LG Refrigerator Problems Barely Out Of Warranty?!
The LG Refrigerator Situation
As we all know some LG Refrigerators don't last anywhere near as long as they should… And LG customer service leaves a lot to be desired. In the 80's and 90's most Refrigerators where built to last 15-20 years and they did just that! Any Refrigerator that didn't perform as advertised or expected was promptly repaired or replaced. Who would accept anything less?!
A few things have changed in Refrigerators since that time…
- There are very few manufacturers producing Refrigerators now.
Who Made What
- LG discovered they can make a lot more money if Refrigerators only last about 8-10 years. #PlannedObsolescence
- Most Refrigerators only have a one year warranty compared to 5-10 years not long ago.
- Consumers (YOU) are expected to accept this is the new Refrigerator lifespan reality.
How Long Do LG Refrigerators Last?
As you may guess this is a difficult question to accurately answer. First problem is as an appliance repair person I don't get to work on correctly functioning Refrigerators so unfortunately I do not become intimately acquainted with an Refrigerator unless it has lots of problems.
From what I see my opinion is that most Refrigerators produced in the last few years are designed to last about 10 years. at that time you can expect at least some minor Refrigerator problems, and possibly some major problems.
The real annoying part is in this world of planed obsolescence and intentionally engineered weak points, sometimes Refrigerator problems come far sooner than expected! If you are having a problem with your Refrigerator in the first 2-4 years of careful use, I say that's unacceptable and you should say it loudly! Heres your options…
What can I do if my LG Refrigerator has major problems in the first 2-5 years?!
Your options...
- Suck it up Nancy! Quit your whining and start saving for the repair bill.
- Yell at your Refrigerator, stomp your feet, then throw your new but worthless LG Refrigerator in a land fill. (This is the super green energy star option) Then swear on heaven and earth you'll never buy another LG appliance again!
- Call the LG customer service number
(800) 243-0000. I use the term "customer service" very loosely! If your idea of time well spent is sitting on hold for an hour or two in order to speak with someone with no authority to do anything, then this option one is a great choice.
- Plaster your story all over the internet in very public places and have a cup of coffee while you wait for a response.
I don't know about you but a nice cup of coffee should always be a part of good customer service, so "option four" seems like the best idea to me!
Below you will find a few links to easily make your frustration venting fantasies a reality. Worst case you get to tell your frustrations to thousands of other potential LG Refrigerator customers… There in lies the power of this last course of action.
NOTE: A well written description of your problem in a clear but not extremely confrontational way will greatly increase your odds of success! (Let the facts speak for themselves) I suggest including few things in your post…
- Your LG Refrigerator's Model Number
- Your LG Refrigerator's Serial Number
- Your LG Refrigerator's purchase location, date, and cost.
- A sob story. What makes you a person that really needs LG customer service to step up and help you out even though the Refrigerator is out of the stated warranty period?
- If you have had a repair person diagnose your LG Refrigerator, list what part and part number is needed as well as the quoted cost of the part and repair labor.
- Some carefully phrased criticism of LG Refrigerators. If FIRE or FLOODING are appropriate words to include, do.
- A good picture is worth a thousand words…
Remember, right or wrong, if your LG Refrigerator is out of the warranty period LG customer service is not required to do anything for you. So if LG customer service offers to ship you the repair part or cover the repair labor,TAKE THE DEAL. Unless of course there is legitimate damage to your home due to flooding or fire, in that case sick your insurance company on them.
Don't forget to update your post with what actions LG took to address your complaint. LG may request that as part of the concession so it's always nice to offer first (Remember your manners.)
Some great places to start your LG customer service rant…
General Appliance Complaint Links:
(I highly recommend the last one! It probably won't go anywhere but if big brother knows a bunch of his siblings are being sold appliances designed to break shouldn't he do something about it?)
LG Refrigerator Complaint Links: