Complain about a product or service

GE Microwave - Heating Unit Failure

GE Microwaves • Fires • No Heat • Other Problems --- • GE Microwaves Prone to Spontaneous Fire, Suit Claims • GE, Kenmore Recall Microwave Combo Wall Ovens

Ruth of Carrollton TX (1/29/05):
I bought a GE spacemaker jvm1440 in Nov. 98. In July 2003 it made a popping sound, smelled as if something was burning and afterwards did not heat. I did some studying and felt it was the magnetron tube even though this is a part that should last many many years. Upon calling the GE service number I was told the service call alone would be $146.95 but the tube was warranted.

So I called other service companies whose service call ranged from $79.00-110.00 but not one did warranty work on GE microwaves. Since I felt pretty certin that it was the magnetron tube, I felt I had no choice but to use the GE service company and pay the outrageous service fee. The magnetron tube was replaced and I paid $159.07.

Now, January 2005, the same popping sound has occurred and the unit is not heating. Evidently this is a common occurance with the GE Spacemaker so I am choosing to not even call for service but to buy another non-GE microwave. It makes no sense to me to pay another $150-160 to repair something that I can buy for $200-300. I would feel differently if GE would admit there was a problem and make some restitution.

Alexis of Woodbridge VA (1/8/05):
Our GE JVM1660 profile spacesaver microwave oven lasted a little over 3 years and then quit working. First it lost all power and then the electronics came back on but it won't heat at all. I hope that GE corrected the problems in their newer models!

Todd of Ayer MA (12/17/05):
I purchased a GE Advantium Spacemaker microwave($600) on 11/1/04. The unit worked for four days and died. GE said a service contractor would call and come out. No call. I called them and they said they told GE it would take them 5 weeks to be out. Two hours on the phone and someone made it out a week later. They fixed it on Wednesday, it worked for ten minutes. They fixed it again Thursday, it worked for ten minutes, died again and it smells like an old electric train set. This is lame.

John of Redmond WA (12/11/04):
First the GE Spacemaker Microwave oven stopped functioning properly. The vent fan and the surface lights went "south" and then the microwave started to overload the circuit breaker. Now the GE oven is not functioning. The electronic control unit for the oven just died. The range still works, but how long will that last?

Keith of Keller TX (11/30/04):
Microwave, JE1640, 3 yrs old today. Started to buzz and emit an acrid smell of burning wires. Will not call GE because it's easier to buy a new product than to wrestle with a company ... less aggravation.

Donald of Las Vegas NB (11/23/04):
I bought an Advantium 120 microwave. It stopped working. They sent out tech and can't get parts for it. It's been 2 months. The tech that came out called in and told them to bring an exchange out. They keep giving me the runaround. I paid $800 for it and can't even use it.

Carolyn of Monongahela PA (11/17/04):
I have a GE microwave model jvm1660. It is not even two years old and it stopped heating. The warranty is only one year. The service guy said it was the magnetron tube. I went on the internet to see if there were others with this problem and to see if there was a recall. There are many. It is a defect in the jvm1630,1631,1640,1648,1650,1651,1660,1661. So I called the 800 number because I read that the magnetron is covered for ten years.

The operator tells me that I have to schedule a GE repairman and that the service call and labor are not covered. Are they insane. The cost of a GE repair man and labor would be about three microwaves. I did ask the service person about the fact that these fail in numerous microwaves and she claims to never have heard about such a problem. Maybe the GE people need to look around the internet a little.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2003-2009 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.    The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission.