Tumble Dryer broke down just after a year

Xuiryus

Hi all,

Last year we purchased a Hotpoint tumble dryer from AO.com and a few nights ago whilst we had a washing drying we heard this horrible snapping sound and scraping.

We immediately turned it off and it looks like some sort of metal wire or something has snapped behind the drum, you can see it hanging there.

We contacted Hotpoint but they said (regardless of the damage) it'll cost £120 just to get an engineer out to look at it, which we refused because the machine itself was around £200 and I don't believe we should have to pay out of our pockets for a machine that is clearly faulty and has broken through no fault of our own.

We attempted to call AO.com but their fun IVR system just forwards you to Hotpoint...

Can anyone help us, what are our rights? Are we entitled to a replacement or a free fix? We did not purchase an extended warranty because quite simply we did not expect a tumble dryer to break down after only a year with a very light use.

unholyangel

I suspect given past threads on here about ao.com that they won't be forthcoming at all. Which means you may need to obtain an independent report stating that the nature of the fault is inherent (the cost of which you could reclaim from ao.com if the report finds in your favour).

But try approaching them first to see what they say. Alternatively, if you paid by credit card then try approaching your card company about a section 75 claim (which makes the creditor jointly & severally liable). They might require a report also but you never know unless you ask.

Hoof_Hearted

I think over a year on, it may be difficult. When you buy white goods it's worth checking John Lewis as well, as they often have free extended warranties.