Have read lots of similar complaints on front loaders, so you're certainly not alone. Our experience has been the opposite. Have had a Maytag front loader for 13 years, and haven't had a service call on it yet......knock on wood. I don't use the appropriate HE detergent. I spray his nastiest greasy clothes with Shout, and maybe rub in a bit of Dawn. Use a scoop of baking soda along with Tide in the dispenser on dirty t-shirts and most other loads. Haven't used fabric softener in years....put vinegar in the softener dispenser and choose the "extra rinse" option. Towels and sheets wash on sanitary cycle, which is super hot water, with a touch of Clorox. White underwear and sox get hot water and Clorox. It's worked here and I'll have another front loader when this one dies because we don't have room for anything else.