Patrick, Whirlpool always kind of had a bad reputation abroad.
As soon as they left the Philips-Ignis line they started to become garbage.
Whirlpool introduction to Europe started with Purchasing Ignis that was partnered with Philips. Decently good stuff, both stuff coming from Netherlands and Italy were not that bad initially, later as they purchased other Italian manufacturers they started to become junk...
As they adapted to the lower standards, and had lots of design problems too.
I have owned several European Whirlpool appliances and among dishwashers that would not even remove sugar from cups or washers that would eat sock after sock as the space between drum and boot was too large they lasted very short too, the dishwasher needed 3 tunnel heating elements in its 4 years life and got rid of it as it would not wash a damn anyway. Night and day difference from same brand dishwashers sold in USA.
Washer had the bearings failing very soon.
As the too large space between drum and boot wasn't enough the boot also started to dry out get rigid and shrink and that enhanced the space, my thumb would pass through
Only European WP appliance I have been happy with was a timed vented dryer.