Complain about a product or service

GE Microwave Ovens

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

Gregory of Fayetteville, NC October 8, 2009

I purchased a GE Microwaves, model number JVM1653BH01, serial number AH903501 in Sep of 2006. It was installed on Oct 1, 2006. Most of my kitchen appliances are GE products. The problem that I have with them is that my microwave stopped working within 5 seconds of starting into its cycle.

To my surprise when I googled it, the answer to what was wrong was there and it had been reported in the past by other consumers. Bingo, the Magnetron, which GE was aware of this problem, less call it the brain. But, instead of doing a recall to fix this problem, it appears to me that they decided to put a bandage on it and only own up to the consumers that inquired about this problem.

I called and scheduled to have my microwave serviced. They inform me that it would cost around 79.00 to have their GE Service Tech to come out to my home check out the problem and if the part is under warranty they would cancel the 79.00 fee, only if I decided to aloud them to repair the unit. Sounds reasonable or so I thought. The tech replaced the defected Magnetron, which carries a 4 year warranty on the original part, with their new Magnetron Kit. Plugged the information into his little lap top computer and printed out a bill for 185.15 for Labor.

If its not illegal for them to charge that type of fee for labor, then it should be. I am very disappointed in whats should be fair labor practices by GE for an American product. Now, you are wondering why some of our business are being send south of the border and overseas.

Gregory of Fayetteville, NC October 8, 2009

I purchased a GE Microwaves, model number JVM1653BH01, serial number AH903501 in Sep of 2006. It was installed on oct 1, 2006. Most of my kitchen appliances are GE products. The problem that I have with them is that my microwave stopped working within 5 seconds of starting into its cycle. To my surprise when I googled it, answer to what was wrong was there and it had been reported in the past by other consumers. Bingo, the Magnetron, which GE was aware of this item, less call it the brain. Instead of doing a recall to fix this problem, it appears to me that they decided to put a bandage on it and only own up to the consumers that inquired about this problem. I called and scheduled to have my microwave serviced. They inform me that it would cost around 79.00 to have their Service Tech to check out the problem and if the part is under warranty they would cancel the 79.00 only if I decided to aloud them to repair the unit. Cool, The tech replaced the defected Magnetron Kit, which carries a 4 year warranty, plugged the information into to his little lap top computer and printed out a bill for 185.15 for Labor. Well, kiss my grits. Some body has bumped their head. If its not illegal for them to charge that type of fee for labor, then it should be. I am very disappointed whats should be fair labor practices by GE for an American product. Now, you are wondering why some of our business are being send south of the border and overseas.

Kim of Goose Creek, SC October 7, 2009

New built home installed with GE range and overhead microwave. Manufactured March 2008, the home was completed and closed on June 2008. It's October 2009 and doesn't work. Microwave won't heat, but turns on. Over 1 year warranty. GE will come out for 79.96 then give an estimate of repair labor/cost. We will loose 80.00 if it's determined to costly to repair. No thanks. After reading all that is here on this site, we will purchase a different brand. Seems they are making junk these days. We are currently using a counter microwave that is ancient non-GE product and seems to work just fine. Amazing, new and improved?

Diane of Winston Salem, NC October 6, 2009

We purchased a brand new GE microwave from The Home Depot on Hanes Mall Boulevard in Winston Salem NC in January 2007. It is Model #HVM1540DN1WW, Serial #VM901130B. During the past 3 months certain buttons began not working properly. The number pad for example did not work - if we used it we had to hit the "30 sec." button several times to get the time we needed.

Now within the past week, nothing on it works. Nothing. Is there a recall on this model? It wasn't a cheap microwave. I would have expected better from GE but after reading the other entries on this site, I guess not! Will throw out with the trash and get a new one I guess.

Mark of Claremont, CA October 2, 2009

Purchased new at Home Depot 2007 for use in second home. Used 2 months- August and December 2007. Next time used was August 2008 when it makes buzzing noise when turned on and shuts down at about 3-5min of operation. After a few minutes (?cooling?) it is able to be operated again until the same thing happens. Home depot does not service and there are no GE servicemen in the area.

William of Galloway, OH September 29, 2009

I got a new GE spacemaker microwave oven installed in my house that was built summer 2007. I came home from work at 7 in the evening n wanted to warm up sum dinner. Everything ran fine but it would not heat the food. I had no idea what was wrong. After a little research on the web I had an idea. The cost of the repair seems to be in the neighborhood of 300. I cannot believe that this thing has failed after 2 years. I have never had any microwave I have had stop working. My mom has one that is over 20 years old! After reading several posts on here, I think I am just gonna buy a different brand and toss this one in the recycling bin.

NANCY of SIMPSONVILLE, SC September 29, 2009

GE Sensor Microwave: Arching and shutting off. GE Profile Downdraft Vent System: Up/Down button has detached and unit cannot be turned on. GE Profile Dishwasher: Clean button will not turn off.

Rakesh of Bogart, GA September 28, 2009

I bought my GE sensor microwave in July 2008. From the beginning it would not heat foods properly, i.e., it took twice as long as with the new microwave to heat than it took with the older one that we had. This sensor microwave would also stop heating if we had several items to reheat and after one or two items, it would stop heating.

On September 23, 2009, the microwave started making rattling sound, did not heat the product and I smelled burning insulation. The one year manufacturers warranty had just expired in July 2009. I replaced my GE microwave oven with a Sharp brand. This time I made sure that I do not buy a GE appliance.

delores of seward, PA September 28, 2009

We bought a GE Microwave Oven, Model #JES1288SHO3, Serial #SL900910M, on 4/22/07 at Lowe's for 199.28. In July 2009, the microwave started arcing. Since it only had a one-year warranty, and we didn't get an extended warranty, I knew there was probably nothing we could do about it.

I called GE and was told I would have to schedule a service appointment, but when I asked for the price of the service charge, they couldn't tell me unless I set up an appointment. I didn't set up an appointment. The microwave didn't arc all the time at first, but since late August it started it doing it frequently. We removed it from our kitchen because we were afraid to use it anymore. Then we heard on the news other consumers were having the same problems we were having. On September 16, I e-mailed GE and got reasons why my oven would arc. Of course, none of them was the reason it arced. On September 20, we went to Lowe's to ask if they had heard from GE about problems the microwaves were having. The salesman said no-they weren't aware of anything.

If we had bought the extended warranty from Lowe's, they would have taken care of it. I think I've only had 3 other microwaves during my 35 years of marriage. They all lasted a lot longer, and they never arced like this one.

Nina of West Sunbury, PA September 25, 2009

I purchased a GE Spacemaker Microwave to replace one that was only 3 years old. The original one started to have a mind of it's own - turning itself on and off when no one was operating it. The replacement model is 1 year old and it too has started to turn itself on. I am afraid to keep this microwave because of this problem. I am concerned that if the motor would get too hot it may catch fire.

Until I can replace this microwave (which being built in is a pain in the neck to replace), I have to unplug it everytime I leave. Unplugging it involves getting up on a step stool to reach in the back of the cupboard to enable me to reach the cord! I have always preferred G E, but after 2 of these spacesaver microwaves, I will switch brands. Electric bill is higher becuase of the microwave running without physically being turned on.

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.