Strange, Mine is an HE and it cleans everything I give it, even axle grease if I pretreat. She don't do any of that....she sucks at laundry, but she can cook like gordan ramsey on crack. Mine is also a 2012 model, front load, new door seal/rubber ring 2 months ago. Wasn't leaking, had some stains she didn't like looking at. I have replaced both water valves, hot and cold, one 4 years ago, and 2 months ago (hot).
Protip: If you are young enough that you can get 30 years out of a washer and dryer. SpeedQueen is the only thing to by (I dont have that). A buddy that owned a dry cleaner chain gave me the advice. me: What brand would you buy? buddy: SpeedQueen. If you can't afford it, then save up and afford it. Mind you the are about 3k each.....so my 1249 for both of the ones I have (not speedqueen) in 2012 is working out for me.