Not draining or cleaning

We have had a GE Quiet Power 3 dishwasher for just under 2.5 yrs (purchased for $479.95 without tax.) We have used it once a day on average. We have had trouble with dish soap remaining in the holder (many times the holder doesn't ever even open;) LOTS of soap residue build up in all crevices which prevents water from spraying thoroughly; and overall generally not cleaning. We have cleaned out residue in the water holes, made sure to run hot water in the sink so the water filling the dishwasher is hot from the start, changed soaps four times (used both liquid and powder,) run several vinegar only rinses to clean residue, used the added heat button, etc. We finally had the GE repairman out and, after a $114 cleaning of residue, it's now not draining at all. He thinks it's the pump, but that will be approximately another $100 in labor and $48 in a new pump. How can the pump be out in less than 2.5 years? As for the noise level, it was never super quiet, but it was not too bad. It has gotten louder and louder the last couple of months, though. I would not recommend this dishwasher.