Consumer Trends, HexClad Failures, Oscar Mayer Quality Concerns, Kubota Warranty Disputes| February 2025 Edition
Latest consumer trends and alerts about issues with HexClad's pans, Oscar Mayer's bacon, Kubota’s tractors, Super Star Car Wash services, and American Furniture Warehouse’s items.
As 2025 unfolds, consumer experiences continue to shape key trends influencing spending and behavior. In this newsletter, I share insights from the newly released Consumer Trends report and highlight the latest issues alerted by reviewers, including HexClad’s nonstick cookware woes, vehicle damage reports from Super Star Car Wash, Kubota’s warranty troubles, questionable quality control from Oscar Mayer, and American Furniture Warehouse’s complaints.
If you’re a journalist or media representative looking for insights, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to provide additional data and consumer experiences to support your coverage.
Consumer Trends 2025: Inflation Is Increasing Pressure on Consumers
The PissedConsumer.com review platform analyzed over 700,000 online reviews over the past 12 months to identify peak periods of consumer dissatisfaction and trends shaping consumer behavior. The Consumer Trends report shows that 2025 will see a consumer-centric shift, with expectations for transparency, efficiency, and proactivity dominating the conversation.
Key findings include:
Shrinkflation complaints surged 50% in Q4 2024, signaling growing frustration with shrinking product sizes.
Inflation tightens household budgets as more consumers scrutinize their purchases. Refund delays, billing disputes, and product value have become top concerns.
BNPL complaints grew by 20% over the past months, alerting issues ranging from unclear terms to billing disputes.
Global supply disruptions have significantly impacted consumer experiences, particularly in the e-commerce sector.
What else will affect consumers' spending habits? Check the full report here.
Peeling Coatings and Warranty Woes with HexClad Pans
Consumers who purchased HexClad cookware expecting premium quality are now sharing frustration over peeling coatings, scratched surfaces, and nonstick failures. Some shoppers, particularly those who purchased through Costco, say that they felt misled by promised durability.
“I have jumped through every hoop they have asked of me with videos, photos, and emails. I have left many messages over the phone with no reply whatsoever. This is a nightmare, Hexclad does not honor their so-called lifetime warranty! Stay away from them as their product will fail with the black pan coating on the surface peeling off in layers into our food. Can't use them anymore...” (Review #6419203)
“All the Pans had scratches after washing in dishwasher for the first time . All the 5 pans I purchased are defective.” (Review #6448920)
Oscar Mayer Quality Concerns with Products and Packaging
Long-time Oscar Mayer customers notice a decline in the quality of food—especially when it comes to bacon. Shoppers report finding packages filled with excessive fat and almost no meat. As grocery prices rise, customers demand better quality control and honesty from brands they’ve relied on for years.
“I bought a package of Oscar Meyer extra thick bacon cost almost 9 dollars. When I open the package. There was only a thin strip of bacon. It was nothing but fat.” (Review #6412353)
“I've eaten Oscar Mayer bacon all my life. It was a brand you could trust. Not anymore. The packaging hides the lack of quality control. I realize bacon is a fatty treat, but when 80% is fat, I should be paying 80% off!” (Review 6346467)
Super Star Car Wash: Customers Report Vehicle Damage
Consumers are alerting serious damage to their vehicles—from cracked windshields to ripped-off panels—after routine washes at Super Star Car Wash. Despite filing reports and providing receipts, some say the company has been slow to take responsibility, leaving consumers with unexpected repair bills and frustration.
“My vehicle got damaged by the car wash I got brand new paint job…” (review #6352698)
“...the wash the machine dry roller got stuck in my windshield putting so much pressure that made my whole windshield cracked, I started honking so they can put the emergency stop…” (Review #6441724)
Troubles with Kubota Equipment and Denied Warranty Claims
Frustrated Kubota owners are reporting major issues with equipment reliability and a lack of support when things go wrong. One consumer shares that their tractor caught on fire and the company won’t honor the warranty. Others report months-long delays in service, leaving their equipment unusable.
“Will Not Warranty Their Product Failure. They dont stand behind their product. Sons tractor caught on fire after 60 hours from the regeneration over heating. They said it was a birds nest and wont cover it. They want him to pay $40k to fix his their problem…” (Review #6418085)
“Scherer Kubota dealership does not maintain an adequate inventory of equipment. It puts the burden on the customer to save on having to stock adequate inventory. I purchased an SVL75 track loader with a battle ax mulched and a grapple. 30 days later, I still dont have delivery…” (Review #6455895)
Complaints Over Poor Quality with American Furniture Warehouse
Consumers raise concerns about the quality and durability of furniture sold by American Furniture Warehouse. Complaints range from structural issues to poor customer service responses when seeking repairs or replacements.
“...all their furniture I bought [..] are either falling apart or the rocker recliner actually tips over when trying to get out of it and squeaks when you are rocking. I have almost fallen over…” Review #6409218
Are you interested in other consumer issues? Please reach out and I’d be happy to help with research.
Jonna Clark-Simpson is the head of consumer research and marketing at the PissedConsumer.com review and reputation management platform. She analyzes consumer experiences and keeps her eye on the latest consumer alerts. Joanna assists media representatives in their investigations for news stories and writes articles with helpful tips for consumers and companies. Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn.