GE service.... awful!

16 years ago

I purchased a stainless steel GE Convection Microwave (counter top model) back in October of 09. The brand wouldn't have been my first choice, but I couldn't find any other countertop convection microwave at a real store. I got it from Lowes and it was about 300 dollars. It was not some cheap 40 dollar toy from a discount store. Imagine my surprise when I was cleaning it the other day and discovered there was a HOLE that had been burned in the wave guide cover inside the cavity. I haven't abused the appliance, and it's not even a year old! I called GE, and they confirmed that it was indeed a serviceable model (versus replaceable) and that it was still under warranty. They set up a service appointment for today between 1 and 5. I stayed home all day to wait for the guy to come, instead of running errands that needed to be done. I got a call at 2:30 from the service tech. He told me that he would have to charge me 80 dollars if he came out. He said that the warranty wasn't a year, but only 90 days, so he would just mail me the part and I could install it myself! The last time I checked, I wasn't a certified GE appliance technician! I was floored! I called GE back, and the 4 people I talked to at the 1800 number told me that my machine DOES have the 1 year warranty, the tech lied to me but they didn't know why he said that. They said they would look into the matter and get back with me. I still haven't heard anything. Now when this part comes in the mail that I have to install myself, can I sue GE after I get electrocuted and die? Will THEY pay ME 80 dollars since I have to now fix my own appliance under warranty? Will they reimburse me for the time since I wasted my day waiting for a service tech who refused to come? GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.... I'm so mad. Just had to vent...

Stay away from GE.

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Comments (8)

llaatt22
16 years ago
You know what a waveguide cover is, probably will be able to understand the installation instructions, and have your own screwdriver. If you do well they will likely offer you a job. My concern would be will he really order the part before he is either fired or promoted?
mcmann
16 years ago
For years GE tried to sell the appliance repair division - did they ask if you were interested?

However if it is under a 1 year warranty - why not schedule another repair visit? You could wait until the part arrives and then let the tech install it.
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weissman
16 years ago
I'd probably just install it myself if it's simple rather than waiting around for the service guy to show up. BUT, I'd be more concerned about why the MW burned a hole in it in the first place.
texaskitchentoo
16 years ago
rightie tightie, leftie loosie.

Yeah it sucks that the guy stood you up. He probably charged GE for the house call too. If that is his attitude it may be better just getting the part yourself.
jakvis
16 years ago
If you check your Care and Use manual you will see that the warranty is for 1 year. I looked at the GE countertop convection microwaves manual online and here is what it says

For The Period Of:
One Year
From the date of the original purchase"Any part of the microwave oven which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this limited one-year warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and related service costs to replace the defective part."

This is the exact quote as I copy and pasted from the manual to here.

Call GE back and demand that they follow their warranty. You may even want to ask for compensation for your lost time.
dianne47
16 years ago
Unfortunately you got a dumb tech. You should've phoned the 800# immediately when he told you he wasn't coming. They could've phoned him and told him your warranty was valid. I get sick and tired of having to correct all the bozos like that. What a pain.

It's always good to have the paperwork for the appliance right in front of you when you're calling for service or awaiting the repair person. Then you can quote them the model#, date of purchase, warranty period, etc.

We keep all appliance paperwork and their receipts in large ziplock bags in a kitchen top drawer. Makes it easy to phone for repairs, see when we bought something, or look up instructions.
vacuumfreak
Original Author
16 years ago
The things is I did call them as soon as he told me he wasn't coming... they said they would get back with me and never did. I just don't like being lied to!
warmfridge
16 years ago
Purely a rhetorical question...but who does have good service??? There's a lengthy thread here about problems with Miele, Bosch has a terrible reputation, etc, etc. I think it's impossible now to find a manufacturer who handles warranty issues satisfactorily.