Problem Solved is a weekly consumer column that fixes reader problems. From broken laptop computers to faulty kitchen appliances, nothing is off limits for this feature. Each story brings a fresh problem and solution in an engaging and succinct Q&A format.
Mike Tarallo pays a fixed rate to repair his refrigerator but gets endless delays, false diagnoses, and a canceled service visit. Can Frigidaire and its parent company, Electrolux, thaw this ice-cold mess?
Hien Shields faces an $18,926 bill for emergency spinal surgery after Anthem Blue Cross and its partner Carelon point fingers over authorization. She’s made 80 calls over 21 months – but with the insurer’s two-year claims deadline looming, can anyone fix this?
Alex Cashman-Rolls faces a $500 cleaning fee from Hertz after returning a rental car he used with a registered service animal. Hertz claims the charge is for “excessive” hair, but Alex argues it’s unreasonable under federal law and lacks proof of actual costs. Will Hertz back down?
Bruce Gerencser can’t access his Amazon account after changing his phone number, leaving two-factor authentication tied to his old number. Despite making calls for six weeks, submitting his ID three times, and sending emails to executives, he hits a wall with Amazon’s customer service.
Cynthia Alviso’s new Frigidaire wall oven fluctuates between 35 degrees below and 60 degrees above its set temperature, ruining her baked goods. Despite four repair attempts, it’s still broken. Frigidaire insists the oven works properly. Can she get a refund?
When Simone Zeno can’t attend a j-hope concert because of a family emergency, StubHub agrees to refund her purchase. Then it backtracks and refuses to return the money. Can it do that?
Amber Lise is trapped in an eight-week ordeal with Best Buy over a malfunctioning microwave oven. Best Buy repeatedly denies her exchange request. Is there a way to change its answer?
When Christi Barguig’s concert is canceled, StubHub offers her a refund. Then it sends the money to the wrong person.
George Cleveland cancels DirecTV, but it hits him with a $40 fee 10 months later. Can a company charge you for a fee it never mentioned?
