Bought GE phone, 2 years later, will not record. My Tip is buy from a reputable company like one in Japan, big US corporations are in it for the stock and most products do not last, or require a expensive warranty. GE does not bring good things to life... but that is just a personal opinion.
I am not able to get messages recorded on my GE phone (model 27851GE1-B).
Currently, I have two of these phones in use and one Sony phone in use. Still, when some caller phones, they cannot leave a message without getting cut-off.