US consumers who have recently purchased a Bosch brand microwave, or an oven also of the same brand, have the opportunity to claim up to $400 in case they have had problems that resulted in malfunctions of the household appliance, as demanded in a recent class action settlement.
The lawsuit was filed against Bosch, and alleges that certain models of microwaves and combination ovens are equipped with defective control panels. These panels can fade, darken, become illegible or fail completely, causing inconvenience to users and difficulties in getting them to work properly.
Products Included in This Class Action Lawsuit Against Bosch
Not all microwaves and ovens are included in this class action settlement. There is a specific list of models that qualify for payment. The specific products affected by this defect include the microwave and oven models combined with the model numbers:
- HBL5751UC
- HBL8751UC
- HBLP751UC
- HMC80151UC
- HMC80251UC
- HMC87151UC
To verify if their appliance is one of those affected, consumers should compare the model number and serial number of their product with those listed in the agreement.
Bosch Will Pay $2 Million to Those Affected
Bosch has agreed to establish a settlement fund of up to $2,000,000. This fund will cover reimbursements of up to $400 for documented out-of-pocket costs related to screen failures.
In addition, the company has agreed to have a three-year extended service plan from the date of purchase, in which Bosch will replace any defective control panel that experiences screen failures. The settlement administration expenses and legal fees will also be paid from this fund. If the total of the claims exceeds the available fund, the payments will be adjusted proportionally.
Those Who Qualify May Receive a $400 Payment From This Class Action Settlement
Consumers who can prove the ownership of an affected product and the failure of the control panel can claim benefits under the following levels:
- Level 1:
- Reimbursement of up to $400: For out-of-pocket costs related to the control panel failure, provided the appropriate documentation is submitted.
- Three-Year Extended Service Plan: Bosch will replace any defective control panel that fails within three years of purchase.
- Level 2:
- Three-Year Extended Service Plan: For consumers who experience display failures in the future, Bosch will replace the defective panels for three years from the date of purchase.
A Single Requirement to Request Payment
The only thing you need to comply with is to prove that your appliance has a valid combination of model number and product serial number. This is done with documentation proving the purchase of the new product, acquisition as part of a purchase or remodeling of a house, or receipt as a gift.
If there is no documentation available to prove the failure of the control panel, such as photographs, communications with Bosch, service tickets, quotes, invoices, or sworn statements from technicians, a signed statement can be submitted under oath. In his absence, you can also submit a document proving out-of-pocket expenses related to the repair or replacement of the affected panel.
Don’t You Agree With the Settlement?
Consumers must submit their complaints to CPT and/or request repairs from Bosch within ninety days of the screen failure. Class members whose extended service plans have expired before the effective date have 120 days from this date to file a claim.
Bosch will provide the replacement of the VFD control panel through its existing warranty process or by monetary compensation for spare parts and labor, up to a maximum of $250. Find more information in the official website of the class actions settlement.