Rust on stainless steel refrigerator

ComplaintsAppliancesWhirlpool Refigerator

Complaint

0
Jahangir
Country: United States
Hi... I purchased whirlpool gold stainless steel (not stainless steel like) refrigerator from Lowe's last year December for my remodeled kitchen. Recently, I observed rust marks on the doors of my refrigerator. I called Lowe's and they sent in a tech to assess it. The tech said that it's cosmetic damage and they cannot replace the door under the warranty. He also informed me that they get many complaints like these (rust on stainless steel) for whirlpool products. I also spoke with a whirlpool customer representative and she also said it is considered a cosmetic damage. She told me that it happens because of the environment the refrigerator is kept in. During the same time last year, I also purchased other things such as oven, dishwasher and microwave but from different companies and they are perfectly alright (and that too in the same environment). The rep also told me that whirlpool never uses pure stainless steel for its products. IT'S SHOCKING!!! They are selling the products under false promise. I don't understand how can a stainless steel product get rusty? Any comments? Thanks.

Comments

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  • 0
    Stacy McGinty
    WOW.... I am shocked because my 7 month old ss whirlpool gold refrigerator and oven both have rust too!
  • 0
    Wendy E
    My refrigerator is only 40 days old and I have rust !!! Whirlpoo said its not rust and sending me special cleaner??  I think they are just trying postpone the 90 day warranty stage
  • 0
    Wendy E
    I just called Whirlpool and they are saying the RUST is cosmetic and is not covered !!!
  • 0
    Nancy S
    | 3 replies
    I have the same issue as all the above, rust on my 5 month old 'stainless steel' refrigerator.  Melanie from Whirlpool sent me their 'Rust Removing Powder Cleaner' even though the marks are really just 'discolorations'. I used the product and it does remove the rust although I don't find it a terribly equitable solution.  I give them $2000 for a defective product and they give me a cleaning product.  Oh, by the way, the warranty specifically excludes rust as a defect, or at least the document I was given in December does.  I wish I had checked further when I was researching this purchase. Whirlpool takes your money and then laughs!
    • 0
      Liz Nelsen replies to Nancy S
      | 2 replies
      Same thing is happening to me I have a refrigerator bought in December 2015 already has rust in various spots. Very unhappy and will never ever buy whirlpool again
      • 0
        maureen replies to Liz Nelsen
        | 1 reply
        They r replacing the doors on my whirlpool fridge after only 2 mos of use. - Make an issue of it - they came asked me what i used to clean it and I said I made sure to read their directions to a tee, because my whirlpool stove rusted and I thought I had done something
        • 0
          maureen replies to maureen
          now one year later all the doors are rusting - even the one that they replaced - since it is not under the mfg warranty- i called a short month after it was over - the extended warranty co from lowes says they can do nothing it is not covered.  by the way tech came over a month ago - no one ever called me to tell me that it was not covered - i called them to check on it.
  • 0
    Tara Guild
    I bought my refrigerator in October of last year. There are rust spots all over the doors. Whirlpool tells me that the rust isn't covered under the warranty. This is obviously a manufacturer's defect.
  • 0
    Mary Neal
    I bought my refrigerator in July of last year.  Same thing.....rust on all four doors.  Whirlpool is willing to replace the crisper drawer, but can't explain why they will replace it but not replace the remaining drawers.  Extremely frustrating.  At this time, I'm waiting to hear from the Lowes manager where I bought the appliance, after having a tech out and Whirlpool claiming it as cosmetic.  Great to know I'm not the only one...I too will contact the litigation group.
  • 0
    Mary
    I have also experienced rust not only on doors but freezer & crisper draw as well. we bought our whirlpool  less than a year ago. Reading all these comment, I will contact litigation group as well. thankyou
  • 0
    Adriana
    This seems to be a quality issue with the Whirlpool Gold line going back to models from the year 2000.  Check out this youtube. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LVwHUB-R0-4.  My White vinyl coated Whirlpol Gold refrigerator from approximately 2000 is rustingthrough the door.  I have owned many refrigerators for 35 years and this is the firat I have experiences.  Interestingly enough, when you googlenrsty refrigerator Whirlpool is the name that comes up!
  • 0
    Aaron
    Fridge and Stove both purchased in September 2012 both have rust spots. Same excuse cosmetic. Not impressed.  Buyer be aware.
  • 0
    Brian T.
    | 2 replies
    My 3 month old KitchenAid Refrigerator has rust all over the skin.  Apparently it does not like to be washed.  
    The manufacturer calls the Rust a 'cosmetic' defect in order to Weasel out of honoring the warranty.  Rust is actually the symptom of a Material defect which IS covered by warranty.  Stainless Steel with an altered mineralogical composition that allows rust is very decidedly a material defect.  Washing the skin with soapy warm water per Manufacturer recommendation causes the rust, so the 'cosmetic' defect is just the symptom.  I foresee a long and bumpy road on this one, but I like a good challenge.
    • 0
      Dianne replies to Brian T.
      | 1 reply
      Just use a scotch brite sponge scrubber(non scratching) and Ajax powder cleanser with bleach.  Rub very gently and it comes off completely.
      • 0
        janet replies to Dianne
        what is the amount of each product that you use
  • 0
    Shelly W
    My stainless fridge, oven and microwave ALL have the "brown spots" all over them and I can't get them off.
  • 0
    Anna B
    Built a new house & moved in Feb 2013. Bought new stainless steel Kitchen Aid appliances - refrig, stovetop, double ovens, range hood & bar refrig. Today, rust spots appeared on the surface of our refrigerator and bar refrig. Top to bottom. Noticeable and ugly. Contacting the Complex Lit Group since this is NOT our 1st issue with Whirlpool. Double oven takes 30+ minutes to preheat & loud fans stay on for 1 hour+ after oven is turned off. Whirlpool Customer Service claims 30+ mins is "normal" preheat time! Wrote several letters to CEO - Jeff Fettig. After 4 weeks, a Whirlpool rep left me a voice mail. When I returned call, she NEVER called back. 1st time sales must be Whirlpool's #1 priority since it's clear they have no interest in turning current customers into repeat customers. Good luck with that business strategy, Mr. Fettig. Would suggest you consult with other CEOs on how it worked for them except they're all bankrupt now. Your employees, customers & shareholders deserve better.
  • 0
    Chris
    I bought top of the line KitchenAid products 4 months ago, and all have rust spots. Whirlpool will not do anything even after escalating.
  • 0
    Lara
    | 1 reply
    We bought all new stainless steel Whirlpool appliances within the last year and the refrigerator is rusting. I had technicians here 3 times in the first couple months fo other technical issues, which were repaired. Then, I haggled with customer service for new doors due to cosmetic damages upon delivery. I received 2 new doors, which have rusted along with the existing door. I still can't believe a new "stainless steel" refrigerator with rust spots. That's insane!

    So everyday I have to polish the frig to try and get out all the spots but they are still lurking underneath....I know eventually it will rust out. I plan to contact the attorney.
    • 0
      Hilda replies to Lara
      Hi I'm having same issues bought mines at Home depot in Indiana ferg doors rusting but warranty don't cover cosmetic.. Called Whirlpool they say they Never Had Not One complaint uumm!! What can I do??
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