Sears/Kenmore
Kenmore Elite dishwasher control panel buttons cracked and fell off

Model 665.13419k701
Purchased Feb. 2008 & installed by Sears in March

We've been very happy with the dishwasher as it cleans well and is relatively quiet, however, over the past year the plastic around three of the control panel buttons has cracked, causing the buttons to fall off.

This model has a set of membrane switches on the front. It's a flexible plastic covering over the metal contact button underneath. It's cheaper than separate buttons and is supposed to offer a worry free experience.

So the plastic cracked almost 360 degrees around itself exposing the switch underneath. I understand that this membrane can wear out over time, however it shouldn't wear out in only a couple years of normal use. I estimate that this button has been pressed 500 times. The MTBF should be on the order of 10,000 presses on this type of button. Typically it take 10-15 years for the plasticizers to gas out and the plastic to become brittle. Here it seems neither condition is true and a defect in design has occurred.

The button panel is not a separate part than can be ordered, but comes as part of the Control Panel which costs $100.

Company: Sears/Kenmore
Country: USA

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