Add me to the list of purchasers who've had trouble with the plastic blade/gear assembly breaking - twice! Braun claims this is due to a manufacturing problem, but it seems more like an example of bonehead design, using a weak plastic part to transfer the power from the motor to the blade. I'll contact Braun and try to get a second replacement part, but I'm doubtful that it will last any longer than the first two, which was perhaps 10-20 smoothies each.Amazon needs to add a 0 stars category for items like this one.