Once the rinsing problem became apparent to our testers, they stopped the testing of the Energy Star-qualified LG WM2050CW. We called LG for service, but the technician was unable to fix the problem.
The same day of the service call, Ying Zhou, an LG spokeswoman, contacted us about the problem with the WM2050CW and explained that the company had uncovered a software error that might have caused the two final rinses during the normal cycle to be skipped. That's apparently the same problem affecting the Kenmore 4027 (sold at Sears stores nationwide), a front-loader that's made by LG and which we covered in "Sears Acts to Correct Software Problem on Some Kenmore Front-Loaders."
As with the Kenmore 4027, LG says that a software update will fix the rinse issue on the WM2050CW. The manufacturer plans to update the software on all affected models in inventory and update the software or replace the control board at no cost to owners of a malfunctioning model. If you own a WM2050CW washer, call 800-243-0000 (888-542-2623 in Canada) for more details. The company also plans to contact owners with a letter.
(This issue is another example of why it pays to register all new products you buy with the manufacturer. It's usually easy to register them online—skip all the optional questions about yourself and your family—and doing so should increase the likelihood you'll find out about technical problems, service updates, and safety issues or recalls related to your product.)
After our WM2050CW gets repaired, we'll finish testing and add this model to our continuously updated ratings of front-loading and top-loading washing machines (available to subscribers).
1/26/10 UPDATE: Read "With Software Problem Fixed, Kenmore 4027 and LG WM2050CW Front-Loaders Now Earn a CR Best Buy" for details on the updated versions of these washing machines.
—Kimberly Janeway
Essential information: If you're in the market for new laundry appliances, check out our free buyer's guides to washing machines and dryers, and see our Inside Consumer Reports Tests Labs posts for details on recently tested washing machines. Also learn more about the cash for clunkers for appliances rebate program.
Hah! software update on a washer! Hah! Does it have an internet connection?
Just wanted to warn off as many consumers as possible about the problems with many LG products. We made the unfortunate decision when outfitting our new home to go with mostly LG appliances and a LG flat screen TV. To make a long story short....warranty service from LG is a joke! You have to fight and fight and fight and wait and wait and wait before you can get action from them. We bought all top of the line models too. The fridge has been fixed three times so far and is now waiting for yet another warranty claim. The dishwasher never worked well from day one and after several attempts by repairmen to fix it we ended up ripping it out and replacing with another brand. Basically the same story with the TV, two different replacement sets before I was able (after months) to convince the store to take it back and give me store credit on another model. The 800 dollar microwave has only been repaired once in two years so that seems to be the most reliable? Oh, the stove, washer and dryer aren't LG and they have been problem free since new.
Just a reminder.....it may look pretty but make sure you can get service after the sale. And all of these appliances we bought from LG were their top of the line models....I'd hate to have purchased their economy line!!!
Signed,
never ever again will I buy LG
Bought a GE front-loader washing machine (WCVH6800J1WW)in early December 2009. We were influenced by the "best buy" rating in Consumer Reports, but we had ignored the poor Repair Record rating. The Washer worked well until early January 2010, when its control system went completely haywire..stalling out, repeating the previous cycle until stalling again, never moving from "wash" to "rinse"..completely unacceptable.
Returned to Sears and, to their credit, they helped us pick a replacement (we chose a Samsung front-loader) and will pick up the GE, deliver the Samsung and refund the purchase price of the GE.
BEWARE: Kenmore Washer-front loader Model #417.40052990- only 10 yrs old and $700 dollars later-loved the stainless steel drum feature - with one minimal user --- defunct!! Rear bearing problem. Told $500. repair chg. by appliance repairman. Recommend buy new one. UGH!!!!!!!
Does this also include the WM2010CW LG washer or has any research been done on this model yet???
I bought a Samsung washer and dryer less than two years ago from Lowe's. The washer's spin cycle is not working. The Samsung technical support person said they would set up a repair service within 48 hours, but that the machine was no longer under warrantee. Three days later without any follow-up from Samsung, I began calling appliance repair services locally. No one would work on my machine, uniformly stating that they could not get technical support from the mfg. and had difficulty getting parts. Called Samsung again, they dropped the ball on calling a repair service but assured me they would. This machine replaces one I used for 25 years with 4 children in almost continuous use and no breakdowns. My new machine is used very moderately. What happened to quality products? I'm disgusted.
I'm looking at buying a ELECTROLUX washer and dryer Model EWFLW65HIW and EWMED65HIW does anyone know if this set is reliable?
I recently bought this washer, then did the research on it. I asked about the software glitch that was mentioned in the article above. Sears did a great job calling the warehouse and determining if the they had the faulty machines. I received a call quickly and the delivery went off without trouble. I'm happy with it. I have only run a hald dozen loads through the machine, but I like it so far. On the musty/mildew smell on some front-opening machines, I would like to point out the owners manual covers this and you need only to wipe the seal after use. I wipe the seal, clean out the dispener area, and leave the door open for a few hours to air dry. It works!
Previous
