Eureka Altima 12 amp

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Eureka Altima 12 amp

by Mrs. Kim Brenneman
(Parnell, Iowa)

I post this as a warning to other buyers.

I have had the Eureka Altima 12 amp vacuum cleaner for less than a year and it is finally going to the dumpster. I say finally because it has been a pain-in-the-behind-piece-of-junk since the get go.

This vacuum had poor suction, it needed its filters cleaned out after minimal vacuuming, the bagless system is a dirty mess, and the whole thing is awkwardly weighted causing it to fall over with little cause.

I bought Eureka Altima at Target but could not buy new belts at Target. If it was convenient I would box the thing up with the new belts I ordered online and send it to Eureka.

This vac would be a huge embarrassment to the founder of Eureka. I am sorry for him and his family and the shareholders of the company.

Comments for
Eureka Altima 12 amp

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Jun 18, 2011
Rating

CRAP !!
by: Anonymous

owned less than a year and the bearing on the roller locked up and melted the whole front section. cleaned filters everytime i used it, and still every time we used it, our room smelled worse after then before. headed to the garbage bin, minus the duster. worse money ever spent.

Nov 19, 2010
Rating

OK for the money
by: Anonymous

I have had this machine for 3 years now and it has had it's problems. The entire brush assembly had to be replaced after 8 months and Eureka did pay for it, but it was a pain in the arse waiting for it to be returned. Like ANY OTHER bagless cheap vacuum, the filter(s) have to be cleaned!!! This is NOT unique to Eureka people.......duh...
When clean the vacuum works great, but I have also had problems with the belt slipping and smelling up the living room. Not a great vacuum by any means, but for $75 what do you want??? Another thing....almost all these inexpensive vacs are made.....where else.......CHINA. That should give you a little clue. Buy American folks and lets get our economy back.

Sep 21, 2010
Rating

best 4 under $100
by: fixitriteman

I have had many kinds of vacs this one cleans better then most there is a lot of cleaning filters but with five long haired dogs and three teen age boys that is the lest of my concern I clean the filters every time I use it washing them in hot water and soap even got a extra one so to let it dry out dumping it is easy and i have saved $1000s of $ over the bag ones ,yes the inner yellow cone is a little hard to line up ,and have had too replace the roller once a year,so if you can't handle that go buy a Kirby,

Sep 11, 2010
Rating

eureka Altima
by: Anonymous

peace of crap gets clogged everytime you use it it smell like its burning seen smoke come out off it had it less than I year gona throw in garbage where it belongs....very messy bagless vacume don't buy you'll be sorry...it looks nice but isn't worth the crap :(

Sep 06, 2010
Rating

Awful
by: Anonymous

I DO NOT recommend buying this vacuum! Not even for light cleaning in a small area. I have had certain vacuums for years and never had to replace a thing, much less had a problem! Awful awful product and a complete waste of money!
To the Anonymous person with the "you're all fucking stupid" comment, I know of a great therapist and a wonderful anger management group if you are at all interested! I also teach 3rd grade if you'd like to pick up where you left off and continue your education!
Again...awful product and leaves an awful burnt smell! You're are purchasing nothing but a fire hazard.

Sep 03, 2010
Rating

Smoking vacuum
by: Liberty4us

I bought this Eureka Altima about 2-3 years ago. Need a extra vaccum so I wouldn't have to carry my other one(which is a Dirt Devil and have had over 12 years) up and down the stairs. Got ready to vaccum the other day and noticed a burning smell, took off cover and the belt was burned into, so took a trip to Walmart to get another. Got home replaced belt and reassembled everything and next thing I know smoke coming out again. Another belt burned into. I had no problems up until this point. I have kept the filters cleaned and replaced. So now it is sitting in the corner, I'm debating whether to throw it out and save the cleaning tools on it. After reading all of these post, Eureka should recall these vacuums, cause they can be a fire hazard.

Aug 05, 2010
Rating

lol
by: Anonymous

I was one of those drive by people picking it off the side of the garbage pile. It looked brand new. Took it home figuring it just need cleaned. HA, there were too many parts that you had to wash, and didnt dry. There was black grease all over it, inside and out. Presumably the belt melting. What a piece of shit. How can companies get by with selling this stuff. I did keep the wand to dust.

Jul 18, 2010
Rating

It's not too bad
by: Anonymous

I purchased my yellow Eureka Altima a 1 1/2 ago. It worked fine for the first few months and then like everyone else the suction was not as strong, cleaned filters and checked hoses and still hardly any suction. I just figured out today that in order to get the suction back, you have to completely clean out the hoses, I had so much crap stuck in the hose, it's no wonder it sucked at all. Remember, even if the hose still sucks some it may still be clogged up. Now my Eureka Altima works just as good now as the day I bought it. Make sure you clean out both hoses on this vacuum. Great vacuum for the price Eureka!!!

Jul 07, 2010
Rating

Lousy Performance
by: Tan

I purchased the Eureka Altima 12 amp since it promised a lot but it turned out to be a terrible machine. I will never purchase a Eureka again. They should not have put a crappy product like this in the market without a quality check.

The suction is unacceptable, filters get clogged very quickly, I get a burnt rubber smell when I use it and most often it spits out dirt which is very annoying.

I hope the senior management take the trouble of reading what users are saying about their products.

Jul 05, 2010
Rating

Waste of Money
by: Anonymous

My Eureka Altima started smoking yesterday so badly that I thought it was on fire. I changed the belt, but it still won't spin. No matter what level of carpet I change it to, it continues to smell like burning rubber and the brush on the bottom won't spin. There is absolutely no suction. Since it isn't that old, I thought I should maybe try to have it fixed. After reading all the prior comments, I feel justified in purchasing a new machine. This has been a terrible waste of money. The upkeep has been very annoying--many filters to clean and many clogs. I will never buy another Eureka.

Jun 26, 2010
Rating

Altima is junk!!!
by: Anonymous

This is the first time I have ever complained on line,but this I feel I need to do.
I bought the Altima to save for new carpet that I was going to get put down, after have dogs for 20 years. I had a Electrolux that I had had for 15 or more years that was great! My nephew and his girl friend had moved back to this state and were staying with me till they got a job. She got a job cleaning houses and needed to use my vacuum, so I let her use the new one,after about three weeks she said that it wasn't doing good,We had made sure that the filters were cleaned each night,and even bought new ones, started smelling funny. I was so mad, I thought she had messes it up, but now I see they are all
like that, I feel really bad that I got so mad at her. This Eureka is made by Electrolux, My old electrolux is still great, have to spend a ton of money for filters,but it is great, But I will not buy another Electrolux or Eureka ever again

Jun 21, 2010
Rating

eureka ultima blows!!!
by: Anonymous

I am FURIOUS about this piece of crap!!

Wasnt CHEAP EITHER!!!

ISSUE OUT SOME REFUNDS EUREKA!!!

DAVE

Jun 16, 2010
Rating

Ureka 2961 Model
by: Mike

Yep, I agree with Kim! The 2961 model is a pain to keep clean and operating at peak performance...I believe there's like 3-4 filters to change/clean after almost every use. And, if you don't keep up on those 4 filters, you'll get back discharge and a mess.....definitely not a clean, easy to use system.

Not sure about you guys, but I had problems using the hose because it starts at the bottom of the vacuum unit so very hard to reach places especially high places...so I disconnected that lower bracket. Also, finding belt replacements is a pain...sure wish Eureka had a more standard belt system.

Jun 15, 2010
Rating

Anyone know a class action lawyer
by: Anonymous

We bought ours after my son bought one. Sort of worked for a bit and then it stopped sucking and deposited dirt on the floor, the hos sucked fine though. We cleaned all the filters, but it didn't help. Recently I was helping my son clean up and amazingly his Altima is exactly the same as ours. I have contacted customer technical support and all they suggested was to change the filter, which we already did. I have a case number, so I'm going to keep on at them until they come up with a resolution, take the damn thing off the market and issue a recall. Personally, this is a classic defect case where a class action suit could be brought.

BTW, the default rating when adding a comment is 5 stars and I nearly forgot to change it.

May 23, 2010
Rating

Love it!
by: Anonymous

Have nothing but good things to say about the vacuum. It's got A LOT of suction and works great! I've had mine for years and really can't complain. Just the usual belt replacement and filter cleaning - that's all I've had to do. Maybe a bad batch of vacuums were manufactured and sold? Sorry to hear of the problems people have had. Can't say I can relate though. Good luck!

May 14, 2010
Rating

Couldn't agree more!
by: Anonymous

I bought the vacuum a year ago, and it has no suction, and peices have been breaking off slowly. It was a complete waste of money, and I should have used that $120 (which isn't that cheap) and bought a REAL vacuum cleaner!

Apr 02, 2010
Rating

Complete waste of time
by: Anonymous

So, glad I didn't waste more money repairing the piece of XXXX. I think I should write for a refund and more money because of the time I have looked into fixing this.

Mar 17, 2010
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Broken since I've used it once
by: Holly

Eureka 12 Amp Altima is made very CHEAP! Used it once the Hepa filter cover kept blowing off. Clips were so cheaply made could not use it again. Target would not talk it back even with the receipt! Sits in the corner collecting dust I couldn't afford it in the first place but needed a sweeper and it was on sale! Some sale it's a piece a junk!!!!

Mar 13, 2010
Rating

I have No Problem With It!
by: Very Satisfied

ive had my Eureka Altime going on 3 years and havent had a problem out of it.still has great suction.you can buy belts at Wal Mart for your Altima.its Type U.I have a Kirby vacuum which is also a good vacuum. But ill take my Eureka Altima over the Kirby anytime.

Thanks

Mar 07, 2010
Rating

WARNING; DO NOT BUY!!
by: Makes no difference

I thought I would replace my old Phantom so I went out and bought a Eureka Altima. I mistakenly tossed out my old Phantom before I tried the Eureka. Now I realize I had tossed out the wrong vacuum cleaner. As old as my Phantom was it still cleaned better than this piece of garbage.I spend more time cleaning the damn filter than cleaning my carpets. All this piece of shit does is spread the dirt around. Absolutely no suction whatsoever. Even my dog sneezes after I use this thing. I only wish I would have read these reviews earlier. It's too bad 1 star is the lowest! I have to believe that the few positive reviews are either people with stock in the company or work for Eureka. Poor souls! DO NOT BUY!!

Mar 04, 2010
Rating

Eureka Altima
by: Anonymous

It is the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned. I spend more time trying to unclog it then I do vacuuming the floors. I don't think they even gave it a test run out in the market before putting it out for the public. Thankfully I got mine for free from AC Neilson's Homescan. It is going in to the bye bye. I'm going to go out and buy me an old time Kirby that has withstood the tests of time and still taking a licking. I think that Eureka should have to refund everyone's money who is dissatisfied with the produce just like a recall.

Feb 21, 2010
Rating

I hate this vacuum
by: Anonymous

This vacuum stinks. I have never been so disappointed in a vacuum. It worked great the first couple months but now doesn't pick up anything at all. Well let me take that back it does pick up if you want to crawl around your house using the furniture brush or extension hose. I have to clean the filters after every vacuum and then it makes an even bigger mess for me to clean up. I have emailed Eureka - hopefully they will do something but from other posts it doesn't look encouraging.

Jan 30, 2010
Rating

dont give up on bagless
by: ninafranco

I threw away my Altima as it was a piece of junk However you get what you pay for. I now have a bagless 12 amp Hoover and it is wonderful! It cost more but is easy to empty, the hepa filter is inside of the dust container and you just pull it off and give it a shake, and if it is really dirty you can run it underthe faucet. I have had it for over a year with no problems. You can be penny wise and dollar foolish.

Jan 28, 2010
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Very dissatisfied
by: Anonymous

I would also agree that this vacuum is completely useless. It is unbelievable how many times you have to continue cleaning out the filter. It is such a disgusting mess! I would never buy a bagless vacuum again!

Jan 26, 2010
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where do i get belts for this vacume?
by: joshua

the number on the belts are 43-06any body know?

Jan 23, 2010
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EUREKA ALTIMA
by: Anonymous

I would have to agree the altima is a piece of junk its not worth the money the vaccum worked good for the first couple of times then just went down hill from their

Jan 15, 2010
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Smelly
by: Anonymous

I've had this vacuum a little over a year- it worked great at first! Lately though, it smells like burning rubber and has smoke coming from it.
I've checked the belt, the brush, and checked for blockages.
From what I have seen, it must be a common problem :(

Jan 14, 2010
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star rating
by: Anonymous

Hey dummy--You rated the vacuum 5 stars but you said it was garbage--watch out--this vacuum deserves the lowest rating possible!!!

Jan 14, 2010
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and where do you get belts and filters
by: Anonymous

can not find a belt or filter's for mine. liked it at first but is a pain in the well you know.
typed in my model number on Eureka site and said could not even find model 2691. Really.

Jan 03, 2010
Rating

PATHETIC
by: Anonymous

WOW. I'm like the rest of the world, I thought I was going crazy. I figured a year ago i needed a more "expensive" vaccuum. I went to Target purchased this Eureka based on what my parents and grandparents have. I was very disappointed with the product, I've taken it to be serviced twice and here I am again ready to purchase another vacuum. THIS TIME IT WILL NOT BE EUREKA.

Jan 02, 2010
Rating

The Altima is horrible
by: Anonymous

I thought I was going crazy. I kept everything maintained and cleaned, changed filters, had to bring it in for service $35.00 every few months, but now I see that everyone has the same issues. I unfortunately bought two for my home and both are bad. I wish we could get Eureka to do something. They shouldn't sell such a product and not disclose how expensive it is to maintain the vacuum.

Jan 02, 2010
Rating

Do not buy!
by: Anonymous

We bought this sweeper about a year ago and it is only because I didn't want to spend more money on antoher sweeper that we have stuck with it; but no more!! It is a worthless piece of space waster. It performed well for about three months but then it constantly went through belts, and the filter needs cleaning after every use and it clogs easily. It will be going to the dump tomorrow and I am returning to the hoover family.

Dec 20, 2009
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the WORST vacuum I've owned
by: Anonymous

This is the first vacuum that has needed to be repaired/part replaced w/in a year of owning. I have had only about 4 vacuum cleaners but I've used others as well and this is by far the worse. SAVE YOUR MONEY. Eureka should be ashamed! In this economy taking advantage of people by manufacturing shotty machines!! I will never buy another Eureka again!

Dec 11, 2009
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Do not buy this vacuum
by: Anonymous

This is the worst vacuum ever. I will never buy another Eureka. Do yourself a favor and buy anything else.

Nov 19, 2009
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factory defect
by: Anonymous

NOT THAT EUREKA WILL DO ANYTHING FOR YOU HOWEVER HERE IS THE 800-282-2886 EUREKA NUMBER. I EXPLAINED HOW I HAD FIGUERED OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE END OF THE BEATER BRUSH BEING OFF CENTERED AND ALLOWING THE BEARING TO GET CLOGGED AND NOT TURNING SO THE BELT BURNS UP, TO THEM AND THEY COULD HAVE CARED LESS.
I JUST LOVE BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF ! AND YES I GET THE ECONOMY AND SUCH BUT WHEN I MAKE A MISTAKE I ALSO MAKE SURE I DO MY BEST TO CORRECT IT.
THE BEST WE CAN IS HURT THEM IN THIER POCKET BY NOT PURCHASING ANY MORE OF THIER PRODUCTS. MAYBE THEY WILL THEN UNDERSTAND.

Nov 19, 2009
Rating

EUREKA ALTIMA
by: Anonymous

I TOOK THE TIME TO ANALYZE MY EUREKA'S PROBLEM. IT IS A FAULTY BEATER BRUSH, AS THE BEARING IS NOT CENTERED IN THE END OF THE BEATER BRUSH CORRECTLY IT ALLOWS DIRT TO GET IN THE BEARING AND THE BRUSH WILL NOT TURN, AND BURNS UP THE BELT. IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT PERIOD. I CALLED THE 800 CUSTOMER SERVICE # AND THEY COULD CARE LESS. THAT IS THE LAST EUREKA PRODUCT I WILL EVER HAVE IN THIS HOUSE. I ALSO PROMISE TO GIVE THEM THEY PUBLICITY THEY DESERVE.

Nov 17, 2009
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I HATE IT!!!!
by: Anonymous

just got this vacuum as a gift, and it is by far the worst vacuum i have ever had. it does NOT suck anything off of hard floors. it shoots it all out the back.

Oct 22, 2009
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Too good to be true.
by: Anonymous

Ah ha ha ha ha ...I just found one of these in the garbage room of the condo I live in. It looked quite new...so I thought hmmm must be something wrong with it...ok let's plug it in and see what happens. It turned on and the motor was like a jet engine. Anyway, my mother hasn't had a new vacuum since the old Kirby she got about 40 years ago so I thought hey...perfect for her carpets. Well I take this thing into the storage locker room and plug it in...vrooooooom and then dust is blowing every where and theres hardly any suction so I figure that the filters are plugged or somthing, check em out and nooo, they seem ok. Then I take the dust cup out and suddenly dust is falling out and getting all over me in the process. Then I notice than the suction duct above the cup is all plugged up so I dig out all the hair, evil looking dust balls and other crap. OK wow I bet it's gonna work great now...vrooooom...cough cough...dust is coming out some where but I can't tell exactly where so I turn it off. I look under neath at the beater bar...looks ok..wait a sec...this thing that's supposed to adjust the height for carpet, bare floor etc. isn't doing anything, the wheels don't go up or down ?!?!. Lesson, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Oct 17, 2009
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THROW IT AWAY
by: Anonymous

Man, this is a piece of crap. The filters suck and its hard to find replacement filters. Do not get

Oct 16, 2009
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shocked by negative posts - I LOVE this vac!
by: Anonymous

I'm shocked by the negative reviews! I have the Eureka Altima 12 amp and absolutely LOVE it! we have two long haired cats and one dog - all of whom shed like MAD! I am finding a tough time finding a small cordless that keeps up with all their hair on the hard floors, but the Altima takes on the hair like a champ! Great suction and the bagless cup keeps the dirt in a nice neat cone shape which is easy to dump out! Just have to clean the filter every couple of jobs, but that's nothing for the great job it does!

Oct 16, 2009
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You people are crazy
by: Anonymous

I have had this Vac for OVER 2 yrs and have never had ANY problems with it. While it is not the greatest for hardwood as the beater bar still runs, but on carpet it works very, very well. I have been a pawn broker for 20ys and have tried and owned every major brand of vac's from Kirbey to Filter Queen and even Dyson (talk about a $400 piece of junk). As long as you clean the vac's filters monthly and replace them like it says in the manual then it works fine. I have 4 kids, 4 dogs and it has never left a "dust cloud" or anything close to it. Like a car needs an oil change, vacuums need maintance as well. You change you cars oil every 3000, why not clean the filters every month and replace them as the manual says. I wonder if everyone who is having problems with this Vac understands "regualr schdueled maintance"feel sorry for there cars engies.

Oct 09, 2009
Rating

Eureka Altima Garbage
by: Anonymous

This is the biggest piece of garbage I have ever bought. It never worked from day one. What ever it picks up, it shoots out the back spreading it every where. This machine causes allergies because it sends up a cloud of dust right in your face and all over your house. The whole machine is covered in dust after you attempt to use it. Tried it three times and then tried to take it back to where I bought it. The store won't even take it back because every one they sold was returned. They told me to call Eureka. the best place for this is the dumpster. Eureka needs to do a recall and stop selling this garbage.

Oct 09, 2009
Rating

Watch out
by: Anonymous

Hey You did it again--complained about this vacuum but then forgot to change the star rating leaving it a 5 star . If you hate this vacuum (and we all seem to) please give it a 1 star...We dont want to raise the average rating.

Oct 08, 2009
Rating

waste of time and moneh
by: Anonymous

I also bought a pretty yellow eureka upright vac, the first time it was used it did just fine. like someone else said top heavy you have to hold on to it or it would fall over, won't pick up a thing, spits dirt out on the floor and just has't worked from get go, eureka should be ashamed. people have to work hard to afford there products, they are misrepresented and cheaply made. they need to refund money and recall these things, People need to continue to complain until they don't have a business,

Aug 31, 2009
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Absolutely worthless
by: Anonymous

Don't waste your money - a piece of crap!

Aug 30, 2009
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Found one on the side of the road
by: Anonymous

My friend found a pretty yellow Eureka Altima on the side of the road. We went and got it and it turned on fine. The hose sucked strongly and everything seemed to work but the filters looked bad so I made the mistake of going to Walmart and getting new filters. After putting the filters in the hose sucks good as when needed to clean a car but when the hose is connected to the bottom it will not suck up any dirt. I put a newspaper page down and it would not even suck that up when I placed the vacuum on it and then picked up the vacuum. The belt is now worn and not turning the roller tonight after testing it again. The roller was turning earlier and the vacuum still would not pick up anything. Something is definitely wrong with this and I will have to go back to my tip over Kirby Heritage II.

Aug 28, 2009
Rating

worst vacuum ever
by: Anonymous

Without a doubt the worst vacuum cleaner I ever bought. It doesn't suck up anything, spits out the dirt it does suck up out the back. The duster attachment never stays in place. I may as well be sweeping the rug instead of vacuuming it. I'd probably pick up more dirt.

Aug 27, 2009
Rating

JUNK
by: Anonymous

PIECE OF GARBAGE!!! filters plug easily, and it blows stuff at your feet instead of picking it up !!!! changed the belt right after we got it! and its almost beat again.. after this goes, so does the machine!! STAY AWAY !!!

Aug 25, 2009
Rating

Forget it!
by: Debb

Egggg...I spend A LOT of time picking up the loose strands of thread, popcorn, and fuzz, and yes! even shredded paper from the floor AFTER I vacuum. Absolutely NO suction. Is this a vacuum cleaner or a cleverly invented exercise program designed to cause frustration and lower back pain? I would love to return it but I have had the damn thing for a year. I grew up with Eureks. But what has happened?????

Aug 15, 2009
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hell no
by: Anonymous

stay away from this vacum waste of money

Aug 14, 2009
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Piece of Mega Crap
by: Anonymous

It starts out working great,but you must check the filter everytime you use it and the filter is almost $20.00 and only lasts about 1 week before you to wash it.Eureka you've got to do better. This is why Americans buy foreign....

Aug 10, 2009
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I can barely type through the dust cloud
by: Louise Horowitz

What a total piece of junk!!!! I clean the filters after each use, pull the dirt out of every possible crevice on this machine, and it still blows so much dust onto my furniture! I wasted my heard-earned money!!!

Aug 08, 2009
Rating

Piece of JUNK!!!!!!
by: Walter

We bought this to replace a red Dirt Devil that had lasted for almost 12 years with major abuse, constant use and just finally wore out after more than a decade of reliable service. We bought the bagless Eureka after being steered that way by a salesman at the store. This is and has been a piece of garbage from day one. With NEW filters it will do a great job for the first 15 minutes. Then the dust goes everywhere, the built in duster will never stay seated, and the canister for the debris stays a dirty mess. The filter is washable and reuseable, but 15 mintues later is useless again. This unit only gave us about 1 month of fair service, 2 more months of hassle laden service and then finally the beater bar fell apart when one of the end cap bearing disentegrated. What a piece of junk ths way. And to think it cost approximatley 3 times what the Dirt Devil cost. Never again.

Jul 27, 2009
Rating

Terrible!
by: Barb

This is the worst vacuum that I have ever had. It only worked for a very short time. It does not pick up dirt and the dust wand stopped working shortly after buying it also. Don't waste your money on this.

Jul 21, 2009
Rating

Terrible Product!
by: Wendy Wells

I realized after I left my last comment that I accidentally left it on five stars...it needs to have ZERO stars! This is a terrible product line that should be recalled and consumers given a credit toward a better model vacuum. It falls over, the "claw" is worthless and it falls off all of the time, the roller gets clogged with pet hair, the suction is minimal, and the attachments leave much to be desired. I wish I'd have stuck with Hoover.

Jul 19, 2009
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There should be a zero rating
by: Anonymous

This vacuum is a piece of ****!!
I'm so ticked I paid $149 for this garbage, I also bought it at target, and know mysteriously no other target sells the trash.

Jul 10, 2009
Rating

Worst Vacuum Cleaner
by: Anonymous

Since I brought this one, never felt I was cleaned my home, its just a machine that makes noise and throws out more dust on the carpet instead of cleaning.

Jul 05, 2009
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Run from Eureka Altima
by: DHolmes

I have not been able to really "believe in" this vacuum cleaner. Yes, I have 2 dogs, a cat, and a teenager - which isn't easy for a vacuum - but the pet hair gets stuck too easily in the funnel just prior to settling in the dirt cup. The dirt cup is messy, and there is always some spilled dust/dirt. Now for the 2nd time the brush roller needs replaced since the belt nearly burned the vacuum up. Not a fan - run from this model

Jul 03, 2009
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Single Use Vacuum?
by: Anonymous

Does anyone have problems getting the cup out to clean it? Sadly, I have not been able to get it out. The suction is poor and the smell is rubber. I know it is highly rated, that is why I got it, but, gee, I think that magazine must have had it's head up its hose on this one.

Jun 27, 2009
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Does Not Work
by: Anonymous

I agree with most of the comments here. I just threw mine down the stairs after changing the belt and the new one burned up about 10 seconds later. I will never buy Eureka again.

Jun 16, 2009
Rating

Got this for FREE
by: Anonymous

Free and still feel RIPPED OFF, What a piece of CRAP. In my LIFE, 70 years, This is the WORST Product I've EVER SEEN.

Jun 13, 2009
Rating

Not a good machine
by: Anonymous

I agree with the complaints about the machine. It's a dirty mess and seems to always be coated in fine particulate dust everywhere. And yes I do replace and clean the filters regularly, and vacuum often. It's just not a good machine and this is the first Eureka I've ever had. I won't ever buy another one. I would not recommend it to anyone.

Jun 13, 2009
Rating

I agree and Very Frustrated!!!!
by: Anonymous

I returned the first one to Walmart and exchanged for another thinking I had just gotten a dud... Nope, this Eureka is AWFUL!!! I have used Eureka's since I was 17 and they are usually awesome machines... But this one needs to go to the garbage heap! I am so frustrated that I wasted almost $100 on this useless piece of junk! it does not pick on hair and the belt is stinking again!uggg

Jun 10, 2009
Rating

$99--beats Oreck $400
by: Mike

I purchased my vacuum to use in my foreclosure services business (we vacuum after emptying houses of all trash Etc left behind). After assembling it ,I tried it on my home floors 1st.
I could not believe how much this unit picked up out of the carpet (my wife had used her Oreck the day before). When my wife saw the results, she took it for a spin & was totally in awe of the performance(She tried to confiscate the vacuum from me).Yes ,it does need to be cleaned frequently, but the more often you use it the less often you need to clean it as it has been picking up the dirt your other vacuum left behind.
HINT--vacuum more than once a week for better results.

May 31, 2009
Rating

Yup, It's a Piece of Crap Alright
by: Karen

I have to concur with the 99% or so who loathe this vacuum - even after making sure the vacuum is REALLY clean, it's still the one thing in the house that's supposed to suck but doesn't. Eureka should "man up", recall these things & replace them with a machine that works!

May 24, 2009
Rating

Eureka 2996AVZ Altima Bagless Upright
by: Amy

this is the worst vacuum cleaner ever!!!! You have to change the belts constantly. It is always plugging up and it has to be the worst vacuum cleaner I have every owned. I hate it!!!

May 22, 2009
Rating

Funny
by: Anonymous

I was online trying to find a reason for the high-pitched noise our Altima is making now - it sounds like (from one of the commenters here and on other sites) this is not uncommon with this vacuum.
Since I don't mind the frequent maintenance on this piece of equipment and I think it does a sufficient job of cleaning (I only use it on carpet and have never used the dust wand attachment), I am not overly frustrated by the vacuum as others here are. I think some of the dirt dumping might be due to the maintenance requirements (for instance, when I don't clean out the plastic funnel-type thing up inside the vacuum, it does start dumping dust). However, the loud noise is very annoying and I am disappointed to learn that many people have issues with perennial belt replacement and smoking. (I have to say, I am impressed with the amount of dirt this thing gets up!)

May 21, 2009
Rating

Clean the Filters!
by: Anonymous

I have had the Eureka Altima for over a year. I bought it for about $98.00 at Walmart. I, too, was dissatisfied at first but I realized that I must take the manufacturer's advice seriously and clean the filters regularly. After every second or third use I remove the foam filter from the top of the vacuum and spray both foam and fabric filters clean and allow them to dry. Also the plastic piece above the dust cup needs to be removed and cleaned regularly. The hose also clogged and had to be removed and cleaned out, but that only happened once. I removed and by-passed the dust wand attachment which I thought was a good idea poorly executed.
Yes, this vacuum does require a bit more maintenance than many others, but it, when properly maintained, does a fine job. And remember- it was under 100 bucks!

Rich

Mar 14, 2009
Rating

broom & dust pan are better
by: Jamaal Jam-A-Lot

I feel better that it's not just me! Has always thrown dirt / pebbles etc at my ankles. Cup fills up and empty it often. Cleaned all filters and checked connections, used all adjustment levels just to see if anything helped. Same results. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the little pile it would leave when I turned it off! I need to throw it in a dumpster. I can't put it out by the street with the trash because someone will trash pick it and NO ONE should be subjected to this piece of crap!

Feb 08, 2009
Rating

No Problem
by: 09body

Welllll...I happen to be driving by and bought a used one as a second vac for the basement. It seems to be working well. I only paid $25.00 but the attachments are missing. Does anyone still have attachments to give away? That is, since you guys hate it?

Feb 07, 2009
Rating

Hall of shame
by: ebakk

The worst vacuum ever!!! I have had it for one year and am so sick of cleaning all the dust and hair out every time I used it. It also would blow out dust when I used the attachments. The last few times I have used it its been smoking. Thank god its time to finally send it to the dump.

Feb 02, 2009
Rating

Smokes
by: Anonymous

I bought this vacuum a little less than a year ago. I had no problems with the suction at first. It's just that after the first few uses-if you want it to suck- you have to clean the foam rubber filter every time and wait for it to dry which is a pain in the butt. It smokes for no reason. I keep the dirt cup cleaned out. I keep the beater bar clean. I checked the belt to see if that was the problem it was fine. I bought at new Hepa filter which by the way they sell the Helpa filter for these at Wal-Mart and also the belts. Today everything was cleaned and no blockages in the hoses and still it smokes. I give up. Wasted money.

Jan 30, 2009
Rating

Loud and DIRTY!
by: Dave

I bought mine and cannot believe how LOUD it is! The bagless system seemed awesome at first but I soon realized how big pain the whole vaccum is. The bagless system is a mess, dust goes everywher no matter how carful you are and now I cannot find hepa filters for it.

Jan 28, 2009
Rating

Worst Wedding Gift Ever
by: Anonymous

I know you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, but we were given this vacuum as a wedding gift and I now see it as more of a curse. This is the absolute worst piece of garbage I have ever had the displeasure of using. It absolutely will not suck and it blows dirt all over the place. I doesn't even seem to matter how often I clean it out. If your looking for a vacuum DON'T BUY THIS ONE.

Jan 11, 2009
Rating

A Solid Machine
by: Anonymous

I've had this machine for over a year now and it works really well for me! I have a carpeted house and a dog that sheds and I think this does a solid job every time. Regular maintenance is required, like cleaning out the dust filter (the one on the top) rather regularly, and emptying the compartment about 3 times per room. But if you treat it well, it works great! Especially for the value (we paid less than $80, I think this is a great machine.

Jan 05, 2009
Rating

Eureka Altima
by: southpasadenatargetshopper

I had this vacuum for less than two hours before I realized I'd been had. It simply doesn't work. I'm taking it back to Target.

Dec 30, 2008
Rating

IT BLOWS!
by: Anonymous

I am also throwing my Eureka Altima in the dumpster! We have had it for less than a year, and it has caused more problems than any other vacuum that I have ever owned. This vacuum actually blows things out instead of sucking things up which has caused more work and actual pain to my shins and feet. I will never buy Eureka again because of this experience!

Dec 29, 2008
Rating

Did it again
by: Anonymous

You put in a comment saying this is a rotten vaccuum but did not change the star rating-therefore giving it a 5 star raring--please be careful!!!

Dec 29, 2008
Rating

Couldn't Agree More
by: Anonymous

I have had extactly the same experience with the product. I am on the market looking for a new vacumn. Any suggestions?

Dec 24, 2008
Rating

This vacuum doesn't suck!
by: Anonymous

I have had this vacuum a little over a year and it has been a huge pain and total waste of money! I only have carpet in one room in the house and everything else I vacuum are area rugs and this thing is still wore out! It smells like burnt rubber and I am on my third belt! This is my first and last "Eureka" anything!!! I wouldn't take another if you paid me. This is one brand of vacuums that certainly doesn't suck...

Dec 18, 2008
Rating

Okay I take it all back!
by: Got It Free

After using my "free" vacuum for a while I realized that, yes, cleaning the SOB was getting tiresome and it wouldn't work very well unless it was REALLY clean. As it was free, I wasn't losing anything to chuck it so i did and bought a Bissell that has a bag. How nice to just throw out the damn bag when its full and put in a nice clean one. Sometimes the older technology is just better. Get a bag!

Dec 18, 2008
Rating

I want my money back on this vacuum
by: Mrs. Z

It's nice to know I'm not alone and thinking something's wrong with my vacuuming skills. This Eureka Altima serves me no purpose and is more of a hassle than not vacuuming at all. My husband bought this for the upstairs (since we are not so fortunate to have central vacuuming like the "Jones'"). Our other vacuum, a Hoover upright, is about 10 years older and does what the Eureka could never do...clean. Don't waste your time, energy OR money on this piece of garbage. The filters and "bagless" canister are conduits of redistributed dirt and allergens. I'm going back to the old fashioned bagged vacuums. Can we all sue to get our money back?

Aug 02, 2008
Rating

Rip off
by: Anonymous

Recently, I called the company to inquire as to why, when vacuuming with the Altima, something smells like rubber. I've cleaned all three filters on a regular basis, even though it's a process and a pain. A rep from the company says the top, square filter is the cause of the smell and needs replaced every six months! The cost of this filter is $9.25 and postage and handling is $7.50! Figure it out!

Jul 19, 2008
Rating

Be Careful
by: Anonymous

Hey people--be careful when you rate these vaccuums --the defult rating is 5 stars--that is if you dont put in any raring it automaticly gives it 5 stars--look at most of the comments for this Eureka--almost everyone says it is the worst vaccuum they ever owned but if you look at the stars after the "worst Ever" comment, it says 5 stars, giving it an erronius high over all rating. Something it does not deserve!!!

Jul 18, 2008
Rating

agree
by: big mike

yes I too am shopping for something else because I bought this total piece of crap a year ago!!!!!!!!

Jul 15, 2008
Rating

Worst Vacuum Ever
by: Stacy B

Mine worked great for the first month that I had it (I thought it was the best vacuum ever). After that, I had to replace the belt after every 2nd use, because the belt would stretch out to the point of not turning the brushes, and now, the thing burns through the belt before I can even vacuum for 5 seconds. I will also never buy another Eureka product.

Jun 22, 2008
Rating

Worst Ever
by: Anonymous

I recently purchased the Altima and hate it!!! It has horrible suction, it is always clogged and needs taken apart and cleaned. You have to reach your hand in and pull the dust and crap out. Once cleaned and you start to vacuum, it throws dirt at your ankles. When you shut the vacuum off, there is always a pile of dirt on the floor where it was sitting when it shut off. Horrible!!!

Jun 21, 2008
Rating

Crappy Suction!
by: Anonymous

I agree! What a rip off. Mine worked well to begin with....then the suction went. I have to clean it out everytime I use it....just pulled it apart, cleaned out, and still scattering dirt everywhere! I am ready to throw it in the dumpster too! Won't buy another Eurekea product.

Jun 11, 2008
Rating

You dont get it
by: Anonymous

The point isnt that you have to empty the dirt cup every few minutes--the point is that you have to empty the dirt cup, wash and dry hepa filter, clean upper fiber filter , unscrew and clean upper plastic filter, unattach and bang the crud out of the hose and then put everything back together everytime you clean. The whole project takes longer than the vaccuuming itself. If you dont do this every few minuts the whole thing stops working.

Jun 09, 2008
Rating

Works well for me, I LIKE IT
by: Got It Free

Found this vacuum in the garbage pile out behind our apartment building. It was FULL of dirt. Bin was full to the top and overflowing, the filter had a half inch of matted crud on it, the hose was clogged with huge clumps of dog hair. The beater brush was wound so tightly around with carpet fibre it would hardly turn.
Spent a half hour taking it apart and cleaning it and now it works so well, I'm giving my old one (Dirt Devil Jaguar, almost new) to the Salvation Army. Sucks up way more stuff than my old one. Yes, yes, I know you have to empty the bucket after every cleaning but so what? That just shows you how well it works. It picks up dirt so one must dispose of the dirt by EMPTYING THE HOLDING BIN. What's so alien about that concept? Some folks think you should only have to empty it once every 10 cleanings or so. Get a grip!

Jun 03, 2008
Rating

Worst vacuum on the planet
by: Anonymous

This machine aught to be recalled. If I were Eureka, I'd be ashamed to have any of these left on the planet with my name on it. Do not get this vacuum, even if someone gives it to you!!!

Mar 16, 2008
Rating

This vacum is WAY OVERPRICED!!!
by: Steve Venditti

We had this vacuum for just over a year and are very disappointed. Shitty suction, have to clean the filter after every little use, not to mention it weights like 60lbs. But now I'm please to say we went with another vacuum manufacturer and couldn't be happier...

Mar 16, 2008
Rating

Agree Wholeheartedly
by: Anonymous

We're returing our Altima to Walmart. It is without question the worst vaccuum we've ever owned. It was great the first 10 times or so that we used it, then lost suction. I've cleaned everything I can clean a dozen times or more but still all the thing does is scatter dirt around the house. It won't even pick up a small sliver of paper. A truly awful machine.

Mar 02, 2008
Rating

A peice of Garbage
by: Nina franco

I agree completely with Kim--What a pain in the you know what!!!. Looked good on the shelf--hepa filter ,bagless and all but after you vaccuum only for a few minutes it looses suction and you have to completely disassemble the dust cup, three filters and often the hose to get it to suck properly again. It clogs easily and the one I bought broke after only a few weeks--if the store would have let me I would have exchanged it for a different kind but since I did not have a recipt they would only do an even exchange--the second one was just as bad as the first. DO NOT BUY!!! What a waste of money.

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