recurring problem?

We have a Hotpoint Ultima WDD960 washer dryer and have had to replace the dryer heater element at approx 15 months, it has now gone again 3 months later. it's been the same thing on both occasions in that the element blows down to earth, you can see quite clearly where it has blown through.
is this going to be a constant problem as this seems to me like poor quality control and we were wondering if you know this to be a regular failure?

andy pearce
May 2010