I just had to replace my 6 year old Kenmore Elite front load washer. It gave me nothing but problems from the start, error codes indicating that the door wasn't latched when it was, and the filter was clogged, when it wasn't. I could get it to work sometimes by repeatedly re-closing the door, but toward the end it would stop mid cycle and hold my stuff hostage for days sometimes!
It was going to cost over $500 to fix it
Funny, but the dryer is still going strong
So I bought a top loader GE. The only thing I don't like about going back to a top loader is that it can't handle my king size mattress pad or comforter, and it seems to be tearing up my clothes more. The pee pads never used to leave lint in the dryer screen, but now they do, so I know they are being torn up, and my clothes aren't looking as new now. Of course I was stuck buying the cheapest washer, so there's no gentle cycle
If you go with a front loader, try to get one that's got the least bells and whistles. You won't need 19 cycles, and that is just more to break. Also, NEVER EVER let it sit empty with the door CLOSED, as this will make mildew grow in the door gasket, which is very expensive to replace.
Good luck!!!