Coinwash
07-13-2005, 11:40 PM
Maytag to compensate owners of Neptune washers
Maytag’s Neptune front-loading washer, introduced in 1997, has proven to be trouble-prone in recent years, with a repair rate significantly higher than that of any other front-loader brand we’ve rated in our annual reliability survey.
A group of Neptune owners sued Maytag, charging that their washers were plagued by a host of problems resulting in mold and mildew buildup, odors, and poor performance. On Sept. 10, 2004, the company announced that it is settling the class-action suit.
Maytag agreed to reimburse owners of faulty machines for repair costs, compensate for up to $500 people who replaced a Neptune with another washer, or issue a voucher for $200 to $1,000 toward the purchase of a new Neptune Top Loader. The settlement covers any Neptune front-loaders bought from April 1, 1997, to Aug. 9, 2004. As this report went to press, the settlement was awaiting approval by the Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial Circuit in St. Clair County, Ill.
Aside from obvious trouble signs--mold, mildew, or odors--the settlement covers machines that experience “motor control and circuit board related failure.” It also covers problems concerning the door latch and a related part known as the wax motor.
What to do
• For details and a claim form, go to www.maytagfrontloadsettlement.com. Or you can call 866-288-0515.
• If you want to make a claim for reimbursement of repair or replacement costs that you incurred before Aug. 9, 2004, you must file the claim form by May 2, 2005. If you have existing repair issues, you have until Aug. 9, 2005, to file the claim.
• Mail the completed form to: Maytag Neptune Claims Administrator, P.O. Box 6198, Novato, CA 94948-6198.
Maytag’s Neptune front-loading washer, introduced in 1997, has proven to be trouble-prone in recent years, with a repair rate significantly higher than that of any other front-loader brand we’ve rated in our annual reliability survey.
A group of Neptune owners sued Maytag, charging that their washers were plagued by a host of problems resulting in mold and mildew buildup, odors, and poor performance. On Sept. 10, 2004, the company announced that it is settling the class-action suit.
Maytag agreed to reimburse owners of faulty machines for repair costs, compensate for up to $500 people who replaced a Neptune with another washer, or issue a voucher for $200 to $1,000 toward the purchase of a new Neptune Top Loader. The settlement covers any Neptune front-loaders bought from April 1, 1997, to Aug. 9, 2004. As this report went to press, the settlement was awaiting approval by the Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial Circuit in St. Clair County, Ill.
Aside from obvious trouble signs--mold, mildew, or odors--the settlement covers machines that experience “motor control and circuit board related failure.” It also covers problems concerning the door latch and a related part known as the wax motor.
What to do
• For details and a claim form, go to www.maytagfrontloadsettlement.com. Or you can call 866-288-0515.
• If you want to make a claim for reimbursement of repair or replacement costs that you incurred before Aug. 9, 2004, you must file the claim form by May 2, 2005. If you have existing repair issues, you have until Aug. 9, 2005, to file the claim.
• Mail the completed form to: Maytag Neptune Claims Administrator, P.O. Box 6198, Novato, CA 94948-6198.