WORLD SMALL APPLIANCES

Legally speaking, can a manufacturer get away with discontinuing a product and not provide replacement parts?

I am referring to Maytag Dryer Model Number MCE8000AYW, a dual chamber dryer with a steam and non-wrinkle feature in the upper chamber. I need part number 31001666, the heating element for the steam portion, but can’t find it anywhere. Apparently, Maytag/Whirlpool discontinued the product in Sept. of this year. I bought the dryer less than four years ago for approximately $1000 at a retail store in Maryland. From searching the internet, other people with similar experiences have been offered nothing more than a fifteen percent off coupon for the purchase of a new Maytag dryer (ARE YOU KIDDING ME? AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE?). Can they really get away with this? Is there any applicable consumer law on this issue, either state or federal, with any teeth?

If your dryer is not under warranty, which I’m assuming it’s not because standard appliance warranties are for about a year, there is nothing you can do, legally speaking.

As far as finding the part, you could post your needs on sites like craigslist.com and see what you can come up with… but Maytag is not going to do much for you. If you don’t want to look for the part, I would take whatever they are offering you – discount coupon or not. )

Sorry.