I had the same rust problem but I believe I found the source and a fix. The tub has two small holes at the top that were used to fill some kind of balancing fluid. They installed plugs. If you look at them close enough you will see they are not level with the top of the tub. When the washer is filling the tub turns slowing clockwise and the water coming in hits the top of the tub and fans out. As the tub spins these two little dips come around, hit the water and cause a few drops of water to splash upward. Over time this creates the rust. The other part of the problem is the underside of the lid is not painted. Fix #1. Remove the lid. Sand the rusted areas as best you can. Wipe clean. Use a rust preventing paint like Rust-Oleum. Apply at least two coats of paint to the underside allowing thirty minutes dry time between each coat. Fix #2. Get some silicone for bathroom areas that will not shrink, expand, or mildew. Fill both of the little holes in the top of the tub. Use a credit card to pack it in the holes and smooth it out on top. Allow 24hrs for it to cure. Fix #3. Leave the lid open when not using the washer. This allows the moisture to evaporate. I have done these three things to my machine and it is still in the testing phase. Not a sure fix but it is working so far.

That is very interesting! The heater must make a significant difference since it says that it is "capable of NSF certified sanitization." I am not sure how the oxi dispense impacts that, unless you need to use an oxi bleach in order for proper sanitation to take place. It may very well just be bad wording, which is quite common in Sears appliance literature. Joe Description reads: "ENERGY STAR qualified appliance. The Oasis HT washer puts together the latest in energy efficient technology and huge capacity - it holds up to 24 bath towels (24 in. by 44 in. towels) - in the popular top-load format. The washer meets Tier 2 CEE efficiency ratings. The timed Oxi dispenser helps make this the first top-load washer capable of NSF certified sanitization. A built-in thermal heater, gentlewash technology and Catalyst cleaning action remove stains and take care of clothes.

March 26, 2013: re: Kenmore Elite Oasis HE issues (start and rinse cycle issues, unbalanced issues): Electronic Control Board (aka the motherboard, the brains) recall, replacement and labor at no charge: Thank you to those who posted correct ph number to resolve these problems! Here is the ph number again: (800) 847-9083. We have an appt scheduled" to receive the updated electronic control board,service and labor-@ no charge" per the product resolution customer service rep. You may assume all went well if I do not post a follow up. DO ask the product resolution customer rep to REPEAT your model #, serial #, your ph # and address (she typed part of the serial # incorrectly which could disqualify you receiving replacement recall). The customer serv reps' work environment is NOISY (she replied "there are 213 problem resolution reps in the same room"). VERIFY what you are hearing the rep say and ask kindly for a summary why you called and what the resolution is to be. She spoke rapidly and had an accent. Verify any numbers you have not verified (including your ph # and address) at the end of the call. The customer resolution rep had obvious experience handling the process, obviously streamed lined due all the years of issues complaints and it took about 20-25 minutes total time, most time was waiting for her to process the info she enters. Our Kenmore Oasis washing machine has been highlyt problematic issues during the start cycle and rinse cycles as well as frequent unbalanced loads (error code: UL). Our model and serial numbers complied with the recall (I have read this is a "silent", unadvertised recall. We have an appointment scheduled "to receive an updated electronic control board and the labor service at no charge". Hope this works out (believe it when I see it and when it continues as resolved) and wishes for resolutions to those who are working towards theirs. We all learned a big lesson in the world of electronic motherboard computerized washers and driers: buy the old fashioned, dependable washers and driers with knobs! (I'm staying this route with everything appliance and vehicles). I will def will stay my computer pref as a MacGurl though!

hi! ive owned this pair fron june 22nd 2006...and nothing but problems!!They have already changed the motors on the dryer ,2 computers and do on..its been a disaster with dealing with sears!as for my washer i noticed rust stains on the lid,and ive also noticed that my clothes are not clean anymore...ive been fighting with sears so i could give them back!I dont want these machines anymore!!!I dont know but im having a hard time with sears canada....:(