Generac Standby Generator Reviews

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Generac Standby Generator
★☆☆☆☆
1.3
10.0% of users recommend this
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  • Value For Money

Summary

Features:
  • Power: 6KW
  • Amps @120: 50
  • Amps @240: 25
  • Circuits: 8
  • Switch: 100 Amp
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    Latest Reviews

    “Defective product, lack of company integrity ”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by Duraace98 on 22/02/2023

    I purchased a Generac 6500 portable generator after our old Generac 4000 XL died after 27 years. The new generator not only failed within 12 hours, but produced voltage variations and current surges that damaged the induction motor of our furnace and our whirlpool controller (even though the latter was never turned on). The store where we purchased the generator ran tests that Generac requested and found the unit defective. They even refunded our money for the generator. I requested Generac reimburse me for the cost of the induction motor and bath controls. 3 weeks of getting a run around from their “resolution team” led me to file a suit in NH Small Claims Court. I don’t know how this will turn out, but given I have a copy of the testing done by the dealer where we purchased the generator confirming it was defective, I hope to get reimbursed. Any company can produce a defective product: Generac’s lack of integrity in trying to resolve this makes me suggest that people purchase any generator brand other than Generac.

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    “A Generac that won't start”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by debarbah on 13/12/2017

    My Generac standby generator wont start automatically. I have had it serviced by technicians approved by Generac and who worked closely with Generac to resolve the issue but with absolutely no success. Every failure to start is accompanied by the error message "over cranking:. It is absolutely useless to me and I will be replacing it but NOT with another Generac.

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    “Read too many bad reviews ”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by on 12/11/2015

    I'm glad I read the reviews! Which I rarely do. I need a whole house generator due to a lot of power outages in my area. I will one buy this one for sure!

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    “No repair parts available.”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by Noemij461 on 31/01/2015

    I have a Generac 7000EXL back up generator that has around forty hours of use on it. I only use it on my house when we lose power due to a storm. I have had it around ten years but has seen very little use. It is kept in a heated garage. I tried to use it recently and found out that it was not putting out enough watts. I took it to a Generac recommended service center and they informed me that they know what the problem is but Generac no longer makes the parts. After checking myself, they are correct. I can't believe that after ten years, you can no longer get replacement parts. I have a perfectly good generator with little use that is useless. Maybe Generac should let people know that if you are going to have this unit for more than ten years, we can't fix it.

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    “Parts missing,never pulled”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by Coleman1960 on 21/11/2014

    Called generac three times for the parts that were missing,after two weeks gave up,order the parts for my brand new generator my self. Only 15 dollars, but I just spent one thousand for the generator.

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    “Poor Customer Service”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by Fraser8 on 25/10/2014

    I contacted Generac's customer service department to try to exchange an automatic transfer switch. I spent 25 minutes on hold and spoke to 3 people. The customer service rep was rude and made up several stories about why they couldn't exchange the brand new transfer switch. Hopefully, the generator is better than the customer service.

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    “TRYING TO CONTACT GENERAC WITH SASSY OPERATER”

    ★★★★☆

    written by on 21/01/2014

    I TRIED TO CONTACT GENERAC FOR SEVERAL HRS ONLY TO END UP WITH A VERY SASSY OPERATOR WHO INFORMED ME THAT YOU DONT SELL PARTS I MUST CONTACT A SERV UNIT. I BET YOU WONT BELIEVE IT BUT I CONTACTED OVER 8 SERV ORG IN MY AREA AND NONE COULD HELP. MY GEN IS 8 YRS OLS AND THE BEST EVER, NEVER FAILS. CHG BATTERY LAST WEEK AND SOME HOW BLEW FUSE PART#028578 ITEM 48 IN THE MANUAL. IVE HAD THREE UNITS IN THE PAST 25 YRS AND NEVER HAVE BEEN TOLD I CANT GET PARTS AND THE SERVICE REP'S DONT HAVE THEM EITHER

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    Rbroadhurst's Comment

    Written on: 13/02/2014

    I have the Generac 6245 which replaced the 5882. There seems to be some sort of problem with the autochoke on this new model. On the first try starting, it runs for 5 seconds then shuts down. If you are not home, then it doesn't do you any good and your heat will go off, etc.
    If you are home and the power goes out, then you can start it manually on the second try and it runs great. So far I'm getting a run around from Generac and apparently they are not compensating their service reps for warranty calls, so those guys won't come to see what's going on. Got no help from the service rep at Generac other than some phone numbers for their tech support people who don't return calls. I wish I had purchased a different brand.

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    “Very unreliable”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by on 07/10/2013

    I purchased an 11KW Generac Standby generator in Aug 2013. Right out of the box during testing it began leaking oil all over the machine and the battery was leaking acid. After more than a month, Generac replaced the unit. The new unit came and again right out of the box it had a blown fuse. After that was repaired, I tested it and a switch in the Generac panel broke and I had no electricity in the home. All items were repaired but I would not trust this machine in an emergency.

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    “Poor engineering- Worst customer service- Shady support”

    ★★☆☆☆

    written by on 05/10/2013

    I have maintained remote communication tower generators for years. These are typically an Owen 45kw LP powered backup with an exercise/load transfer panel. I couldn't afford the quality of an Owen so I purchased a 13 kw NG Generac home backup sized to accommodate only the essential power like well, boiler, frig, lights, etc. The only improvement I added to this package was an hour meter to track use for oil changes. For the first few months it worked fine, starting up and exercising for 10 minutes once a week. One day it wouldn’t start; the armature of the generator blew apart during the last exercise into hundreds of little pieces of copper wiring. Many calls to customer service eventually got one of their service reps out to inspect it, who was more there to find reasons not to honor the warranty and stating he never saw this happen before. Long story short… I researched the failed armature and discovered this happened a lot… in fact the factory was aware of the defects and made several revision improvements. I ordered the newest, improved armature from an honest and informitve dealer and repaired the unit myself. It’s been running fine now for about 3 years, even during prolonged power outages. I would not encourage anyone to buy a product from a company who is dishonest and does not honor their warranty.

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    “Bad Generac”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by on 02/10/2013

    I purchased a new Generac 3250w portable generator for use during a flood three years ago. Hard to start right from the beginning; called Generac told to take to a local service center for coverage under warranty. When I picked up the unit I was charge $80.00 for a “tune-up” that Generac would not pay for. This was a new machine, I couldn’t believe what they were telling me but ended up paying it out of my own pocket as the owner said that there was no way Generac would pay for this repair. The following year the exact thing happened even though this had a two year warranty. However, I vowed if it happened again I would not take it in for a third time. Well, what do you know it did happen again this spring, instead of taking it in to pay for a repair on a generator that has less than four hours total on the engine I instead ended up junking the entire unit. I could not sell it in good faith knowing what a piece of junk it was. Also, at this point I had more than half into what I purchased it for. Wish I had never seen or heard of Generac!

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    “Generac generator failure”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by on 23/07/2013

    Purchased a 16Kw automatic LP gas Generac generator. It immediately began burning small amounts of engine oil so it had to be topped up on a regular basis just running its exercise schedule. Contacted the nearest Generac dealer (over 1hr away) and told them the problem. After several months with no return phone calls and excuses it was revealed that Generac wouldn’t pay the local rep for the service call. Contacted Generac directly and after many phone calls over many months there was no call backs and nothing done. Called the local rep again offering to bring the generator to them and their response was they no longer deal with Generac products because there was nothing but problems with the products and Generac wasn’t standing behind their products leaving the rep to take the brunt of all the dissatisfied customers. Contacted Generac directly again and after many more phone calls over many months again there was no call backs and nothing done. Now it has dragged into years and it’s obvious that Generac has no intention of backing their inferior product. Just recently there has been several extended power outages in our area due to thunderstorms and the generator would start and run (burning fuel) but no power was being generated. There was a substantial loss of food with the fridge and two freezers unthawing. Upon investigation it was discovered the generator coils blew out leaving a pile of copper wire. The cost of the generator was $6000 plus shipping fees and the approximate cost of lost food was over $1000, not to mention the gallons of extra oil used as well as wasted time and money in phone calls and maintenance on a product that didn’t work when we needed it. This company doesn’t deserve to be in business.

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    Seabecket's Comment

    Written on: 19/08/2013

    I have the same generator. Shortly after purchasing the same thing happened Blew generator windings. Service rep came and replaced now 2 years later same thing happened while I was watching football. NOT A HAPPY GENERAC CUSTOMER!!

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    Regameyl's Comment

    Written on: 03/01/2014

    This is an update on my post. After posting my complaint on the BBB's website Generac has contacted me and repaired my generator and the customer service was excellent. Wether Generac has improved their customer service or I just got poor reps in the past is unclear, but they appear to me to be trying to correct any issues.

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    “Not dependable at all”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by on 17/06/2013

    The needle valve in the carb freezes up after sitting for only 1 month. I've had to take it apart 2 times already , and it's not even 1 year old. I'll see if the company will help me with this problem, but judging from these other posts, I'm not optimistic!

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    “Poor quality made in Chine - prone to failure”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by Moosekevin on 09/05/2013

    I bought my Generac Centurian generator approx. 3 years ago and as of today I will have spent more money in repairs that it cost me to buy it originally. It has spent more time in the repair shop that it has run. My problem has been the float getting stuck - despite running the gas dry and changing the oil after 40 - 50 hours of run time the float gets stuck. Generac is unwilling to assist with any repair costs and blames me for the issue, although their customer service rep agreed I am maintaining it properly. She could not tell me what when I do the same for my lawnmower it does not have the same issues. The most recent time I took it to a local small engine repair shop - the guy came out took one look at it and said it was a piece of junk made in China I will never again buy another Generac product. Feel free to look on the web for others who have similar issues with their Generac products. They have outsourced their manufacturing and their products no longer live up to the reputation they once had. You've been warned!

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    “6 years no problem but rusted case”

    ★★★★☆

    written by mecheng1 on 20/02/2013

    Well touch wood, contrary to many of these reviews I have had my Centurion 15KW air cooled generator for 6 years now and it has perfomed perfectly. I live on the Gulf of Mexico on the water near Tampa and it has fired up every week for the exercise period and whenever we have lost power. I have replaced the battery once and I change the oil and plugs every year. I gave it 4 stars because the casing has rusted since we are on the water. I have repainted it but wish I had sprung for the aluminum case option.

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    “Failure after 4 days”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by madtom on 29/11/2012

    My 14KW Generac failed after 115 hours of use (4 days into hurricane Sandy). Our power was out for 12 days! Could reach no one at the company - only call centers which could not help in any way. Finally repaired a month later! Apparent problem with design of brushes/brush holder with too much pressure on the brushes causing them to wear quickly and to heat up enough to melt the plastic brush holder! I am telling everyone not to buy Generac!

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    “Lack of reliability”

    ★★★★★

    written by on 07/11/2012

    Despite being only a few years old, regular testing, and regular maintenance, this generator failed during Sandy. The maintenance people couldn't fix it -- now want over $1k for parts. This product is awful.

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    “Failed 3 times in 15 months -Extremely poor customer...”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by DanelE on 24/10/2012

    Please consider our experience before purchasing an 8KW Generac 5870: I am a retired electrical contractor and am quite familiar with generator systems. Installed July 2011. Battery charging module in control panel failed immediately. Replaced battery in early August assuming that was the problem. New battery failed (completely discharged) end of August: we contacted Generac. Diagnosed as defective control panel. It took 1½ months more - October 15 - before new panel was installed. We then purchased a 3rd new battery (originally, the generator did not come with one). Early 2012, generator engine taking longer to start while cranking. Engine failed to start end of February: reported to Generac. Observed that it would start - after extended cranking - if air inlet on the air-box is covered with my hand. Accidently discovered that engine would start immediately if a "factory hole" in the air-box was sealed off. Generac replaced the air-box, end of April 2012. Engine still failed to start unless "factory hole" in new air-box sealed off. Generac suspected LP gas supply issue: inspected & tested OK per Gas Co. on May 6 (they performed original installation). Engine completely failed to start July 2 - reported to Generac. Further calls & emails to Generac not returned for 2 weeks, then received call that Generac will replace fuel regulator. Again calls or emails to Generac not returned: finally after 25 more days regulator replaced: August 7- issue resolved! August 8: "Inspect Battery" flashing on control panel display. September 1, battery dead: reported to Generac that charger in control panel again failed. October 3, per Generac Customer Service: "The Service VP and the Sales VP - both are having further discussions regarding whether or not to issue the swap (a new control panel)". Today, it still hasn't been replaced. Generac has not returned my phone calls or emails for 21 days. Of the 15 months that this generator has been in service, it has functioned properly for less than 3 months.

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    “Do not buy from Generac”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by tondapatterson on 08/02/2012

    we have had problems with this product since we have put it in. Always has a problem with not starting. Never buy a Generac. If you call factory for help it is useless. 14 KW Generator Model#0058840.

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    “Manufacturer Customer Service”

    ★★☆☆☆

    written by fllobo on 03/12/2011

    I have a 14kw unit, model 0058720. The unit appears well built and, so far, reasonably dependable. Owner customer service from the mfgr however is far less than satisfactory. All reasonable questions are redirected to a dealer and will not be answered directly. I purchased a engine oil/battery heater for cold weather use. The instructions gave no info regarding fusing requirements. Now, each time the warmer starts (thermostaticly controlled) two sensing fuses blow and the generator runs continuously even with utility power (must be shut off manually.) Questioned if the fuse size needs to be increased, response is to see a dealer. Result is I can take a chance with a larger fuse or disconnect the heater. I would not recommend to a friend. If I knew this beforehand I would not have purchased. Better to buy from a Mfgr with better user service policies and less of an elitist attitude.

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    “Do Not purchase Generac, Poor Service, Inexperienced...”

    ★☆☆☆☆

    written by on 27/09/2011

    Purchased Generac 7kw unit in 2007. In 2010 unit kept tripping on Low Oil pressure, phoned local authorized dealer who came out and said "Main Controller Board" needs replacing, $400.00. Replaced Board, shortly after unit continued tripping on LOP, I replaced new Board with the original which I sent back. I then phoned Generac to discuss the problem but they refused to talk to me because I "was not an authorized dealer". I then installed a pressure gauge which confirmed any where between 0-12psi. Called second Dealer, came out checked Oil Pressure and said yes it is tripping out on LOP which cost me $100.00. Discussed problem with them and they stated they might have to remove unit, strip down engine, repair and reinstall for a cost of $1200.00. This company then ordered the part they THOUGHT was the problem then realized they could not handle it so referred me to a Third company who would come out and look at it for $300.00. By this time I was really frusted it had been going on for almost 2yrs so I phoned a small 1 man band company who told me what to do, which I have now done and so far, (running on Manual for short periods )for $50.00 oil is 30psi. So my advise...Buy Briggs and Stratton Generator....

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    Harrisonfire's Comment

    Written on: 29/12/2011

    A co-worker brought me a Generac 5500XL (owned by a little old lady) that would not run for more than 10 seconds. Removed the fuel bowl and let out the bad gas from last time it ran then changed the oil and filter.(smelled of fuel - thin too) Added new gas and it started right up and ran well for about 30 seconds. Watched the low oil light - it flickered every time the motor died. Keeps right on running with the 3 wire connector unplugged. How did you cure your control board? I can see how to bypass a direct wired oil pressure switch with an override switch to break the curcuit when starting. Sounds like the "Main Controller Board" has been a sore subject for many owners. Thanks for any help.

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    Pbenton's Comment

    Written on: 14/08/2013

    Stop do not purchase...It sucks!!! Purchased and installed in April 2010. Paid $7,000.00 for the unit and it has never worked. I have had several Generac trained techicians out and they have given me several different reason it is not working. I agreed to their price to fix however I never hear from them again. I at my wits end and I do not want anyone else taken advantage of like I have been. I'm told it wasn't installed correctly however it was a Generac installer? Generac is a deceptive and fraudulent company.

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    Grahamisted's Comment

    Written on: 15/08/2013

    Where are you located, Canada or the U.S.?
    u r correct, the Generac tech's don't know their a.. from a hole in the ground!

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    Grahamisted's Comment

    Written on: 10/01/2012

    HarrisonFire comment.
    My problem was never the control Board even though they tried to sell me one. It was the Oil pressure system. Try bypassing the switch and see how long it runs for, if it runs for say 5minutes then next step is to replace the switch with a gauge and see what pressure is this will tell you a lot.
    Good luck.

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