Like other reviews I just read we have had this blender a little over a year.  After about 6 months or so it started getting so loud we moved it to our laundry room.  Then the blade started producing a powder and grease.  Today it spewed plastic and metal bits everywhere.  I believe it's the blade as the large pitcher which we rarely use still works.  I can't believe the company can't make a blade that lasts.  We have never immersed our blade in water, nor gotten the base unit wet.