Known fault with fridge..

zuroph

Bought a hotpoint Quadrio fridge ~2 years ago, about the same time as a friend of mine. Today they messaged me urgently telling me to check a wire at top left corner of door, that the wire on theirs had worn and snapped, breaking the fridge and becoming a potential fire hazard. they googled the problem and it turns up time and time again online, however theres been no product recall from hotpoint.
anyway, just checked my fridge, and sure enough, the wire is wearing badly, the insulation has already snapped. My friend contacted hotpoint and the offered
1) Pay for an engineer to come out for €114 (or €141 cant remember) for a once-off repair or 2) Pay €19.95 for 10mths for a years warranty which covers the engineer and if he can't repair it, they'll replace the fridge.

Surely this is illegal, as its a product not fit for its purpose and wearing dangerously in a very short space of time?

whats our next move?

pic attached is found online to illustrate the problem being widespread

wmpdd3

Under Irish law it could be considered illegal because you are entitle to a appliance fit for purpose. This fault would render you fridge unfit for purpose and the retailer liabile for damage to your house etc if it did go on fire.

Your contract is with the retailer, write to them asking for a remedy. They can offer repair, replacement or refund. I would presume repair after 2 years use without issue.

You can quote the 'Sale of Goods and Services act 1980'

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer_affairs/consumer_protection/consumer_rights/consumers_and_the_law_in_ireland.html

zuroph

Retailer is H Norman, contact at branch level or what?

dudara

I'd recommend starting with the store where the item was purchased - failing that, I'd go to head office.

finnegan101

its also worth checking the full ins and outs of the warranty...
ie... a electrulux fridge freezer has a 5 years parts warranty.... but if you purchase it from currys, the 5 year warrany is void after the first year........

axer

finnegan101 wrote: »

its also worth checking the full ins and outs of the warranty...
ie... a electrulux fridge freezer has a 5 years parts warranty.... but if you purchase it from currys, the 5 year warrany is void after the first year........

That doesnt matter here since the OP would be claiming under his/her statutory rights not the warranty.