The number of households looking for robotic vacuum cleaners to reduce household chores is increasing, but cases of refusal to repair product defects are continuously occurring, requiring consumer attention.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) on the 12th, the number of damage relief applications related to robotic vacuum cleaners has increased every year over the past three years (2022 to June 2025). Particularly in the first half of this year, it nearly doubled compared to the same period last year.
Among the reasons for damage, "product defects" accounted for the highest proportion at 74.5% (204 cases). This was about three times more than "transaction-related damages" (25.5%, 70 cases). Specifically, the details included ▲sensor malfunctions 24.9% (42 cases) ▲inoperability or stoppage 17.8% (30 cases) ▲malfunctions of additional functions such as automatic water supply and dustbin emptying 17.2% (29 cases).
The resolution rate for "transaction-related damages" reached 84.1%, but the rate for "product defect damages" was only 56.5%, roughly half. The agency explained that "business operators are passive in acknowledging defects or claim consumer fault, making it difficult to reach an agreement due to significant differences in positions between both parties."
Meanwhile, in types of transaction-related damages, cases where returns were refused due to unpacking the packaging box or where high return costs were charged for overseas purchasing assistance products amounted to 41.4% (29 cases) of the total, indicating a refusal or avoidance of withdrawal from a contract.
Among the applicants for damage relief related to robotic vacuum cleaners, an analysis of 268 cases with confirmed age groups showed that those in their 30s and 40s accounted for 67.9% (182 cases). Those aged 60 and over, who are unfamiliar with new devices, constituted 5.2% (14 cases).
To prevent damages related to robotic vacuum cleaners, the agency urged that "when purchasing products, consumers should choose specifications that match their home's structure, such as door thresholds, and before cleaning, remove obstructing items or trash by hand, as well as remove dust to prevent sensor malfunctions, paying attention to product management."