Why McDonald's ice cream machines are always broken - as Biden administration launches crack-down in major win for consumers

As warmer weather hits, the Biden administration is taking the problem of broken down ice cream machines at McDonald's seriously. 

Regulars to the fast food chain may notice how frequently malfunctions seem to occur with the soft-serve machines leaving customers screaming for ice cream but forced to head elsewhere.

The reason for such icy service is because only one company of technicians are authorized by the machine's manufacturer to perform repairs.

It means McDonald's franchises that need machine maintenance have to join the queue, rather than simply summoning a local engineer to fix the problem.  

The government is pushing for easier repair options for soft serve ice cream machines in McDonald’s

Federal agencies have requested exemptions to allow franchise owners more freedom in repairs as current restrictions limit repairs to authorized technicians

A familiar sign seen at McDonald's branches across the nation

The broken machines cost franchises $650 a day in lost sales

But the U.S. government is now urged for reforms to be made that would make the soft serve ice cream machine more easily repairable. 

In a letter to the U.S. Copyright Office, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice's (DOJ) antitrust division advocated for exemptions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. 

'In the Agencies' view, renewing and expanding repair-related exemptions would promote competition in markets for replacement parts, repair, and maintenance services, as well as facilitate competition in markets for repairable products,' the agencies wrote. 

'The soft serve equipment breakdown can lead to $625 per day loss of sales … there are long wait times for authorizer repairs, and … a licensed repair technician charges over $300 per 15 minutes.' 

The current restrictions prevent franchise owners' from seeking out the services of  independent engineers but the agencies say there is a need for increased competition when it comes to the replacement parts and repair services markets.

The issue is so prevalent McDonald's has become the butt of jokes and some funny memes

Only one company of technicians are authorized by the machine's manufacturer to perform repairs

The problem of the broken down machines is so widespread the FTC began an investigation following complaints from consumers and McDonald's franchisees over the frequent breakdowns

The problem of the broken down machines is so widespread the FTC began an investigation following complaints from consumers and McDonald's franchisees over the frequent breakdowns.

McDonald's then faced a $900 million lawsuit from an ice cream repair company in 2022 after banning franchise owners from utilizing a product enabling easy fixes for the machines. 

The device, using Wi-Fi, allowed for troubleshooting of digital issues without having to rely on repairs by Taylor, the exclusive manufacturer of McDonald's ice cream machines. 

McDonald's has defended its stance, citing warranty violations and safety concerns.