This is unusual in my experience for a kitchen aid, there must have been a problem, like you said, since the very beginning. If you can return it or exchange it that is my recommendation. Generally these mixers will last upwards of twenty years with no problems.
kitchen aid k45ss classic unscrewed black plastic screws and springs on housing and replaced and now...
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kitchen aid k45ss classic unscrewed black plastic screws and springs on housing and replaced and now it won't run