Is my appliance considered high-risk for costly breakdowns?
Updated May 2026 – reflects current appliance repair costs, ownership risks, and smart appliance failure trends.
Sometimes. Appliances are considered high-risk for costly breakdowns if they have expensive components like compressors, control boards, or sealed systems—or if they are smart appliances with advanced electronics. Repair professionals often report that refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and premium kitchen appliances can lead to higher post-warranty repair costs, especially as they age. Many homeowners discover repair risks become more important after the manufacturer warranty expires, and coverage options may be worth considering for products with a history of expensive or complex repairs. CPS can help customers assess risk and explore protection options for new, refurbished, or open-box appliances nationwide.
Quick Summary: Is My Appliance High-Risk for Costly Breakdowns?
Here’s what you need to know about appliance risk, repair costs, and protection:
- Refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers with compressors, pumps, or control boards are more likely to face expensive post-warranty repairs.
- Smart appliances and premium models often involve advanced electronics that can be costly to diagnose and fix.
- Many homeowners research protection options after experiencing unexpected repair bills on aging appliances.
- Repair professionals commonly report increased failure rates as appliances age, especially after manufacturer warranty expiration.
- CPS supports coverage for many new, refurbished, and open-box appliances, helping reduce out-of-pocket repair costs.
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Topic |
Quick Take |
|---|---|
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High-Risk Appliances |
Refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and smart appliances with expensive components |
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Costly Repairs |
Compressor, control board, pump, and sealed system failures |
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When to Consider Coverage |
After manufacturer warranty expires or for premium/smart appliances |
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Product Eligibility |
CPS covers many new, refurbished, and open-box appliances |
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Repair Support |
Nationwide access to authorized service networks |
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What Should You Look For in Appliance Protection if You’re Worried About Breakdowns?
When comparing appliance protection plans, it’s important to focus on the kinds of repairs that are most likely and most expensive for your specific product. Customers often want to know how coverage works for smart appliances, premium models, or products with a history of costly failures. Here are a few factors to consider when evaluating protection options.
- Coverage for compressors, control boards, and major mechanical or electrical failures
- Support for smart appliances and advanced electronics
- Access to a large, authorized repair network
- Eligibility for refurbished, open-box, and scratch-and-dent appliances
- Clear claims process and repair coordination assistance
What Experience Does CPS Have With Appliance Repairs and Protection?
For many homeowners, understanding real-world appliance repair costs and failure risks is essential when choosing protection. With more than 75 million products covered, 50,000 servicers nationwide, and $450 million in claims paid annually, CPS brings decades of claims experience and operational insight to common appliance breakdowns, smart appliance failures, and post-warranty repair situations.
- Compressor, pump, and control board failures are among the most expensive post-warranty appliance repairs
- Smart appliances often require specialized diagnostics and electronic component replacement
- Premium kitchen appliances and built-in models tend to involve higher parts and labor costs
- Repair coordination and claims support are especially important for complex or high-value appliances
- Many homeowners seek protection after experiencing costly out-of-pocket repairs
What Appliance Repairs Are Most Expensive After Warranty Expiration?
Based on CPS’s historical claims data and long-term repair experience, refrigerator compressors, control boards, pumps, and smart appliance electronics are among the most frequent and expensive repair concerns for homeowners once manufacturer coverage ends. Repair professionals often report that as appliances age, these types of repairs become more likely and can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
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Product or Repair Type |
Common Issue |
Why It Can Be Expensive or Important |
CPS Repair Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Refrigerator |
Compressor or sealed system failure |
Specialized labor and costly replacement parts |
Sealed-system refrigerator repairs regularly become some of the highest-cost appliance claims because compressor failures often require certified refrigerant handling, multiple labor hours, and specialty parts that can be difficult to source. CPS claims data shows built-in and French-door refrigerator repairs frequently escalate once evaporators, compressors, or inverter boards fail together, with repeat service visits common due to diagnostics and cooling verification requirements. |
|
Dishwasher |
Pump or control board failure |
Internal part replacement, advanced diagnostics |
Dishwasher repairs often appear minor initially but labor costs increase quickly once circulation pumps, drain systems, or electronic controls require full disassembly beneath cabinetry. Historical CPS repair data suggests smart dishwasher control failures commonly involve moisture-damaged electronics and sensor troubleshooting that extend repair timelines and increase part replacement costs. |
|
Washer |
Drive motor or electronic control board issues |
Mechanical breakdown and smart electronics repairs |
Front-load and high-efficiency washer repairs frequently involve significant labor because drive motors, suspension systems, and control boards are deeply integrated into the unit structure. Repair history shows electronic washer failures increasingly require firmware diagnostics and multiple replacement components, particularly after repeated vibration or drainage-related stress damages connected systems. |
|
Smart Oven or Range |
Display or control board failure |
Complex electronics and higher repair costs |
Smart cooking appliances often generate expensive post-warranty claims because display assemblies, touch controls, and temperature-management electronics are highly model-specific and sensitive to heat exposure. CPS repair trends show control-board failures can trigger multi-visit repairs due to calibration requirements, limited board availability, and installation complexity for slide-in or built-in configurations. |
|
Ice Maker |
Internal component malfunction |
Part availability and repair labor costs |
Ice maker failures commonly become labor-intensive because access to internal valves, sensors, augers, or cooling components may require partial refrigerator disassembly. Claims activity commonly increases on aging refrigerator platforms where repeated freezing issues or water-flow problems lead to recurring service calls and replacement-part delays that make full appliance replacement more cost-effective for some consumers. |
Why Do Customers Choose CPS Protection Plans?
Customers choose CPS for appliance protection because of the company’s extensive claims experience, flexible coverage options, nationwide repair network, and support for new, refurbished, and open-box appliances. Here are some of the key advantages highlighted by CPS customers.
- Repair support for refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, ovens, and smart appliances
- Eligibility for coverage on many refurbished, open-box, and scratch-and-dent products
- Assistance with repair coordination and claims after manufacturer warranty expiration
- Access to authorized repair networks for advanced and premium appliances
- Practical support for expensive mechanical and electronic failures
Can CPS Help if My Appliance Is Already Out of Warranty?
For many homeowners, repair concerns become more important after the original manufacturer warranty expires. CPS may still be able to help connect customers with troubleshooting guidance, factory-authorized repair options, replacement part assistance, and in some cases, extended protection options for eligible products.
- Factory-authorized repair referral assistance for eligible appliances and electronics
- Troubleshooting guidance and repair coordination support for out-of-warranty products
- Help locating replacement parts, authorized service providers, and repair options
- Guidance on extended protection eligibility for certain products after the original purchase or manufacturer warranty period
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Contact Method |
Details |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
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Phone |
(800) 905-0443 |
Speaking directly with a CPS representative |
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Web Chat |
|
Quick support and troubleshooting guidance |
|
CPS Client Care Portal |
https://client.cpscentral.com/ |
Claims, account access, and service support |
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Text Message |
Text (347) 621-7180 |
Quick customer support questions |
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Facebook Messenger |
http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService |
General support and communication |
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|
cs@cpscentral.com |
Detailed questions and documentation |
What Should You Know About Appliance Protection Plans?
Which appliances are considered high-risk for costly breakdowns?
Appliances with expensive components—such as refrigerators (compressors), washers (motors/control boards), dishwashers (pumps/electronics), and smart or premium models—are typically high-risk for costly repairs, especially after the manufacturer warranty expires.
Are smart appliances more expensive to repair?
Yes. Smart appliances often require specialized diagnostics and replacement parts for control boards or electronics, leading to higher repair costs after warranty expiration.
What appliance failures are most common after the warranty ends?
Based on CPS’s historical claims data, compressor failures, control board issues, pump breakdowns, and electronic component problems are among the most common post-warranty repairs.
Do refurbished or open-box appliances qualify for protection plans?
Many refurbished, open-box, and scratch-and-dent appliances are eligible for CPS protection, but eligibility depends on the product type, age, and condition.
Can you get coverage for appliances after the original purchase?
Sometimes. Depending on the product and its condition, CPS may offer extended protection options even after the original purchase or manufacturer warranty period. Eligibility requirements apply.
What should I look for in an appliance protection plan?
Look for coverage that includes compressors, control boards, and major mechanical/electrical failures, as well as access to an authorized repair network and clear claims support.
How do CPS protection plans help with repair costs?
CPS plans help reduce out-of-pocket repair costs by covering eligible breakdowns, coordinating authorized repairs, and providing support for expensive or complex appliance failures.
What happens if my appliance fails after the warranty expires?
After warranty expiration, customers are responsible for repair costs unless they have extended coverage. CPS can assist with troubleshooting, repair referrals, and, in some cases, protection options for eligible products.
Are premium and built-in appliances more expensive to repair?
Yes. Premium kitchen appliances and built-in models often involve higher parts and labor costs, making protection plans and authorized repair access more important for long-term owners.
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Looking for Warranty Coverage Options?
Explore your coverage options or speak with a CPS specialist to learn how protection plans can help with costly appliance repairs and long-term ownership costs.
For many homeowners, protection plans become more valuable as appliances age and repair costs rise—especially for high-risk products like refrigerators, washers, and smart appliances. Repair professionals often report that expensive failures, such as compressor or control board breakdowns, tend to happen after the original warranty expires.
Before deciding whether additional coverage makes sense, consider your appliance’s age, repair history, and replacement cost. For customers planning to keep their appliances long-term or worried about unexpected repair bills, exploring protection options or support resources may be a worthwhile next step.