While you still have the box the "new" Rowenta came in, check to see if it states where it was actually made/assembled. That might be an eye-opener. If the man you spoke with at Rowenta said the CORD was the problem, IF you choose to use the new one, can you have the cord replaced by a good (as in certified, trained, accountable, honest, reliable) electrician?
What a mess. SO VERY GLAD I gave up using Rowentas after the last one spit at me one time too many and all the reviews I read online bashed the brand soundly. I bought a $20+/- Black and Decker from WM and will just toss and buy a new one it when it begins to misbehave.
Maybe you can save someone from a major hurt by posting your experience on one of the consumer review sites for Rowenta on line, too.
Jan in VA