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LockedCracked refrigerator shelves

posted on June 20, 2009 at 10:04AM Inappropriate?

I purchased a Sears Kenmore Elite refrigerator model # 76299 less than 2 years ago.  The shelves are glass with plastic edges.  The plastic on each shelf is cracked and the refrigerator is no longer under warranty.  Has anyone experienced this problem and it there an inexpensive way to fix it?

 

 

Displaying posts 1 - 20 of 30 in total
posted on June 20, 2009 at 04:05PM
 

It's not common, but certainly not impossible, either. I don't know that there's a way to really fix this problem, as the integrity of the shelf is now suspect. If it's only a crack, you could try using an epoxy resin that dries clear, but be sure to use it sparingly, as you don't want a big goopy mess that turns into a big goopy-looking rock-hard mess. If that $5 fix doesn't work, you'll just have to replace the shelf.

posted on June 22, 2009 at 07:43AM
 
In response to redsox014's post from June 20 2009 10:04AM

I have this piece of junk fridge for about 3 years, the inside is cheap plastic, both veggie draws busted, the plastic junk that holds them, the door part that holds your condiments broke, I had to duck tape it, never again, I never in my lifetime, ever  had a refrigerater as poorly made as this one, terrible, and I am still paying this junk off!

posted on June 23, 2009 at 09:18AM
 

Yes My fridge has done the same.  I tried to use super glue, but

only stayed for a while.   Also the in-door handle to ice despenser

broke off.  I usually like Kenmore products, but what the heck is

going on .   Any advice?

posted on June 24, 2009 at 06:08AM
 

I might as well, put it in the shed as a beer holder! The shame of it, is that its not payed for yet, shame on Sears, shame on me, for buying this piece of junk!

posted on June 24, 2009 at 10:18AM
 

Hi sismad49-

Welcome to MySears.  Sorry to hear about the cracks in your fridge.  Have you thought about calling for Sears to come out to possibly give an estimate on a repair?  Maybe this is something that would not be too costly to fix.  It sounds like it is worth a try.

posted on June 25, 2009 at 03:38PM
 

Dear Redsox014, Sismad49, Rusty114

It is disappointing to read that you are all experiencing the same issues with your refrigerators. My name is David and I work for the Sears Cares Team. We would like to speak to you to review what options are available to you. If you can contact us at searscares@searshc.com so we can further discuss your concerns. Please include your screen names in the email so we can reference your issue.

Thank you,

David V.
Senior Case Manager

posted on June 26, 2009 at 11:55PM
 
In response to SearsCares's post from June 25 2009 03:38PM

I, too, had similar problems with three of the cheap door compartments cracking and ultimately being unusable.  The parts were quoted by Sears at $55 each. I was told, "Too bad!"  Also, the the in the door ice maker stopped working in year 2.  The cost of repairs would have been prohibitive - all of this with a 3 year old appliance used by two senior citizens.  And even if repaired, I would still have a *****y refrigerator.  We ended up buying another brand and the deliverer took the Kenmore away for scrap.  I will never by a Kenmore appliance again.  Shame on Sears.

posted on July 20, 2009 at 10:12AM
 

 I am trying to fix this shelf problem also. I have been on the phone with different Sears people for 1 1/2 hours to try and fix problem. My top fridge shelf broke completely  this morning and all my other shelves in fridge have cracks. No one seems to help yet.I asked if there was a recall and they said no. If many people are having this problem, why are they not fixing it? I have a Kenmore coldspot 76239.My fridge isn't 3 years old yet. They want me to buy more parts and pay for a service call. WHY??? So I can have this happen in a few years again!!!

posted on July 20, 2009 at 12:11PM
 

I have had the issue with the plastic cracking as well on my Kenmore Coldspot (106.74252402).  The glass surface is fine, but 3 of the 4 pullout shelves have a crack in the center of the front plastic lip.

posted on November 12, 2009 at 12:21PM
 

I have a Kenmore Coldspot, model number 106.76232402 and have the same problem with the plastic lip cracked in the same spot on all four of the shelves.  Contacted Sears to report the problem.  The only solution they offered was for a technician to come out and inspect at the cost of $126 and if determined to be a defect, the shelves would be free but I would still have to pay for labor to install the shelves.  Or, I could purchase replacement shelves at $46,99 each.  Why would anyone in their right mind spend that much money on a three year old appliance?   

Spoke to another rep who informed me that Kenmore is not even a manufacturer, just a name, and that the fridge was made by Whirlpool.  Contacted Whirlpool at 866-698-2538.  Waited about 15 minutes on hold.  Finally spoke to a rep who transferred my call back to Sears.  All in all, I spoke to about 7 different departments that provided absolutely no resolution. 

So disapointed in Sears/Kenmore/Whirlpool.  Obviously, the quality of their products has taken a serious dive.  Never, never again will I buy another product from these companies ever again.  No wonder these companies are on the verge of bankruptcy when consumers are purchasing better quality products from foreign competitors: LG, Sanyo, Hitachi and Toshiba.   

posted on November 13, 2009 at 12:52PM
 

To Foolme1ce,

My name is Brian and I'm part of the Sears Cares Escalations team. I'm sorry to hear about this issue with your refrigerator and the shelf. We would certainly like to help with this issue to see what can be done for you. At your convenience, please contact my office via email at searscares@searshc.com and we will be happy to help. In the email, please provide a contact phone number and the phone number the refrigerator was purchased under (if different than the contact phone number) and we will call you directly. Also, please provide the screen name (Foolme1ce) used to post here for reference to this issue, and we do look forward to talking to you soon.

Thank you,

Brian J.

Senior Case Manager

Sears Cares

posted on November 13, 2009 at 04:25PM
 

We have the same model too and have just noticed the same cracks in our shelves too.  We also have lost two of the fridge door shelves.  However, I will admit that is where we stored our milk.  We have had the fridge for almost 3 years, and I will say that my wife and I have both found the fridge to be more than sufficient to our needs.  The parts direct website says new shelves are 46.99, but that includes new glass.  If I could purchase the plastic shelf frame and reuse my glass, which is fine, that would make me happy.

BTW, This does not turn me off from Sears/Kenmore/Whirlpool.  We did a lot of 3rd party research before we bought the fridge.  We got a fair price and paid cash up front.  It was delivered on time and the 3 man crew were very professional and quick.  I like Sears.  We recently bought a new washer, dryer, and dishwasher from our local store.  My wife did a lot of research and she said that Sears has the best selection and their prices were the lowest around.  At the store, we were treated exceptionally well.  Our sales rep patiently answered all our questions and took his time with us.  When we finally made our selections, the purchase process was nice and smooth.  The store had our purchases in stock so we arranged for delivery the next day (on a Sunday even).  All the better, the delivery crew arrived earlier than scheduled and by that evening we were running our first load of clothes through our new washer and dryer. 

posted on November 14, 2009 at 03:25PM
 

I have Model #10659429800 and have the same problem.  Plastic cracked on both sides of the shelf above and also the drawer brackets below.  Last time I checked it was about $80 to replace both parts (once again, my glass part is fine).  This seems ridiculous on a refrigerator that I had owned only 13 months at the time. 

posted on November 14, 2009 at 09:00PM
 

Do the free parts and labor Protection Plans reach out to 3 years, plus?

Sounds like a $126 Service visit and around $47 per shelf would make that plan seem mighty good.

I'm glad my wife and I invested in a PA on our new fridge.

posted on November 19, 2009 at 04:44PM
 

We have a 106.74252401 with the same problem, all 4 shelves cracking in the center front and cracks halfway back on the sides above the little rectangular notches.  They're all still serviceable, but it's clearly just a matter of time until one breaks.  The plastic they used just isn't up to the job.  

I agree with the previous poster that if I could purchase new plastic frames instead of the entire unit including glass, at less than $46.99 per shelf, I would probably be satisfied.  Or, send me a free one to replace the first one that breaks down and I'll buy the rest.  From the number of posts on this forum, it seems obvious that this is a design flaw, not a fluke.

posted on November 19, 2009 at 05:35PM
 

MPA would cover this....

Otherwise, don't hold your breath.

posted on November 21, 2009 at 07:58AM
 
In response to redsox014's post from June 20 2009 10:04AM

Yes, I have experienced the exact same thing.  I don't think there is an option to repair the shelves, just to replace.  But of course, it will happen again.

posted on November 22, 2009 at 12:31PM
 

Yep, the plastic part on my frig shelf broke as well!! Less than 1&1/2 years old.It's a big frig & therefore a lot goes into it! It can not handle the everyday needs of a family of 5.

posted on November 22, 2009 at 12:41PM
 

New technology, new plastics, new advances.

These are some basic reasons I recommend the MPA.

Those, and labor/hr fees...

posted on November 24, 2009 at 01:03PM
 

Epoxy. We purchase our Kenmore refridgerator 07/09. The liner has numerous cracks and we are told a service man will repair with epoxy. I'm glad yours has lasted almost 2 years...better than 2 months. Team management refuses to advise why product fails to hold up after delivery. Have always relyed on Sears and they're staff. No longer will I have faith in the products sold by Sears. I have attempted to contact various numbers and obtain names of someone to explain the poor craftman ship of product. I am told "your stuck with it"

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