Sears Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Kenmore Washers May Cause Mold

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Irvin Jackson

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An appeals court has cleared the way for a class action lawsuit to move forward against Sears over problems with Kenmore washing machines, alleging that design defects may cause the development of mold in the clothes washers. 

On November 13, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago overturned a lower court’s ruling that denied plaintiffs attempts to establish a Kenmore washer class action lawsuit against Sears, Roebuck and Co. The decision will allow the claim to go forward as a class action.

The class action seeks to cover consumers from six states who filed breach of warranty claims against the company, including those from California, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Texas.

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According to allegations raised in the lawsuit, the Kenmore washing machines do not clean themselves properly, potentially resulting in mold growth. The affected washers were made by Whirlpool and sold by Sears under the Kenmore label.

There are about 200,000 Kenmore washers with the alleged mold problem sold each year, according to the appeal, and there have been many thousands of complaints involving bad odors reported by owners of the machines.

“Sears argues that most members of the plaintiff class did not experience a mold problem,” the appeals court stated in its opinion. “But if so that is an argument not for refusing to certify the class but for certifying it and then entering a judgment that will largely exonerate Sears – a course it should welcome, as all class members who did not opt out of the class action would be bound by the judgment.”

The court noted that every class member will have to prove they have an odor problem due to the washers in order to collect damages, but even those without a problem can still pursue breach of warranty claims in states that allow relief for “expected rather than for only realized harm” due to a product defect.

Tags: Class Action, Kenmore, Sears
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88 Comments

Kimberly
We got ours early 2015 and I always leave the door open and the drawer between each load. I’ve taken the hoses and clamps off and used a scrub brush to get the mold and slime out and the smell still doesn’t go away. The water hasn’t been draining and spinning out of my clothes for a long while now. I have even replace some parts underneath and the washer still leaks with every single use. I have a 4 person household and do not over load or abuse my appliances ever. For the money spent for a “decent” brand I’m not impressed that I haven’t got any more than 8 years with it working and functioning properly. In this day’s economy, who can afford that kind of appliance breakdown? This is why I went with sears Kenmore.
William
Mold inside washing machine also. Drain to the clorox slot also clogged, not sure what to do. Bought 6-7 yrs ago. Also my wife bought washer/dryer Kenmore as well 23 yrs ago and the plastic tub holding the stainless steel tub in place broke and now tub won’t turn. Also has mold issues too and drain issues on liquid items like clorox and washing fluid.
laura
I have to clean the mold and dirt weekly from my washer. We bought it in December 2011. Single older couple household, no heavy use. Our bleach dispenser also rusted out about 5 years ago, and of course I was told it was out of warranty. Now, I notice the white enamal part of the upper machine is starting to peel away also. This is ridiculous. Has anybody on this site had any help from Kenmore or through a class action suit?
Brent
Looks like black Mold inside my machine. It never goes away. I think I finally found the the cause of my breathing and allergies…! I thought I spent good money on a good machine. Looks like a disaster in disguise.
Suzanne
We have been sick. I have tried everything to clean rubber in sear front load wash machine
Sue
I can’t keep mold and mildew smells out of my kenmore elite washer and dryer I purchased from sears!!
JP
My front load washer smells moldy and musty. Yes I keep door open but the rubber around the front has what looks like mold in it. I have tried sanitizing it with that setting, cleaning it with bleach, I have put chlorine in like you said and my clothes still smell like mold. I cannot wash clothes for my family with mold in washing machine – waiting for their reply other than what they already told me above. This is a huge health issue for my family!
Tanya
I purchased an Kenmore Elite top loader washer in October 2017 and have had it repaired 3 times already costing me 250 to 300 each time and now it has stop working again. I have to keep disconnecting it to reset it. My dryer is not working properly either. It will dry for 2 hours sometimes, the sensor is not working anymore so i have to set it on time dry. I will never purchase anything Kenmore ever again. I had LG front loaders that lasted me 10 years and never broke down. I handed them down to my kids when they moved out it they worked for 5 more years after that. Is there any class actions suits for the top loader Kenmore Elite that anyone knows about.
Penny
Mold an Stenchy smell is my Kenmore Elite top loader washing machine 😳 There is NO WAY Kenmore did not know this problem existed, I cannot be the only one this machine MOLDS up on! My son in heating an cooling also works on machines said the design is crap an that’s why it is moldy an the Stench of an Awful smell! I thought Kenmore was tops. I deserve a new machine from them and let their executives use mine in their home for just 6 months? Why not… Argggg I can’t afford a new one, can’t afford not too??? Layaway I guess.
Joyce
Purchased Kenmore Steam Washer and had to keep unplugging to reset. When 1 year old had to replace user interface control board for $430! Now 1.5 years later same problem. This washer is the worst.
Jaime
I purchased my Kenmore Elite washer and dryer in 2012. My bleach fill is clogged and water just sits in there. I now have to pour bleach directly into my clothes. This issues has caused rust issues on the washer and damaged many of my clothes. In addition the washing machine is have trouble cleaning it self. I have smelled mold but thought it was an issue in the garage.
Richard
I purchased our Front loading Kenmore Elite Washer & matching dryer in November 2009. We have had the Washer and Dryer under a Sears Maintenance contract from the day it was purchased until a month ago, November 2017. We have had Sears maintenance come out annually and have been complaining about the mold and stench problems since the purchased these units. It continues to get worse. Neither my wife nor I was ever notified regarding any recalls on these units. Additionally we were never notified of any class action lawsuits being filed of which we should have been apart. I would like to know if we have any legal recourse.
Marie
We purchased our Kenmore set in 2008. Same story as everyone else. Musty moldy smell on my clothes as well as machine stinks too. I call customer service and get the run around. They will call technician to come out. NO THANK YOU!!! We cannot pay a tech. I sanitize with bleach as well as a vinegar wash many times. Still same stinky smell. Why can’t they believe us as to this problem and address it? Disgusted with Kenmore right now!!!!
Wanda
We purchased our Kenmore washer& dryer in 2007 & it still have the mold smell. I have rinsed it with bleach and the smell is still their. Every time I do laundry I wipe the inside out & leave the door open for hours or overnight.
virginia
Purchased a Kenmore front load washer aprx 2007 and within a yr or so – it started having a very unpleasant odor, cleaning it with recommended kit had no effect. The washer odor has become absolutely awful! It is so bad that it smells up whole room and NOTHING comes out smelling good – everything has a stench to it !!!! I was not aware of any class action until recently when some one mentioned it to me & I went on this page today. I never received any notification from Sears/Kenmore that there was a class action lawsuit ??? Can someone help ??? !!!
Wayne
The reason cleaning the tub and seal does not solve the mold odor issue is because the mold is also growing on the aluminum spider/bearing shaft assembly, which can only be accessed by removing the stainless tub assembly from the water-tight outer tub assembly (basically disassembling most of the washing machine). I recently disassembled my Kenmore front load washer to replace a howling bearing, and I found a dozen cast aluminum webbing pockets, around the spider bearing shaft, packed full of wash sludge…it reeked of mold, and I spent an hour digging out the sludge with an ice pick and a knife. The design of the cast aluminum spider enables sludge to build up and hold moisture, in a dark and inaccessible (without disassembling) area where mold thrives. It is a design flaw that should have been corrected years ago.
Dafney
I have noticed for a while that some of my clothes smell moldy when I take them out of my dryer after washing them in my front load Kenmore. Especially during the summer months. I have to put them in the dryer immediately and still, I sometimes end up having some of my clothes smell moldy. There is a compartment at the bottom of the washer that we are advised to clean. A black smelly (moldy) liquid comes out upon opening it. I never knew that there was a class action lawsuit until one of my friends notified me.
Gladys
We’ve had to leave the washer open at all times from day one. There is a terrible smell if not. The explanation that front load washers tend to do that is not good enough for me. Now the motor on the dryer has to be replaced. I’d like to get in on the class action suit please.
Pat
I purchased two front load washer and dryers in 2006, one for my daughter and one for us. Mold started from the beginning and continues, I cannot get the rubber seal clean. I keep the door to the washer open at all times other than washing clothes. I would never have another front load washer. I’d like to get in on the class action suit as well.
Pamela
My husband & I have spent thousands of dollar’s on sears appliances. Never, ever again! Sears has seen the last penny we will ever give them for (any item). We gave sears every opportunity to come hav
Ruth
Almost immediately after we purchased our washer I noticed a bad smell. I called service and when the technician came out he told us it was because we have the front load washer and they tend to do that. Told me I need to leave the door on the wager open so it can air out. No matter what I use to clean the washer it still has the bad odor. My fabric softeners do not help and sometimes I can smell that same odor on my clothes. I have always left the door open since the technician told me too.
tom
Purchased washer and dryer new in 2011, repairmen out several times, dryer steam not ever worked, repairmen said they knew they had a problem but had no fix. Washer scum and smell told to leave door open. Clean very thoroughly everytime it is used. Only use once a week. Will Never buy from sears again. Warranty just expired and they want over 250 each to renew, did renew once but no more. Why do consumers have to go through this when they pay so much for these appliances. Cant get repairmen for weeks, and when they come they all have different answers. Sears has gone down the tubes as far as I am concerned. Once it was broken up, the quality of service diminished as well as the products. Will contact Consumer Products Office this week. Reading reviews, this must be a answer the repairmen have to tell customers, because no matter what part of the country you live in the answer seems to be same for every problem. Missed out and wasn’t notified about any class action suit.
Dora
We bought our Kenmore front load washer in 2001 it continues to have black mold around the door. I have cleaned it with a product the was made just for this reason that is really gross. I clean with Clorox and leave the front door open when not is use. This is a problem and needs to be made right by all front load customers.
Patricia
We purchased a Kenmore Elite, front-loading automatic washer on July 23, 2012. Immediately we noticed a bad smell around the washer and after contacting the Sears store was told that was an issue with those washers and there was really nothing we could do to resolve it. Mold developes on various parts of the washer and the smell continues. We leave the door open when not in use but that does not help much as it makes the whole laundry room smelll. Sears needs to make this right with their customers.
baxter
model mle2000ayw serial 78238755et purchased 12/22/2004 maytag-neptune stacked washer/dryer continuous black mold on rubber gasket, smelly odor, black smudges on clothing after washes. Nothing seems to help.
Barbara
I bought a Kenmore Front load washer on 6/25/2010 and I took out a three year insurance plan. In that three years several repairman came out said it was my problem. I needed to clean it once a month I needed to wipe the rubble ring out every time I use it. The mold was all over my clothes I had to keep the door always open to keep the smell down. I paid $800.00 for that machine and it has ruined many of my clothes and if you catch the stains before you put them in the dryer you might be able to get them out but if you don’t you have to throw the clothes away. I hate this washer but can’t afford another one. I was told not to use liquid or downy. I tried everything but it still leaves black marks from mold on my clothes. Sears won’t admit the machine has a problem. Model number 796-40272900
David
Our washer has had a moldy musty smell almost from day 1 We had a tech out he showed us how we would have to clean our washer you got to be kidding its impossible to keep it clean even if you run the recommended cleaner it doesn’t work we have had our washer for 8.5 years any help would be great
Annum
We have a 2006 Kenmore HE4t washer and dryer. We called Sears/Kenmore warranty line in 2006 and 2007 to complain about a musty smell, mold, and clothing getting stuck in the machine. We have also complained in person at the local Sears stores for years. We have never been able to get this problem resolved. Can we still join the class action lawsuit?
beverly
my husband bought me the sears Kenmore elite set in 2014 and it has always had a terrible moldy,musty smell every load I wash.i use softetner extra tide and xtra water but the problem still exists.I called the 1-800 number and they told me straight up theres nothing they can help me with I just need to buy washer cleaner and let it run it’s cycle.I have still has not worked and my clothes still smell musty and stink straight from being washed.we paid almost $3,000.00 for this set and I am very upset it has never did the job it should.
Deb
Washer grows mold, no matter what I use to clean it. Also it rusting where the door leaks.
Betty
I purchased my Sears Washer and Dryer in 2006/2007. The slime in the washer is terrible. I am 72 years old now. I have cleaned and cleaned and cleaned and to this day I still have black slime in my washer. I am on a fixed income and cannot afford to replace this washer. I would like to join the class action lawsuit. Does anyone know how I can do this?
Marcus
i delt with that fungus problem for years. i heard on channel ll news in Houston Texas that sears was giving a rebate, but now I cannot find any thing.
sandy
bought my whirlpool washer and dryer set in 2001. 4 or 5 years later went back to sears to ask about the smell the slime under the seal and scum that builds up on glass of door and seal was told I was not cleaning it correctly that not only should I dry out washer,scrub rubber seal and leave door open that I should be using a washer cleaner monthly. Started doing so but washer still stinks. Daughter saw article and said guess we are not the only ones. Read settlement and all I made out of it was that sears was going to make a lot of money. Never thought to save my grocery receipts for 10 years, didn’t keep record of people who looked at washer nor did I document the dates and times I talked with sears- my bad. I did have sears in to look at washer (84.93) to replace boot and fill valve a shocking (462.32) that means I will have to pay Sears 547.25 to clean up but not fix their problem. and they only offer to refund 500.00
edith
I’ve purchased Kenmore from Sears. I have noticed mold and buildup in the pocket by the door. I have lost baby size socks during the wash. I think the tiny clothing get stuck around the washer drum. As for my dryer, I have to have the dryer run at least 1/2 an hour longer to dry my clothes. Therefore, the front load dryer is not saving energy.
Herman
We noticed the mold in our dryer shortly after my husband was diagnosed with mold in his lungs. We called Sears and had them come out and replace the rubber seal. We have to clean it every time with a damp cloth followed by a dry towel. We still do.
Victoria
I purchased my washer and dryer in 2006. I have kept the seal clean, used very hot water and bleach to run thru the cycle. My laundry room smells like a swamp. You need proof? Come over and smell it for yourself. The slime that builds up inside of the seal is gross and not that easy to clean.
claudia
no wonder… even the liquid softener never have the nice sense…
Edmund
I noticed some mold growth , a blackish color The only way to remove it is with soaking a towel with bleach, and using a scotch brite to clean the rubber seal . I just assumed it was an acceptable practice for cleaning. Very noticeable if clothing is not removed after washing.Saw FB posting needed to complain.
Joel
purchased A front loading kemore washer in 2003 all the cleaning in the world and leaving the door open, is a waste of time mold will start forming within a day or Two.
Sean
We bought our 4t back in 2006. Have had mold for years and musty smelling clothes. Always leave the door open when not in use. Tried cleaning solutions like Technofresh, Washer Magic, bleach, vinegar – no success. When we had our 2nd child, we decided to stop using typical laundry detergent and start using more environmentally friendly products, and now only use a natural detergent (Ultra Power Plus) and rarely get mold anymore. Washer still works well so no plans to replace it, but no way I ever buy an appliance from Sears again. As with many other posts here, their customer service is absolutely the WORST!!!
Michael
At least once a month have to run vinegar and bleach through my Kenmore washing machine model number 110.26002011, due to odor. Have to leave the lid open after every use or the odor and mildew smell builds up. Now noticing that the spin cycle isn’t even spinning completely, leaving the clothes about more damp and wet then what they use to be. Water leakage, needless to say this washing machine is going to be replaced. Very disappointed in the short time this machine lasted.
Paul
Purchased from Sears over 10 years ago. Front door seal/gasket darkly stained and odiferous. We thoughg it was just because it was a “front loader” which we never have had . Clothes smell musty and dank aftef washing.
Abigail
I purchased the Kenmore elite he4t set along with the pedestals cost about $3000 back in 2006 have had a problem with mold for years clothes has to get washed 2 or 3 times for it not to smell, had problems with the circuit board as well has been replaced, complained about the smell have had to wipe it down after each use after complaining and could never get a fix for it I had a tech guy suggest to spray it with vinegar and never close the door when not in use, After 10 years I have received a notice of a lawsuit on these appliances and the claim is for a settlement of $50 or 20% rebate on a new one. This is ridiculous. The washer needs to be replaced. As all the spraying with vinegar and bleach and wiping it down constantly leaving the door open (which is very dangerous when you have small children) the interior will never be cleaned the seal is moldy and stained the inside drawer where the detergent goes has mold all the way into the spout that sends all the soap to clean the clothes. Spraying wiping cleaning does not get to these spots. What do you do you cant afford to go spend another $2000 to replace it. Any suggestions…..?
susan
I purchased the Elite Kenmore front Loader Washer and Dryer as an upgrade in our new home in 2006, I also bought the pedestals. I have cleaned the washer many, many times as directed, I constantly clean the rubber inside with paper towels, it always has dirt on the paper towel. I have never closed the door after washing anything. ( I never closed my washer door when I had a top loader until it was completely dry) The rubber inside is black even after cleaning and now smells moldy. I was going to call and order a new rubber until I heard about the other comments, we did receive a post card about the Class action suit but didn’t think our number was listed until my husband copied the list and it was listed. I am going to take pictures but don’t know how they will be able to smell the mold unless they visit home. I would like instructions on what to do because we think the card was thrown away with junk mail. If you could reply, I would appreciate any help….Thank you Susan Kenney…..
samuel
purchased he3 and he3t set. washer has mold problems and ruined hundreds in clothes, random errors for no reason that come and go, locks up and wont unlock except manually after taking the front panel off. The dryer partially caught the lent trap on fire and had to replace the heating element and all sensors plus the main board which had signs of heat damage with the relays covered in in black burn marks, has always over dried the clothes to the point you could barley touch them.
Jose
We have the problem with mold around the seal of the washer. Need to constantly clean daily after every use. We leave the door open need to use Clorox to clean seal. Had to take clothes and re wash them in a regular up right washer to get the musty moldy smell out of the clothes. I would never, ever buy another front load washer from sears or any other company. Washer is only 5 years old and the rear tub bearings need to be replaced. Parts and labor to get this done is over 500.00 I had google and you tube the process for replacing the bearings OMG. The work required to do this is terrible basically you need to take the entire machine apart. Never again Sears, You got me for 1600.00 dollars. My wife has complained about this washer daily… keeping it clean, musty smell, the mold in the front seal, Really, I had the warranty in home for 3 years called them out several times to ask why it smells ,,, My even wanted to return it cause she was not happy.. I wish I could say I got my 1600.00 worth… Not..its made our lives miserable my wife and I argued constantly over this Machine.
Jan
I have the Kenmore Elite front load washer model 796-4102. It was purchased from Sears in December 2011. I regularly clean the glass, empty the drain hose, and clean the pump filter. I have used bleach through many cycles and used expensive cleaning products for the inside. The smell has gotten progressively worse despite my following all of the instructions. There is obviously a design flaw, as this type of maintenance should not be necessary. How can I join in the class action lawsuit? I want to be reimbursed for the washer so that I can purchase one that works the way is is supposed to.
Kimberly
I bought the Kenmore Elite 3t front loader 2006 I have had to replace the bellow (front seal 3 times in 1 year. The cost is 200 per bellow. I called they wouldn’t help me. My whites don’t look white at all. My bathroom floods when the seal break and floods my bathroom which has mold now on the baseboards. They said it was my fault. I check all clothing going into the washer so nothing is in the washer to hurt the seal. Literally the seal is thinner than a stick of gum. # times in one year they are making 600 just on seals from me. I don’t have money to throw away. I have mold I keep having to bleach. Don’t ever buy this product. Don’t waist your time calling either they just want you to spend more money on a repairman, seal, extra policy protection, just money money money for them. My white clothing is more like off white!!!
Susan
Same here, mold problems…deep into seal/gasket. How do I get in on the class action suit?
Elizabeth
I have the HE 3T, it has been the worse front load washer I have ever owned. I have owned several front loading washers, but hands down this one is the worse. From day one it has not washed properly, I do not believe enough water per load is filled. I called Sears and was told it has a sensor and knows how much to fill and will save water. My clothes smell, do not come out clean, I am constantly washing loads more than once. Where is the savings I am washing twice and using more electricity? I put the clean washer cycle on with bleach about once a month because of the smell, the rubber around the door is moldy, even though I wipe and leave the door open after washing. I get error messages all the time and then the machine starts working by itself. I cannot wait to buy another machine, I am tired of stinky dirty clothes.
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