Maytag Neptune Washer Lawsuit?
Well, well. After doing all the research, we learned yesterday that there's a class-action lawsuit against Maytag for problems with the Neptune washers -- evidently they develop mold in the door gasket, the motors break, and other things go wrong. So we went to Home Depot where we bought those devices and asked. Nobody there knew anything about the class action suit. So I called the regional Maytag sales director. I'll see where that winds up.
I was pretty irritated at Home Depot and the fact that they sold us a washer that could have such problems. I even asked explicitly about known issues with the washer because some of the Web searches I did (e.g. on epinions.com) indicated that the Neptunes could be very hit-or-miss, and he said they got no returns. Maybe they don't. Then again, if mold starts showing up in a month or so, I'll be returning mine.
Grrr.
Updated April 9, 2006: I've received hundreds of thousands of views of this blog entry and, while the comments are closed, I get a regular stream of emails seeking advice or help. I'm afraid that I've had to stop answering each email. I'm rather appalled at what I'm hearing about Maytag's service and its reported lack of response to calls and unwillingness to repair the units for anything less than several hundred dollars as well as the reticence of large chain stores that sell lots of these units to talk about the lawsuit. I will say that so far I haven't seen any mold growing in our washer, but I do keep the washer door open except when we're runing laundry. I posted subsequently here and here.
I'll also point people to the Maytag Front Loading Settlement site (US -- Canada is here) as well as a search for other sites that talk about the suit. Based on all the emails I've gotten, I can't say I would ever buy another Maytag anything -- the company seems deeply in denial about what appears to be a widespread problem with its products.
Comments
Anonymous
September 15, 2004
The big problem with the maytag neptunes is the wax motor, which can melt (it's made of wax afterall) and take the motherboard out with it.
We just went through that with our Neptune - and got the class action lawsuit info two weeks later :).
I don't think current neptunes have this problem.
And we absolutely LOVE our neptune, so go figure.Anonymous
September 15, 2004
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September 15, 2004
If you're thinking about hesitating -- check out the HE3 washer and dryer from Sears. Front load with see-through doors -- we watched the first load in fascination :)
Apparently they have a HE4 too...Anonymous
September 15, 2004
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September 16, 2004
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September 16, 2004
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September 16, 2004
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September 17, 2004
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September 17, 2004
Purchased ours in 1999 from Home depot and still waiting to see service man. Must be sleeping.Anonymous
September 18, 2004
Our Neptune just went down - 7 years of mold, and now the door latch went out and the board went out. Result - no washer. I always thought that Maytag was the best - NO MORE!!!!!Anonymous
September 20, 2004
The same week I received the letter from the lawyers re. the class action settlement, my door lock blew! Without that lock, the spin cycle doesn't work so you're basically left with a load of soaked clothing. However, I called the Priority 1 phone number, spoke with a rep. at Maytag who said they would repair at no cost, referred me to the local appliance repair company, and 10 days later -- I have both a new circuit board and a new lock.Anonymous
September 20, 2004
I can vouch for the horrific mold and odor problems mentioned in the lawsuit. Our Neptune is about 18 months old, and was fine for the first 6 months. After that, all our laundry started having the mold-odor- or even dare I say it- a vomit-like odor. We called Maytag about it 6 months ago and they acted like they'd never heard of it before! They told us the procedure to wash and wipe down with bleach, but that only fixes it for a few days.
So we were amazed to get the notice describing the class action for mold and odor! Here we are with a thousand dollar washing machine, yet for months we've been taking our laundry to a wash-dry-fold service- at our expense!
I guess now we'll let Maytag try to fix the problem, and if not we'll apply for the replacement certificate.Anonymous
September 21, 2004
Purchased the Neptune in 1998 and have had several repairs done. No mold however, the motor and pump have gone once already. Does the lawsuit allow for full reimbursement?Anonymous
September 22, 2004
Oh how I wish I hadn't received the class action suit information. The Maytag Priority One service rep I just spoke with on the phone was very well trained at giving "the company" response. She informed me that because I was well out of my warranty period she could help me locate a repair facility but that basically was it. Currently we have HIDEOUS mold and mildew smell and accumulation. We also have motor issues as the darn thing can't complete a cycle without constant monitoring to press and repress the start. Interestingly enough, 2 months ago, I received a service follow up call from Sears for the repair of a TV. Their rep offered me an extended warranty on not only the TV but my Maytag Neptune as well. I asked the rep at the time why the washer, I hadn't purchased it at Sears and had a house full of Maytag products. How did they know I had one? Was the service tech that perceptive? Very strange. What I find most shocking is really the lack of response by Maytag regarding this issue. Shame on you Maytag, for not taking this seriously. tsk tsk tskAnonymous
September 22, 2004
Just actually got somone to give me an appt to have my Neptune repaired. The clothes smell horrendous, especially washcloths. I've spent hours on the phone. They are still charging me the $120 service call plus parts. Everyone wanted to direct me to someone else. I wonder how long I will have to wait to get this money back. Law suit says they agree to fix, so why don't they just fix w/o charge?? Very frustrating!!Anonymous
September 22, 2004
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September 22, 2004
Just found out about the neptune problem after years of allergy problems caused by mold , that is now found to be growing in my washing machine- words fail to discribe the anger I feelAnonymous
September 22, 2004
wax board replaced and also door lock. i also have MOLD. VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. SURE HOPE I GET MY MONEY BACK.Anonymous
September 22, 2004
Wow. I never expected this kind of response to my posting. Here is the little I've learned since making this posting. First, here's the Web site that talks about the class action suit: http://maytagfrontloadsettlement.com/. Personally, I don't qualify. Second, I left a voicemail for Greg Browning, the local Maytag District Manager, when I was given his name by the folks at Home Depot. It's been a week and he hasn't returned my phone call. Now, I've been known to be on vacation and not return phone calls for a while, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But what amazes me is that there could be this kind of response and Maytag would deny the problem.Anonymous
September 22, 2004
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September 22, 2004
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September 22, 2004
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September 24, 2004
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September 24, 2004
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September 25, 2004
my front loading 1999 Maytag washer leaves our clothes, towels, bodies, and now house smelling like mold (throw-up). It is so sick, I am furious. I am taking my children to the doctors because of this prolonged exposure to mold, mildew, and whatever else. They better make this right for my family.Anonymous
September 26, 2004
Here's another problem you'll have to look forward to. I have a 6 year old MAH3000 already had all of the class action suit items replaced, the board control and latch at my expense and still deal with the mold. For the past couple of months, during the spin cycle, I have noticed the noise level increasing at a steady pace. I placed a service call with Maytag and was told it would be $130 for the tech. to come to the house. Thinking that maybe the parts would be covered they were not - surprise surpirse. They now want an additional $300 for a tub assembly and support assy. which houses the screaching defective bearing. Got the same customer service as all of you. Both the tech. and customer service folks didn't know why I was having all these problems. Maytag is the pits - spread the word!Anonymous
September 26, 2004
well, we're stuck with our front-loading Maytag Neptune. A friend of ours purchased this washer, had trouble with the motor stopping unexpectedly and the water not draining, so she gave it to us for free. We had the motor fixed for about $150 and all was great... we thought. Now, after just a few months of using it, we have this ridiculous moldy odor coming from the washer. All of our towels stink and now are clothes are starting to smell too. Our problem is, we can't apply for the re-bate because we didn't actually purchase the Neptune. Or can we? If anyone knows of a way around this, please let me know because we need a new washer!Anonymous
September 27, 2004
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September 27, 2004
We bought my second one a year and a half ago, we have are having our second repair to it. The one I lost to my ex- has yet to have a single problem we bought that one back in 97. The quality the neptune used to have and was known for isn't there now.Anonymous
September 28, 2004
I had no idea the problems I'm having were due to faulty equipment. I have to tape the door shut with duct tape so it won't pop open. Sometime the machine stops anyway and the water remains in the machine. Also have the mold problem. The machine makes strange noises off an on, sounds like something is squeking.Anonymous
September 28, 2004
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September 29, 2004
My late husband bought my Neptune approx. 6 years ago, long story short, the door latch went out at the exact time the "board" went haywire which flooded my kitchen with water, it seems the circut boards ability to stop the water from flowing was affected ( I heard water running so I went to investigate and found this mess)called Maytag who after 2 WEEKS returned my call " they had never heard of any problems such as mine, oh yes the moldy smell was MY fault for "improperly using the machine", got it fixed ( NOT by them) and the same thing has happened a year later, I'm looking at Whirlpool or Kenmore washers, and I'm telling EVERYONE I know of my problems! so BEWARE THE MAYTAGS!!!!!!!Anonymous
September 29, 2004
I bought the Neptune W/D in April of 1998, and within several months had warranty repair on the washer--moldy smell, would not spin out the water. They fixed it and it lasted until 11-03. Constant water in machine, would not spin/extract water, horrible moldy smell. Of course, now out of warranty. My home warranty would not cover it as they "found out" it was a manufacturer's defect and Maytag was well aware of the problem! The repair through my home warranty service, should they have done it, would have been $355, but interestingly, the local repair man Maytag sent out only charged me $72, and "waived the service charge fee." Makes you wonder--I asked him about the problems with the Neptune and he was evasive. So far it spins my clothes but the moldy smell still comes and goes.Anonymous
September 29, 2004
Hate my Neptune purchased in 2001. Made numerous calls to Maytag customer service and was told I must not know how to wash clothes( I've been washing clothes for more than 35 years and always had a Maytag) Finally filters were changed, etc. It's full of mold and smells awfully bad AND still doesn't clean clothes.Anonymous
September 30, 2004
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September 30, 2004
I am very disappointed with my new washer and dryer of 8 mths. The clothes end up so twisted and smell awful after I pull them out of the washer. The cyle will just stop in the middle leaving my clothes to rot in water. The dryer takes 2 cycles to run one small load. I am livid about such an expense purchase that I hoped would last me 10-12 years.Anonymous
September 30, 2004
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September 30, 2004
My husband bought my Neptune washer/dryer back in 2000 when we bought a new house as a surprise for me. As usual, he purchased what he thought was the best out there and paid nearly 2 grand at Sears. Since practically day one I have had problems with this washer and have called customer service at Maytag who have shined it off as being problems related to: my laundry detergent (no.), my water type (no), too many clothes (no), water temp. (no),- in other words any excuse under the sun. To make a long frustrating story short, I have had my washer serviced 2X for mold and odor-boot replaced, they still can't figure out why the cycle gets interrupted in the middle of a wash and reverts to the beginning, why the door locks and won't open at all at times, and where the darn smell is coming from. The smell is coming from the Maytag company itself and I want a complete refund for both my washer and dryer which is also getting a second service call for weak performance. I will never buy Maytag again.Anonymous
October 01, 2004
Received the class action letter after the August 9th cut off date. Just found out about the mold and we have it big time. Thanks to a late notification, we're out of luck. Leave it to the lawyers.
In all, it's been trouble free, but now the mold has surfaced and can't do anything about it. The letter was a waste of postage.Anonymous
October 02, 2004
Please don't sue me...Anonymous
October 02, 2004
Please don't sue me...Anonymous
October 02, 2004
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October 02, 2004
I just downloaded the claim form and the cutoff date is August 9th, <b>2005</b>, not 2004.Anonymous
October 03, 2004
I have notice that my clothes smell terrible, they feel like they haven't been washed, all my clothes in 33 years that I have been washing clothes in my home, they have never been this bad, I am having to go and buy new sheets because they smell I can not stand them, and my sheets are only 1 year old. I have own my Maytag Neptune machines now for 1 year. I also notice that my electricity bill has gone up, I may be saving in water but I feel that if I put to much clothes into the washer the clothes don't washed good, therefore I am having to do more loads.Anonymous
October 03, 2004
Purchased a Maytag washer about 4 years ago, since that time its be serviced two times, one for the door not unlocking and the second time the computer board was replaced, and as I write this letter Im waiting for a repair man to respond to fix it again, and I think its the computer board again. I will never buy a Maytag again and will discourage anyone wanting to buy one. I paid $1000.00 for this washer and I expected better. I owned a whrilpool washer before this one and only paid about $400.00 for it and only had it repaired once and it lasted 8 years before my wife talked me into the maytag. I should have stayed with whrilpool.Anonymous
October 04, 2004
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October 04, 2004
Our Neptune washer was not wringing out the wash. The repairman showed me where the board had burnt out and ewxplained that it would be $450 to repair it but suggested that we go buy a Whirlpool. He told me aboul the class action suit and mentioned that there was aother board in the Neptune that would probably burn out within a year or two if I replaced the board. What has happened to Maytag Quality?Anonymous
October 04, 2004
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October 04, 2004
My wife never swore a day in her life. That's all changed since I bought her a Maytag Neptune STINKO-O-MATIC washer/dryer. Now even the dog avoids her on laundry day.Anonymous
October 04, 2004
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October 05, 2004
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October 05, 2004
I bought an MAH5500 in 4/03. I have loved my machine. I have not had any problems with it, but I must say... I replaced a 15 yr old Kenmore, (that was still working) with this one... I have ALWAYS left the door open after every load. With the old washer, and this one. I do NOT get mold or musty smells, and you should smell the water from the faucet, you would think there would be problems just from that!
I received the claim form in the mail, and was suprised. I want to make sure that I don't have something come up in the future, and wish that I had pursued the suit. Anyone else have any thought on that...?Anonymous
October 05, 2004
Our Neptune just died, it will not spin and its full of water at the end of the cycle. 4 years old and no help from the factory, some one said 5 year warranty, Maytag says they can’t help. And of course had a problem with mold from the start.Anonymous
October 05, 2004
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October 05, 2004
This settlement is not fair and I plan to file an objection for a new replacement or cash certificate for washer of choice.Anonymous
October 05, 2004
OK... can anyone beat this! I've got all the mold problems AND after the Mr. Maytag came for one of his visits he didn't replace a hose properly I guess and... you got it... the washer located on the second floor flooded my house! Oh such a grand time! All this much fun for only $2000.00!!
Woooo Hoooo!Anonymous
October 05, 2004
I have been having problems with my washer and I just found this web sight. How can I get more information on this lawsuit? I have water in the washer all of the time, the water leaks our of the washer, and now it does not want to go through the spin cycle. Also my cloths have been smelling bad and I thought it was just the water here because we just moved to Georgia. Well after reading this I now think it is the washer. E-mail me back at ldsparents@yahoo.com Thanks for any help you can offer.Anonymous
October 06, 2004
We to purchased a Neptune and had the odor problem which Maytag took care of. The class action lawsuit arrived in the mail and would you believe three days later the wax seal burned out our electical board. I do not like to think of buying a top load and a different style than my dryer, but will wait and see what happens.
D. NagelAnonymous
October 06, 2004
I will never EVER purchase another Maytag product and strongly advice others the same.
Our Neptune washer gave the LR error.
We called the "Maytag Service Company of St. Louis" and they came out and made the repair for $328.00.
We had an extended warranty with GE and they even offered to PAY for our service call. HOWEVER, when we called the MAYTAG company both nationally and local neither would accept the GE voucher for repair.
IT SEEMS that unless you do business with MAYTAG DIRECT (not a "Maytag" authorized repair independent vendor) they will do nothing for you.
SAD - I am now filling for the class action settlement.Anonymous
October 06, 2004
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October 07, 2004
I just learned of this lawsuit through my Maytag repairman when he came out to fix several of my appliances including my washer. He showed me the mold. I haven't received anything in the mail regarding this lawsuit. How can I learn more about this and who to contact?Anonymous
October 07, 2004
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October 07, 2004
Does anyone have information concerning whether or not one can get a settlement on a Maytag washer purchased about 2 years ago where the product information was not mailed into the Maytag company. We have been told that customers are getting $800.00 back on Maytag washer purchases. We purchased our Maytag at Sears. Please email me at:
JEHsmiles4u@aol.com Thanks,Anonymous
October 07, 2004
I have a Calypso...two or three years old. I have been trying to get it fixed since May. I still have water on the floor and black marks on my clothes. The repairman comes on a weekly basis, he must make the trip and from here call the Whirlpool tech who then tells him what to do next. Is there a class action on the Calypso Washers too?Anonymous
October 08, 2004
We purchased Neptune washer and dryer in 1999. Have had mold problem and various other repairs. Within the last year, when the machine goes thru a spin cycle, it sounds like a freight train coming through the house! Called Maytag to repair ($110 service call) to find out that the parts required to fix this problem would be an additional $315.00. At the time, I opted not to repair since total bill was half the price of a new machine. Yesterday, my machine won't spin and clothes are soaking wet at end of wash cycle. I NOW find out it is because of the $315 bearing I should have replaced! I blame the repairman for not telling me that this problem would lead to other problems that make the machine inoperable.
What good is this lawsuit when I need to purchase a machine NOW!
I'll never buy a Maytag again!!Anonymous
October 08, 2004
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October 09, 2004
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October 09, 2004
Hi. I wrote the comment on how to object to the replacement of our Neptune front-loading machine with a top-loading machine and who to write to. I forgot to leave my e-mail address. It's omaha66@adelphia.net. Thanks.Anonymous
October 09, 2004
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October 10, 2004
I just came home from BEST BUY and ordered the TOP LOADING NEPTUNE FAV6800A
Does anyone have this model? I am having second thoughts after reading all of these problems!Anonymous
October 10, 2004
Does anyone have any idea how long it will take before we hear form Maytag? I really hate, but need a New Washer to go out and buy another.Anonymous
October 10, 2004
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October 11, 2004
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October 11, 2004
I bought my Maytag set Summer of 1998, I've had two service calls. Mold on the door gasket, replaced 12/18/2001, it needs to be replaced again, but don't know if I should since hearing of the class action lawsuit. My clothes don't come clean and my whites turn dingy gray in no time. At first I thought maybe it's the detergent so I switched to Tide HE, that didn't help, but you know it is right in the manual that you don't have to use an HE product to get clean clothes. On 12/03/03 I had the motor controller replaced. I am very unhappy with my neptune set. I will be sending a letter to the above address that Cathy(omaha66@adelphia.net)has suplied for us, thank you Cathy sure hope they are flooded with letters of protest!!! I do not want to own anther Maytag for as long as I live!!!Anonymous
October 11, 2004
Our Neptune front loader is about 7 years old. We will not get much from the lawsuit. Other then all the mold, it still runs well. Has anyone tried anything to get rid of the mold that works?Anonymous
October 11, 2004
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October 12, 2004
I have received my claim form for a class action suit, but it is from Novato CA.
Same problems as others. Mold/mildew that Maytag happily took care of, but it still is there. Wife uses TILEX Mildew regularly on the seal. Door latch and wax motor went. Sears came out,as Maytag would do nothing. Parts were identified, Paid service call, ordered parts and replaced myself. Still will not buy another Maytag washer.Anonymous
October 12, 2004
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October 12, 2004
This is the second Neptune in a year. First one was leaving bleach on clothes I had not intended to bleach. I was told that I did not know how to do laundry that I must bleach at the end of the day so it can evaporate from dispenser. Still had bleach problems. Best Buy replaced last February and I am now having the mold problem. I am also having problems with yellow patches on my clothes. Has anybody else experienced this problem?Anonymous
October 12, 2004
Does anyone have an e-mail address and/or phone number(other than the 800 #) to write a complaint about the treatment and lack of customer service that Maytag is providing. After holding close to 51 min., then 48 min., finally 23 mins. I'm told they can't answer questions regarding the lawsuit, but should call the 3rd party rep. or for immediate assistance, go to the web site. Ha! immediate? How about Ralph Hake's home phone. He can go to the laundry mat this week for me to wash the clothes.Anonymous
October 13, 2004
Laurie, perhaps check the website and complain thru thier customer service link to complain about the service you got........
And Alisa, I don't have yellow spots but i have black spots all over my clothes when i do a cold load. I'm wondering if this is a problem from the mold. And also, like many other people on this board, I had to have my motherboard replaced 2 weeks after i purchased my neptune washer! ......i freaked and told them to give me a brand new washer and maytag did......but now the black spot problem.....and i have had problems with smell, but i just assumed that my old dryer wasn't drying my clothes quickly enough....i sure hope that everyone gets reimbursed fairly.Anonymous
October 13, 2004
We like the front load Maytag Neptune washer and were told the problems have been fixed in the new Neptunes. Is this true? I was told they changed the design by adding a small drain in the bottom of the door opening to allow water to escape, which keeps mold from developing. One other question is have they changed the motor so it doesn't fry out? Are they OK now?Anonymous
October 13, 2004
I also was suckered in by Maytag's lonely repairman and the reputation they had for dependability.My Maytag Neptune set was purchased in 1999 at the tune of $1700.00 for the set. I wish that lonely repairman would find his way to my home and fix my Neptune front-loader as with all the same problems others have had I also have a rusty top where the soap goes, the moldly boot,and now I have a sheared bolt behind the drum and need tub assembly kit and support assembly kit as well. In the tune of another $500.00 Machine has been loud from day one only to be told each time I called Maytag that I just wasn't used to the sound of a front-loader. They are like robot's reading a script when you call them as they are so experienced at hearing this all before from thousands of dissatisfied consumers that they apparently know this script by heart.I want my money back not another Maytag that will be just another money pit!!! I for one hope a company that wants to make faulty products and soak the consumer ends up going out of business. Word of mouth goes a long way and I'm telling everyone I can how dissatified I have been with Maytag from there product, reliability, and the company refusal to stand behind their faulty product!Anonymous
October 13, 2004
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October 14, 2004
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October 14, 2004
To all of us Neptune Washer owners.
As we are all finding out....Maytag has lost its credibility and will certainly give you the runaround before admitting fault. This class action suit is almost settled....and with most class action suits the lawyers will get most of the money, in this case i believe 8.2 million dollars while the owners will be alloted only 2 million...then its certificate time. What this means is that most of us who file for a claim will not get any money reimbursed but get a certificate to purchase a Maytag product within 2 years. Read the lawsuit very carefully. Since most of us are frustrated at the reponses we have been getting...and no longer feel maytag is dependable...you have only two choices. 1. submit your claim and get a purchase certificate or 2. opt out of this settlement and take Maytag to small claims court. I have chose to opt out of this settlement and take my chances on taking them to court. With all the proof I have from all of you, and all the problems I have had, I will take my chance and get them to reimburse me all the money I have spent and buy something other then a Maytag.
Wish me luck.Anonymous
October 14, 2004
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December 31, 2006
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