Shark NV680UKT

[dave]

6 months ago I bought a brand new Shark NV680UKT. I'm well aware that there are much better vacuums available with regards to durability, performance etc. etc. however the Shark met all of my requirements and I've been very pleased with it.

This evening I was giving it a wipe over after using it. I reclined the handle and went around to the front of the machine to wipe over the power head and noticed that the internal hose to the power head has split. This part of the hose is integral to the machine, so it's not possible for it to have become weakened or damaged by misuse or any other cause (I certainly wouldn't misuse any of my cleaners).

It's clear to me that this part of the hose assembly simply isn't up to the job of coping with the stresses caused by the flex movement in the neck of the cleaner. It could have been like this for months, I only noticed because I decided to give it a thorough wipe over.

I suspect that this is a common occurrence, but because this part of the hose isn't visible at all during normal use, it goes largely unnoticed. Has anyone else experienced this?

I have contacted Shark and am waiting for a response. I'm very angry and disappointed. I won't be buying another or recommending them.

 

[vacuumdevil]

Hope this helps

 

[ultralux88]

And nothing of value was lost!

 

[blackheart]

Seen it.

Yup, seen it on at least 4-5 units in the last year.

 

[henrydreyfuss]

That's a shame

I wonder if the joint for the swivel neck puts stress on the hose, causing it to tear. I'll have to check my Powered Lift-Away, which I've been very happy with so far (quiet, versatile, very powerful, and easy-to-maintain/empty). I understand most of these machines brand new carry a long warranty, and Shark seems pretty generous to ship out a new vac when they can't send a replacement part. I hope you're able to get it sorted out!

 

[dartman]

It has a 5 year warranty so as long as they actually stand behind it use it. If they fix or send you a new one and your still disgusted with it sell it off and get something else, good luck.

 

[ultralux88]

The main issue is they use stretching hose in there, so the hose is constantly under tension. The hose is made of a rather cheap material that tends to harden and get brittle over time and crack. It’s not really a fault of the design, it’s a fault of poor quality material. I see the hoses on the machines with this hose off on the side of the PN split like this, and I see the long attachment hoses that are of the same material split too. Aside from the usual brushroll meltdown and lack of filter maintenance this is the most common failure I see in Sharks, and I can tell you you don’t want to try and replace this hose... it’s bad enough how difficult it is to get the brushroll out of one of these!

 

[hvrvaclvr]

This is covered by the warranty. My Aunt had a Navigator Pro Lift Away for about five years before upgrading to the Rotator Powered Lift Away. The nozzle hose split, and they sent her one for free. about a year later, the replacement hose split and they sent her a second one for free as it was still under warranty.

 

[dave]

I received a reply from Shark this morning. They did not have a replacement power head in stock and advised me to return the machine to the retailer I originally purchased it from for a replacement. They provided me with a return/replacement authorisation number. I have returned it to the retailer and have received a brand new replacement which will be listed on eBay shortly. I've ordered a Felix I'm going to have to take a bit of a hit on the Shark, I could have possibly have insisted on a refund, I'm not sure. However I will soon be shot of it and hopefully not hugely out of pocket.

 

[ultralux88]

I've ordered a Felix

YAY! I think you'll love it!

 

[sharky]

So, ok, you are "SO disappointed and will never buy another product from Shark", while they have actually sent you a brandnew unit of a model, that "met all of your requirements" and with which you've "been very pleased with"? Makes sense to me.

 

[dave]

Also a model which began to fail within 6 months.

I've sold it, lost £40.00 in total, but I have been using it daily for the last 6 months I suppose, I'm happy with the outcome overall.

I picked up my Felix yesterday and I absolutely love it! The quality difference between the Felix and the Shark is like night and day.

 

[honestjoe68]

Congratulations! You will Love your Sebo Felix.. it’s a hard working, very durable and VERY quiet machine! Thanks for sharing and I hope you post more pics and let us know how you like it. Hey if you have hardwood floors.. I highly recommend the Sebo Premium Parquet Brush part# 7200GS and if you do a lot of above floor cleaning of any height, the Extension Stretch Hose adds 9 feet of reach. Just food for thought. My vacuum collection is all new/current (no vintage) Vacuums and I lost count at 200.. and this Sebo Felix is what I tend to use for 90% of my house cleaning. Oh, I also like the Sebo Fresh Lime scent stick for the bag, helps with the dog hair odor when the bags getting full. Thanks and congrats!

I attached a few pics of my Felix! It’s funny when I think of my American Flag filter on a German made vacuum.. but I love the patriotic look.

 

[vacuumdevil]

@dave congratulations!