I am on year 7 with my Akorn, and must admit it is on it's last legs. It's been used hard, kept outside under cover, and covered by a Chargriller cover, but the salt air and use have finally caught up with us. It's like watching an old friend wear down over the years. We share many memories and went through the kamado learning curve together.
Don't misread me, it's a great kooker and I'm in the process of deciding on another one, a ceramic Akorn, or a Vision from Sams Club.
Here is a list of our war wounds: bottom tray rusted through (my fault for not having the cover on correctly all the time), the "lips" of lower bowl and ash pan have both rusted out so it is not possible to replace the gaskets and get an air tight seal. Rust is starting to climb up the sides of the lower bowl, Legs are getting pretty thin in some spots and expect a total failure any time now on one of them.
I'm one of the original purchasers of the Akorn back when they first came out, one with only 2 tabs inside to support any diffuser and the tin top vent cap, and several changes have taken place to improve on them. Having said that, I still feel it is one of the finest kamados on the market at this price point and have nothing but good things to say about Chargriller, this forum, John and all his ideas, and the great folks who love to cook in non traditional ways and are willing to share them with us all.