Westinghouse 528L Bottom Mount WBE53 Series Questions & Answers

The fridge runs almost constantly (especially just after installation) with very short breaks. It is also very noisy and I regret the purchase of this fridge. It also does not keep correct temperatures, a crisper drawer freezes vegetables to death and at the same time the internal temperature within shelves is around 5 to 6 degrees which is too high.

I think go directly to Westinghouse.

That's what I'm trying to do....thanks.

("every website" = bing lee, jb, good guys, etc)

528L Bottom mount

Hi Dani, I go rid of this machine in the first two weeks due to the terrible noise it was constantly making. My suggestion would be to replace it.

I had a very bad experience with this model. Had to return it within a week.

Hi Verafitch, this is what happened to 2 fridges inside 12 months. The freezer is the first thing to go. The fridge wont last another 12 hours. Unfortunately, your fridge is dead. You will need to contact Electrolux for repair. They will have to take it away for repair. If you are lucky, they will give you a loan fridge. Electrolux replaced our fridge once, and then took the brand new replacement away for repair and then it died again. I demanded a refund from Electrolux. They instructed The Good Guys to give us a credit and we purchased a Fisher & Paykel that was $450 dearer and it is by far a superior product.

You’re right . The whole fridge is useless now. I live remote and Electrolux are saying they won’t fix it so they better give me some money for a new fridge!

Hi Susan, you’ve bought a lemon. That was what happened to us after a couple of weeks. Because it’s inside 30 days, you have the right to request a like for like replacement or a refund. We did the same thing. They gave us a brand new replacement 4 days later. This of course is on the basis you’ve bought it brand new from a retailer.

Hi never had any issues with frosting

I contacted Westinghouse directly and they sent a tech, who said to go to the store I purchased it from (Harvey Norman). they arrange for a new Fridge to be delivered as it was within 30 days. Check with the store you purchased it from first and may be a bit quicker . As this process took me 3 weeks and only after chasing it with Westinghouse. Nearly missed the 30 day cut off for a replacement. My replacement is working well.

Thanks I’m going to go back there tomorrow!

Hi Julie, Zaida from Electrolux here. We are sorry to hear you are experiencing problems with your 528L Bottom Mount Westinghouse fridge. We would love the opportunity to discuss the concerns you have raised. If you wish to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me at customercare@electrolux.com.au attention Zaida Ticket Number 1721833. Thanks Zaida

Hi! I had a similar experience with my fridge but apperently the fridge need some time to cool completely. My fridge is now often quiet. I would monitor it for a few days and maybe it tells in the booklet for how long it is common to run at the beginning?

Thank you

Hi Hiyantha, Denise from Electrolux here. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the concerns you have raised about the fridge.. If you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact me at customercare@electrolux.com.au attention Denise P ticket 1580602. Thanks Denise xxxxxxx

Never heard noises coming from our unit. Although it could be compressor still chilling down the unit. Best to call Westinghouse for a support callout under waranty.

Turns out my brand new fridge had a faulty compressor. Getting whole fridge replaced, service guy and customer service was great in sorting issue, haven’t received new fridge as of yet so can’t comment on performance of that one yet.

Open the door fully. Lift the drawer by initially supporting and lifting up from the front corners with your hands underneath, then, holding the drawer by its sides at the top, simply lift up. The runners can be easily seen as extending ones. Pull them carefully in and out to see how they work: this should help with understanding how to remove and replace. When replacing make sure the runners are fully out, and set the drawer down over the runners with the front end of the runners positioned as close to the front of the drawer as possible. Gently let the drawer settle onto the runners and press gently; there should be a slight click as they settle into place. Don't be heavy-handed with any pressing down. It's actually quite quick and easy once you're used to it.

Thanks for the info will try again don’t like to use any force but the runners are still very stiff.

Hi Steve e, Tania from Electrolux here. We are sorry to hear you are experiencing problems with your Westinghouse refrigerator. If you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact me at customercare@electrolux.com.au attention Tania . Please be sure to list the reference number 1262770 in the subject line of your email. Thanks, Tania

Contact the retailer you bought it from. They are responsible for any defective/faulty issues on items one buys in Australia, not the manufacturer. You do NOT have to contact and deal with the manufacturer, the retailer will liaise between you both IF necessary. Keep in mind more than 80% of Australian businesses are ignorant of Australian Consumer Rights and how the repair, replacement or refund process actually works.

Highly advisable to learn from the ACCC's website in advance if the need ever arises so you are well-prepared. Having a print-out with you for reference sake and/or to read aloud is wise as well. Speak confidently, calmly and assertively - not being a doormat or being aggressive. Help them understand your dilemma and that you need their help to resolve this, and they are obligated to do so according to the law. If they’re uncooperative, ask to speak with the general manager of the store (their boss) and insist upon it.

If they ARE the general manager, and still uncooperative, tactfully remind them that no one has to be further inconvenienced or lose precious time by dealing with a complaint lodged with your state’s government Fair Trading office. Because that is your last recourse if absolutely necessary. It’s much easier, faster and painless to organize an acceptable remedy right there and then for everyone involved. Remind them that customer loyalty is a two way street.

This WESTINGHOUSE 528L Bottom Mount Refrigerator automatically comes with a 2 year manufacturers warranty. Besides that, the Australian Consumers Guarantee (ACCC website) over-rides all warranties anyway.

A refrigerator is the most important appliance in the home and is naturally expected to have longevity longer than the manufacturer's warranty. Otherwise, for example they'd have to basically advertise 'this product will only last 2 years'. That's also why it's inadvisable and unnecessary to waste money on extended warranties, because you the consumer are already covered for this by the ACCC.

Reference from the ACCC's website external link 

"Warranties are separate from your automatic consumer guarantees. The consumer guarantees which apply regardless of any warranties suppliers sell or give to you, apply for a reasonable time depending on the nature of the goods or services. This means consumer guarantees may continue to apply after the time period for the warranty has expired." E.g. Quoted from the QLD Office of Fair Trading website: "If a product or service fails to meet a consumer guarantee, you have rights against the business to have the fault remedied. The type of remedy that you can ask for depends on whether the problem is classed as either a major or a minor problem.

A major problem with a product is when:

you would not have bought the product if you had known about the problem

the product is significantly different from the description, sample or demonstration model shown to you

the product is substantially unfit for its normal purpose, or for the purpose you told the business you wanted it for

the product is unsafe.

For a product, if the problem is major, you can:

reject the product and get a refund

reject the product and get an identical replacement, or one of similar value

keep the product and claim compensation for the drop in value caused by the problem.

For a major failure, you the consumer can choose which option to take. The business cannot specify which option you must accept.”

Remove everything inside the refrigerator temporarily to lessen the weight. Then adjust the wheels, etc.

Call the manufacturer! Rotate the front feet so they lower the fridge (and rotate upwards).