For over 18 months, Candy appliance owner Michael has been trapped in a frustrating cycle of broken promises and unresolved safety concerns regarding his malfunctioning tumble dryer.
The problem began when Michael discovered his Candy dryer, purchased for £300, was affected by the same safety issue that prompted a major recall of Hotpoint models in 2019 - a fault that could cause the machine to overheat and potentially catch fire.
The Safety Risk That Started It All
"When I contacted Candy, they acknowledged the fault but claimed they couldn't repair it due to parts unavailability," Michael explained. "They offered me a £50 discount on a new machine as compensation for a known fire hazard."
The situation highlights a significant gap in consumer protection. Despite the known danger, manufacturers aren't legally required to maintain repair parts for specific periods after sales cease.
A Growing Pattern of Consumer Frustration
Michael's experience isn't isolated. Consumer champion Which? has identified this as part of a troubling trend where manufacturers discontinue support for products with known safety issues.
Key concerns raised by consumer advocates:
- Manufacturers ending support for potentially dangerous products
- Inadequate compensation offers for safety-related faults
- Lack of legal requirements for parts availability
- Consumers left with unusable or unsafe appliances
The Compensation Dilemma
When Candy finally increased their offer to £150 after media involvement, Michael found himself facing a difficult choice: accept insufficient compensation or continue his fight.
"It's not just about the money," Michael stated. "It's about holding companies accountable for selling products with known safety defects and then abandoning customers."
What Consumers Need to Know
Consumer rights experts emphasise that customers facing similar situations should:
- Document all communications with the manufacturer
- Report safety concerns to relevant authorities
- Seek advice from consumer protection organisations
- Consider legal options if reasonable resolutions aren't offered
The case raises important questions about manufacturer responsibility and whether current consumer protection laws adequately address safety-related product failures.
