Warranty

Standard: Washer: one year, parts and labor; five years, transmission. Dryer: one year, parts and labor.
Extended: Washer: $100 to $130 adds four years of coverage on parts and labor, plus trip charges. Dryer: $100 to $130 adds three years of coverage.

Common Problems

Frequently overloading a washer can break the motor coupling, says Robert Rucco, owner of Call Roberts, an appliance-repair business in White Plains, New York. The number one thing to break on a dryer is the belt. Repairing or replacing either part costs about $100.

Is It Worth It?

No. “Washing machines average only two repairs over the 10- to 12-year life of the machine,” says Rucco. Also, washers are slightly more likely to break in the second five years of ownership, when the typical extended plan has expired. A dryer belt should last about 10 years.