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General discussion

Mitsubishi DLP Television WD-57831 Class Action Lawsuit

Jul 25, 2007 11:43AM PDT

Hello,

Is anyone interested in getting in on a class action lawsuit against Mitsubishi and their (known?) defective DLP televisions? I've seen numerous posts regarding lamps, ballast boards, DLP engines, total rebuilds, poorly assembled thermistor sensors, air flow problems, useless repairmen, etc. etc.

I too am experiencing the joy of making 3 Diamond Card payments as well as HD cable programming payments all for a television that stopped working back on June 30, 2007 and has had 2, now a pending 3rd, unsucessful attempts by incompetent "authorized repair centers" to fix it. ITS ONLY 6 MONTHS OLD!!! Randomly replacing parts without performing electronic troubleshooting is totally unacceptable.

Anyway, please let me know if anyone would be willing to sign some papers and get this thing going.

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Third Repair in just over a year
May 8, 2008 1:42PM PDT

Well, just had a repair guy out for the third time in about 18 months. First time was the under rated Capacitors on the DM board. the next time was a blown cap on the FMT board, this time it was about 18 caps and looks like the FMT board is fried. Power surge you say, nope, I've got one of those home theater power conditioners, and all the other components are just fine. I am VERY disappointed in Mitubishi over this whole episode. This repair guy has probably logged 40 man-hours on my TV alone, and from what he says I am not his only peeved Mitsubishi owner. So, now I am looking at replacing the whole core or buying a new TV. Mitsubishi should have recalled this model as soon as these issues started popping up. If there is a class action suit out there I'd love to be a part of it. The parts have not been bad, but the labor charges are killing me, and I am sure this guy is getting tired of spending days at a time sitting on the floor of my living room.

Sign me up too!

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Re: Class Action
May 4, 2008 4:51PM PDT

I have a Mitsubishi WD-52631. I have had it now for 13 months. I have all the same problems that comes with a Mitsbishi. TV turns off. when I get it to trun on, I have no picture then in about three minutes, it turns off again. I would like to be in the class action lawsuit for a full refund or a new TV one other then Mitsubishi. Thanks

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Thermal Sensor?
May 4, 2008 10:41PM PDT

Sounds like you may have a thermal sensor problem.

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Sounds right....
May 6, 2008 12:10AM PDT

If that's the case you can call Mitsubishi and they will have it repaired at their expense. It's listed on their site, and I believe they are offering an additional 2 years on the standard 1 year manufacturer's warranty. (FOR THIS TYPE OF REPAIR)

I had this problem initially. It's a 15 minute fix.

Good luck!

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Cripes! Count me in.
May 7, 2008 1:21PM PDT

I feel as though I have fallen victim as well. I purchased a WD-62628 for about $1,600 only 8 months ago. One day I turned it on and there seems to be some sort of bar code down one side and the picture looks like a comb ran through it. The place I bought it from said it only had a 30 day warranty. They told me the would take a look at it so I took it to them. Four months later they tell me that it has a bad light engine and it would be over a grand to fix. I went and picked it up and really feel crappy. I wish there was something I could do.......


Scott

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New?
May 8, 2008 12:44AM PDT

Was it brand new? If so then it has a 1 year warranty through Mitsubishi.

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mitsubish lawsuit
May 9, 2008 11:28PM PDT

I too have had problems with my Mitsubishi WD-57831. I had to replace 3 bulbs and finally got a service provider who replace the power control along with the bulb. I do not know how long it will show this time. I am definitely interested!

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TV Troubles on Chicago's NBC5 News ...
May 10, 2008 1:48AM PDT
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Can you believe Mitsubishi's audacity?
May 10, 2008 2:36AM PDT

Thanks for posting the TV clip. I watched it and was totally amazed, although I don't know why I should be, that they say they work with each request of trouble immediately! Obviously, they're not reading this forum AT ALL! There have been some really helpful tips posted on this issue in the last few months - I hope that we all survive our televison problems. We also think seriously before turning on the "big" TV. If we're only going to be watching for an hour or so, we choose to watch the old Mitsubishi(12+ years old) so that we prolong the bulb life of the new one. SAD,SAD, SAD!

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federal magnusson moss
May 10, 2008 10:54AM PDT

federal magnusson moss law

If it breaks down 3 times within a warranty time frame they cannot fix it again for the 4th time as they must replace the product with a new equal or better product.

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WDY57 DLP Mitsubishi tv, Include me in class action lawsuit
May 11, 2008 3:53AM PDT

Bought our WDY57 back in 01-07-07 with extended warranty. The set is 16 months old and after 5 lamps 1 balast its out again. Mitsubishi say's its not considered under the lemon law because of the lamp burn out. I , would like the rest of the people, like a new tv because it is a big lemon. Sign me up too!

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Bulb?
May 11, 2008 7:53AM PDT

I don't think the bulb would count under the lemon law since it has to be replaced every 4,000 to 6,000 hours. However, as I understand it there is currently a class action in California regarding the bulb issues and thermal sensors. While another class action Lawsuit in California is regarding the TV's produced from sometime in 2005 to the Middle of 2006 are not really 1080p TV's.

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TV Problems
Jan 20, 2009 10:45AM PST

I have a tv problem which some how is very bad. I too owne a Mitsubishi wd 57, The other day it shut off and has not turned on againg. What the tv does is, turns on for about 20 secs with the audio only to hear, no pics. I've done some of the internet searched
and seams to me that I'm not the only one with this problem.

Is there anyone I could talk to, other than the idiots at mitsubishi management?

Please Help before i loose it!

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RE: TV Problems
Jan 20, 2009 8:44PM PST

You actually spoke with management at mits? Was it in California?

Sounds like its your chasis board is bad. Or it could be a DM Module gone bad. Either way if its under warranty you need to get mits to take care of it. And if its not under warranty you need to keep complaining to mits about fixing the problem.

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Class Action Suit
May 11, 2008 12:42PM PDT

Please include us! We purchased out Mitsubishi WD-57831 in April 07. Didn't use TV awaiting the arrival of our new Wall Unit for 2 months! Now have a bulb OUT.... Can't believe cost of bulbs. Wish we would have done more homework up-front! Please send me any info you can regarding the possible class action lawsuit. We want to signup as well...These people have ripped us off! Send to jimmel1@cox.net. Thank You. P.S. In the meantime, do you have any ideas on best pricing for a bulb????? UGH!

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Bulb
May 12, 2008 12:00AM PDT

Just buy the bulb and not the complete housing which should cut the cost almost in half. Try searching EBAY for the bulb.

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Mitsubishi V26 chassis (1st gen DLP) capacitor failures
May 12, 2008 12:05AM PDT
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STATUS UPDATE .... Mitsubishi WD-52725
May 12, 2008 4:54AM PDT

Well, after being on my 3rd replacement bulb and in addition, having the Thermal Sensor on my WD-52725 replaced, today my TV was returned by the Home Theatre Store (where I purchased the TV) and the entire DM Module (chassis) was replaced. THANK GOD WE PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN WE BOUGHT THE TV (for $3100) IN JAN., 2005! According to the receipt presented to us today by Home Theatre Store, their charge to replace the chassis was $1,223.23 (including tax, labor and travel). Again, we did not have to pay any of this since we purchased the extended warranty. As of today (5-12-0Cool the picture is absolutely perfect and the TV appears to be working fine. However, I am not dumb enough to think this will be the end of our problems with this TV. From what I have been reading on this Board, there are also on-going problems with many other parts on the TV (fans, FM Module to name a few). Anyway, for now, the TV works but we are still interested in pursuing the Class Action Lawsuit against Mitsubishi. Just thought I would share this latest info with everybody.

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OH MY GOSH .... THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!!
May 12, 2008 10:40AM PDT

Well, I guess I spoke too soon. After getting our TV delivered back to us today (5-12-0Cool from having the chassis (DM Module) replaced, would you believe THE GREEN TIMER LIGHT IS ALREADY BLINKING?? The TV was turned off and I walked through room only to see the "blinking green light of death". As usual, I can't get the TV to turn on. I have already phoned our extended warranty people and they are coming out to deliver us a "loaner TV" on Friday (5-16-08), pick up our existing TV, and replace this (new) chassis with yet another one! Absolutely unbelievable. We are one of the lucky ones who purchased the extended warranty on this TV. I have added up what our out-of-pocket repairs would have been to date and they are $2,174.34 .... only $955 less than what we paid for the stupid TV!! The service tech suggested I call Mits Customer Relations to make sure they had a record of everything that has happened to date with this TV. I did so and they also asked me to put it in writing via an e-mail to mdeaservice@mdea.com. I wrote a lengthy e-mail detailing all the problems with the TV so it will be interesting to see what type of response I get, if any. At what point does Mitsubishi offer a refund of our $$ or the offer of a replacement TV of comparable value? This just beats anything I have ever seen .....

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Better Business Bureau
May 12, 2008 11:04AM PDT

you should file a complaint with the BBB. That is what I did at the beginning of this year due to all of the problems I have had with my wd-65732. I've gone through 2 light engines, 2 lamps, a temp sensor, and the light engine started to go out again this year which is why I filed my complaint. After getting the run around from Mitsubishi's outsourced customer service department, I found a number for their Irvine office. To make a long story short they are shipping me a new TV next week. It is the model that just came out. File the complaint and explain to them this is unacceptable and that you are going to go to your local news station with all of your complaints. That is what I did and now I am just waiting for my new set. By the way, the number for their Irvine office is on the BBB page after you look up MDEA. Make sure you have everything documented and you should be good to go.

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THANKS SO MUCH!!!
May 12, 2008 2:37PM PDT

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I filed a complaint (online) tonight with the BBB against MDEA and as I mentioned earlier, I e-mailed MDEA today detailing all the problems. Did you actually call the Consumer Complaint person @ MDEA in Irvine and speak to them (Vigil White) or did you just wait until MDEA contacted you? I have already called Mitsibushi's toll free # and talked to their outsourced customer service person (I was given a reference #) but they seems pretty complacent about the whole thing. I'm just wondering what's the fastest/most efficient way I can get a new, replacement TV for this LEMON I currently have. Please let me know if you think I should call MDEA-Irvine or wait for them to receive my BBB complaint and muddle through the complaint process. MANY THANKS!

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No problem!
May 12, 2008 10:38PM PDT

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have all documentation of your repairs. Mitsubishi will ask to have them faxed over along with your proof of purchase. Deal with the 800 number customer service for the next few weeks. Call and complain daily. They keep a record of their calls. After this call the 949 number that is under "more numbers" on the MDEA page of the BBB site. This is their Irvine number. When I called I talked to the receptionist and she took down all of my info and apologized. She said that ever since they outsourced their customer service to the Philippines they have had nothing but problems. A manager from Irvine should then call you. Tell them your story and that it is absolutely ridiculous you paid 3k for a TV that has had this many problems and complain about their customer service. They should then make a decision on your case over the next couple of days. Good luck! Also, what is the replacement policy on your extended warranty? Is it through Mitsubishi? If not ask them about it. The one I originally bought through Bankers said they would replace the TV after 3 repairs of the same part.

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VIGIL WHITE
May 13, 2008 12:24AM PDT

Hi gohorns1 --- Vigil White is who I spoke to as well and all he offered was a replacement bulb with a written guarantee that if it goes out within a year they will replace my set.....
Please keep us posted on whether or not you get a new set.. it will give everyone a reason to keep pressing on! Incidentally, I work for a large news organization in the 6th largest market in the country. I have forwarded this thread along with all my own history to our consumer reporter. I am hoping that we will do a good investigation on this soon... May sweeps are upon us!

Frankly I am amazed at your self control... i might have kicked a hole through the TV after what you just went through.

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VIGIL A CUSTOMER HATER??
May 13, 2008 3:46AM PDT

Hi there Mits-Hater. Thanks for the heads up on Vigil White. Sounds like a call to him would be a big waste of time. Just to update. I phoned my extended warranty folks this morning to alert them to what was going on .... that the chassis had been replaced and TV returned and then shut down completely in the same day. I also reminded the warranty folks that we were now only $955 shy of the repair totals matching the price of what I paid for this TV. The lady actually told me if there was another repair of any type, they would probably consider it a "lemon" and get me a new/replacement TV. Who knows if that would really happen? I still plan to continue to call Mits Consumer Relations and update them on the repair status so they will have record. So far, no response from my e-mail to MDEA or my BBB complaint. Anyway, where things stand now is the TV will be picked up tomorrow (5-15-0Cool and taken back to the repair tech and I will be delivered a loaner TV at the same time. Please keep me posted on your Consumer Investigation story .... seems like with all these disgruntled DLP TV owners, Mitsubishi needs to be FORCED to respond and compensate their customers for all the hassle, expense and frustration. Will keep you posted on any further developments .....

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Re: VIGIL A CUSTOMER HATER??
May 13, 2008 4:26AM PDT

If your TV has been fixed 3 times and is still under warranty it has to be classified as a lemon under the Federal magnuson-moss warranty act! A competent Attorney can not only get a refund or a new TV replacement, but also his or her Attorney fees. I know this because of a dealing with Gateway computers.

Mitsubishi has 2 class action Lawsuits against them in California for thermal sensor problems, bulb problems and the TV's not being 1080.

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BULB REPLACEMENT
May 12, 2008 5:29AM PDT

The bulbs are much cheaper if you buy it seperately. I purchased one for my WD-65731 Mitsubishi from River Valley Electronics for $116 plus shipping.(My 4th bulb in 15 months)It was easy to change. The only problem is that the new bulb lasted a grand total of 2 evenings and blew. To their credit, River Valley is replacing it. The real problem is Mitsubishi's design. The bulb gets way too hot. This is my third big screen TV, It's also my last Mitsubishi!

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Lamp Too Hot!
May 12, 2008 10:17AM PDT

Go to Radio Shack & purchase a Rotron Wisper fan. It's about four inches wide & around an inch high. The fan is not at all expensive. Connect a standard power cord to it and plug it into the switched outlet on your cable or sattelite converter box. There are holes in each of the four corners of the fan housing that you can put twist ties through. Tie the fan to the exhaust vent on the side of the TV. Remember to turn on the cable box first so that the fan can get up to speed!, then the TV. It does make a little noise but not enough to drive you nuts. Also it me be annoying to do but, Once every other week carefully remove the lamp housing (while cool) and without touching the lamp with your skin, clean out any dust on the screens with a can of compressed air. Believe me this prolongs the life of the lamp!!!!!

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fan
May 14, 2008 9:10AM PDT

Thanks psychosib002 for the tip on the fan. I run a Hdwe. store and spent a couple of hours today looking in Grangers catalog and a few other places for just such a fan, with no luck. Now I know where to get it. I appreciate the tip.

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HOW SAD IS THIS???
May 14, 2008 10:49AM PDT

Does everyone reading this not find it truly pathetic? We are now having to invest in supplemental fans to make our Mits DLP TVs run effectively? What a travesty it is that Mitsubishi has not already recalled these models and offered replacement televisions or refunds to the myriad number of people who are having these on-going problems! Mitsubishi has been aware of these defects in the DLP TVs for some time now .... at what point do they finally concede they sold a defective product to people?? Are we, as Mitsubishi DLP TV owners, expected to continue with this unbelievable hassle, inconvenience and expense?? Why isn't something being done by Mitsubishi to address these issues? Sorry for the rant .... I just can't believe it's come to folks purchasing supplemental fans to make their TVs operate correctly ... HOW SAD!!

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Mitshubishi (Flashing Green) light on WD-52725
May 15, 2008 3:45AM PDT

I had one of WD-52725 I purchased in Oct 2004 with extended warranty until Oct 2008. The television started having Intermittent problems with flashing green timer / red status light - then TV would not power on. Like you said THANK GOD I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY!!. The technican has come out numerous times and replaced 'everything' except the power cord... THIS IS %#$%# CRAZY FOLKS. When it comes to paying alot of money for something and it doesnt work, I am not patient. Back in February 2008 was the last time the technican came out to work on it for the 3rd time this year... I told him that I wanted a replacement set....PERIOD. He ordered a replacement chasis and 2 days later the warranty folks called me and said they would replace the set - NOW YOU TALKING. They replaced my 52 inch with a 57 inch Diamond Series - THE PICTURE IS FANTASTIC. They replaced it and they didnt want the defect one back. Would love to be able to get that one fixed if possible to use for a little while. LIKE MANY OF YOU - I WILL NEVER, NEVER, NEVER... BUY A MITSHUBISHI AGAIN...OBVIOUSLY THESE SETS WERE MANUFACTURED ON A 'MONDAY' OR A 'FRIDAY'.