Keurig 2.0 pod lock (2014): did it need fixing?

They Fixed It / Keurig Green Mountain

2014

Keurig Green Mountain

Before: Keurig brewers that took any pod that fit, store brands included, plus a refillable My K-Cup filter.
The fix: Keurig 2.0 read a code on each lid and refused pods without it. The refillable My K-Cup was discontinued.
Then: Brewer and accessory sales fell 23% from a year earlier. In May 2015 CEO Brian Kelley told analysts, 'Quite honestly, we were wrong,' and the stock dropped 10%.

Half took it back

My K-Cup came back for 2.0 brewers. The lid reader stayed.

Your call

More fixes nobody asked for

2018

Speed Queen

Before: Speed Queen top-loaders with a plain agitator and mechanical controls.
The fix: Redesigned the line to meet federal efficiency rules, with an 'agi-tub' that moves tub and agitator together for a gentler wash.
Then: Consumer Reports gave the $1,000-plus TR7 a 31 out of 100, the worst of the 100-plus washers it had tested. Speed Queen reworked it and brought the old transmission-driven design back as the TC5.

Half took it back

Both designs are sold now.

Your call

2017

Stanley Black & Decker

Before: Craftsman hand tools, swapped at any Sears if they ever failed to give 'complete satisfaction.'
The fix: Stanley Black & Decker bought the brand from Sears for about $900 million and moved it into Lowe's and other stores.
Then: The lifetime warranty survived, no receipt needed, but now covers tools that 'fail to perform.' With most Sears stores closed, a swap depends on which retailer stocks the tool, and counters vary.

Half took it back

Still lifetime. Getting it honored depends on the store.

Your call

2024

Sonos

Before: A Sonos app that worked, alarms and sleep timers included.
The fix: Shipped a rebuilt app in May 2024 without alarms, sleep timers, queue editing and some accessibility features.
Then: Some older systems became nearly unusable. Sonos said the fix would cost $20 million to $30 million, and CEO Patrick Spence stepped down in January 2025.

Half took it back

The old app never came back. The missing features trickled back over months.

Your call