24, nothing had happened with this. I called Carl Schaedell Company myself and they claimed that no one from Viking had called them about this. I called Viking and let them battle it out. We then found another Service company, authorized by Viking. Mr. ** came out and was clearly upset that he was not the tech called in for our issue, as he had worked on this unit for my father several times in the past -- attitude! He then proceeded to tell us that everything the previous tech did was wrong, and that the tech didn't know what he was doing, etc, etc.

By this time, 6 weeks had gone by. He came on a Thursday and said that 'thermisters' were needed, although the previous tech had ordered and installed them; and this had not corrected the problem (Did I tell you that I have had to reimburse the tenants for frozen and/or defrosted groceries three times?). He also mentioned that he was not certain as to whether this would correct the problem or not. He repeated this to me the following week. He left, with the tenant thinking the fridge was ok to use, only to have everything in the fridge frozen when she returned from an outing. The fridge was 12 degrees Fahrenheit, and didn't even know it could get that cold! Now, it's the Monday before the fourth of July. I called Viking and insisted that they get the "master technicians" out to our condo to fix this issue before the holiday.

Now, we are up to almost 6 weeks with our tenants living with no working refrigerator. I demanded to speak with someone above Sally, only to get Bonnie who is absolutely the worst and most condescending individual I have ever encountered in trying to resolve an issue. She claimed that Mr. ** (the 2nd tech we called; and yes -- he insists that we call him Mr. **) was the only technician who could come out right away, and that he had ordered parts; and that Viking can't rush things due to a holiday. I reminded her that we had been working on this for 7 weeks already; but, that meant nothing. Mr. ** then called me. He said he could come out to the condo on Tuesday, June 27th, but he would have no parts. He said he ordered them (but did not say when). They might be in the next day, or might be in the day after that.

I was clearly upset at this point and asked why the parts were not shipped out on Thursday when he discovered the issue or at the latest on Friday. He said that 'things don't work that way.' So now, because I couldn't get anyone to actually fix the refrigerator after 7 weeks, I had to buy another 48" refrigerator ($6,800 + tax, delivery, installation = approximately $7900) so that our tenants could actually have a working refrigerator. Now, you think it couldn't get worse? It does. This 'customer service' representative and I are in the middle of a battle, with me seriously contemplating flying down to Viking headquarters to meet with the president of the company and drag this arrogant...

I can't even think of something to call her that would not be offensive to the reader of this e-mail. I now will be trying to sell this refrigerator after it is finally fixed. I have a perfectly good GE refrigerator that I am appreciating more and more. As I cannot take off from work 4, 5 or 6 days or more as needed for the technicians to finally fix this unit, I requested that the tech be allowed to pick up the refrigerator and bring it to his shop so he can take the time needed to properly fix the unit. I thought this was rather generous of me. Guess what? It was no deal. Viking insists that the refrigerator be installed in my home. I do not have space for a 48" refrigerator; and I do not have a garage. Nor do I have the time to keep taking off to be there for these repairs. Please let me know if there is anything that can be done to resolve this to our satisfaction. Can you possibly help? If not, to all those who read this, do not ever, ever purchase a Viking appliance.

The microwave door does not open when the button is pushed to open it. Two service calls later, it's still not working as it should. The microwaves from Viking are made by Sharp. I have the exact microwave in my motor home, only difference being the hood ornament. The cooking equipment has worked properly. The refrigeration equipment sucks. Do not expect any service from Viking, They don't have a Service Department.

It is my opinion that they should not be allowed to continue business until such time as they market a product demonstrating some degree of quality.

Viking knows of this problem but has done nothing to correct it. The refrigerator is out of warranty so now we have to deal with this. I will never buy another Viking product again.

Approximately 2 years ago, my 42 inch side-by-side with water dispenser unit stopped cooling. Yet another part needing replacement (serpentine coil) and as you would expect the spoiled food was my problem. I am currently having a cooling problem again and the answer (which is now recurring) is you are out of warranty. Also, the customer service representative I spoke to made it clear that she was the only one I could speak to and her answers were final said in the nicest way but firm. I finally got Viking to agree to pay for the parts (circuit boards needed to be replaced at $700. I believe they had been replaced once before) and I paid (as usual) for the labor. So equally in a nice way, I am saying I truly believe that Viking has let me down.

Now, we have a recall for the door hinges as the doors might fall off. I called immediately and scheduled the parts to be delivered. It finally got done months later. You would have expected Viking would know the number of parts they would need. Perhaps they thought not everyone would call. With two small children opening these very heavy doors, you can imagine how anxious we were to get this corrected.

I feel it is important to make sure everyone knows my story since spending $7,000.00+ on a refrigerator plus $2,000.00 for the panels should entitle the buyer to an excellent experience. My suggestion is until Viking starts to produce a unit that truly works as good as a $500, one you can get at the local appliance store, look else ware. Just my opinion.

In addition, because of the excess moisture in the unit, I have a continual problem with mold growth inside my refrigerator. Just what everyone want - air born mold circulating around their food. I have contacted an attorney and am exploring if I have enough information to file a claim. This unit is a lemon and should be replaced. I tried to talk to Viking about replacing the unit and have gotten no where.

Poor quality product for a very high price. After reading about many similar problems I wonder how Viking continue to get away with this. Has anyone pursued a Class Action Suit against Viking?

We have another bigger problem and that is with the mother board (or computer board to make the cool air to the compressor) and our refrigerator is not functioning right now. We can't eat at home for last few weeks and Viking said it's not cover under warranty (warranty is two years) so we have to pay $600-$1000 to fix this problem. Maybe the loose door seal caused this problem because the door does not shut completely causing the refrigerator working harder to make the mother board go bad faster or it could be just a defected computer mother board.

This is not right. We can't afford to pay this much money for the defective product and if problems keep happening, we have to keep spending a lot of money to fix it. We can't trust this product and it can happen again. If the warranty of this part is only two years even if we replace the part this time, it could break again after few years. It's only 4 years old and we are afraid other problems could happen. But at least Viking should help us fix this problem instead of avoiding. We are finding out about the lemon law to protect the consumers like us. We are gathering information about the consumer laws and looking for people to help us.

It's three times more expensive than other American brands and supposed to be a very good quality appliance. At least, a better customer service. I hope someone could help consumers like us. We'll keep looking for the ways to win over this matter. I can't believe this great country can be this unfair for the consumers like us. We just cannot believe this. This will hurt everybody including the Viking's image. I can't believe the company like Viking can be this unfair and unreasonable and irresponsible. I really think that Viking has to consider a better customer service than this. We are going to fight with this matter until we find help for this defective appliance to be replaced or fixed.

I have both of those problems for my Viking refrigerator right now. I had service 7 times in first 2 years for this Viking refrigerator because of the door of the freezer so we replaced the whole door after all that service. My refrigerator door seal is not working properly. Refrigerator door sticks out little bit not flush each other and it's not shot completely. Also my 4 year old refrigerator broke down because of the computer mother board and we don't have refrigerator right now. If the LG one has the same problem and going to class action I think we have to do the same with Viking, too. Please help us.

4/10, Ice maker checked after freezer door not sealed properly, Appliance Masters of Southern California, Inc.

Each time a repair technician was called out in 2007, a "new part" was available to fix a design flaw in the ice maker and ignition system in the stove. This tells me that Viking knew it had produced substandard products, and there were enough complaints to necessitate the development of "fixes." Due to what I consider to be Viking's excellent reputation, I allowed the continued parade of repair technicians through my kitchen to finally get what I had expected: a stove and a refrigerator/freezer that would service my family. What I have are appliances that are sucking me dry of my high school teacher's salary on a regular basis. I did not take advantage of the "Lemon Law" in California because each time repairs were made, I believed that would be the last time a technician would be needed.

I am extremely disappointed in the quality and durability of my Viking appliances. I should not have to feel cautious when cooking nor relieved when each item lasts one more month without having to make a repair call. I spent a great deal of money to have the kitchen of my dreams; one that would allow me to practice my culinary skills and look great as well. I deeply regret not researching my kitchen appliances more carefully. I now believe that I let my vanity get the better of me, and I am stuck with an intermittently functioning kitchen for many years to come. I would never consider buying another Viking appliance nor recommending it to friends and family.

Several calls have been made to Viking Headquarters in Mississippi looking for a permanent solution to the issues in my kitchen. While Charlotte ** was kind enough to give me a free repair call in March 2010 to service the stove, no acceptable solution has been reached that will prevent future problems. Although I would dearly love to replace my kitchen appliances with more reliable ones, I cannot afford to do so, nor should I have to. I would like for Viking to take care of the cost of any and all future repair calls regarding the problems that have existed in the past. I would also like to sit down face-to-face in my kitchen with the head of Viking Corporation to discuss the above repair issues.

The Brazilian technical assistance were in place 3 times, each time with a different story, until the last, more honest, told me that the thermostat will have to be changed. Now, at the end of my holidays, after 60 days, the thermostats have been replaced, which solve a part of my fridge problems (the doors are still stained). About the plates, they said that it needs 120 days to be changed. I find that this deadline is absurd, that’s why I ask for an urgent exchange.

Then, a recall on the hinge of the door. I called the recall #, and the parts for the hinge were back-ordered 3-5 weeks. The parts were shipped to me after 4 weeks. A 3rd repair company was sent in to repair the hinge. It is now not even a week later since the hinge was repaired and now the door doesn't shut. I called Viking and told them we've been very patient (7 months), and the customer service rep told us to use a cooler. We said we wanted a new fridge, and they refuse because it can be fixed. I use the term "fixed" loosely. Our next step is the Attorney General. We told them we were doing that, and it didn't faze them at all. So, everyone, please file a complaint. They need to be stopped. I have a Viking Range too that doesn't light and a dishwasher that has a panel that is coming off.

As a result of the crack, the refrigerator door will not remain closed and the cooing system has developed a leak. I am told that the crack cannot be repaired and that if I replace the coiling element that are leaking (at a cost of $1400-1500), the work is guaranteed for only 3 months and that the problem will most likely recur. In addition, the cracks in the mullion cannot be repaired. Viking states that the unit is out of warantee.

Upon further investigation, I have learned that there is a heating strip that runs behind the mullion that most likely cause the crack to form. As such, this leads to the suspecion that this is a design flaw and as such, perhaps others are having the same problem.