LG Appliance Diagnosis
LG builds good appliances with one Achilles heel per product line. We know exactly what to check.
LG makes excellent appliances — their inverter compressor technology is genuinely innovative, and their ThinQ smart features are among the best. But every brand has weak spots. LG washers are known for bearing failures, their fridges have had compressor issues on certain model years, and their dryers have a quirky venting design. Simon has worked on LG appliances since the brand entered the US market and knows every generation's particular issues.
Common LG problems we diagnose
Drum bearing failure (loud rumbling noise)
Very commonWasher
The main tub bearing wears out, causing a loud rumbling during spin. It's a labor-intensive repair ($250-450) because the entire drum assembly has to come apart. Worth it on washers under 7 years old.
OE error code (drain failure)
CommonWasher
Drain pump clog or pump motor failure. Check the coin trap filter on the front panel first — it catches debris that blocks drainage. Often a $0 fix.
Compressor failure (not cooling)
CommonRefrigerator
Some LG linear compressors from 2014-2017 models had a higher-than-normal failure rate. LG extended the compressor warranty to 10 years on affected models. Check if yours is covered before paying for a repair.
Ice maker not producing
CommonRefrigerator
LG ice makers rely on a water inlet valve and ice maker assembly that can fail. Unlike Samsung, it's usually a straightforward replacement without chronic recurring issues.
Takes too long to dry
CommonDryer
LG dryers have a dual-direction venting system that can cause airflow restrictions. Check the lint filter housing and the internal vent path — lint builds up in places other dryer brands don't have.
AE or LE error (leak or motor error)
OccasionalDishwasher
AE means the leak sensor detected water in the base pan. Sometimes it's an actual leak, sometimes the sensor itself is triggered by humidity. LE means the wash motor is stalled or failed.
LG error codes we see most
| Code | Appliance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OE | Washer | Drain error — check coin trap filter first |
| UE | Washer | Unbalanced load — may indicate worn bearings if frequent |
| LE | Washer | Motor error — rotor position sensor or motor failure |
| CL | Washer/Dryer | Child lock engaged — hold Child Lock button 3 seconds |
| AE | Dishwasher | Leak detected — check base pan and hose connections |
| 67 | Refrigerator | Refrigerator main board communication error |
| 22 | Refrigerator | Refrigerator compressor relay failure |
Should you repair or replace your LG?
LG parts are readily available and the brand designs their appliances to be relatively service-friendly. The big exception is the washer bearing repair — it's labor-intensive but the parts are reasonable ($50-80 for the bearing kit). If your LG fridge has a compressor issue, check the 10-year extended warranty first. LG honors it but you have to know to ask.
LG's extended compressor warranty
LG extended the linear compressor warranty to 10 years on many refrigerator models made between 2014-2019. If your fridge stopped cooling and it's within 10 years of manufacture, you may be covered for parts (you'll still pay labor). We can check if your model qualifies during the video consult.
The LG washer bearing fix
LG front-load washer bearing replacement is one of the more complex DIY repairs. The entire inner and outer tub has to be separated. That said, the parts kit is only $50-80 and YouTube has good guides for it. If you're handy and willing to spend 3-4 hours, it's doable. If not, a pro will charge $250-450. Either way, it adds 5+ years of life to the washer.
What you'll get
- Diagnosis specific to your LG model and symptoms
- Whether your issue is covered under LG's extended warranty programs
- DIY difficulty assessment — some LG repairs are more complex than others
- Part numbers sourced from LG-compatible suppliers
Simple pricing
Pick your level
Both include a written report with diagnosis, parts list, and fix-vs-replace recommendation.
Diagnosis
$49
15 minutes
- Live video call with Simon's team
- Expert diagnosis of your appliance issue
- Parts list with part numbers & prices
- Fix-vs-replace recommendation
- Written report emailed to you
Best for: "Tell me what's wrong and what I need"
Guided Repair
$79
30 minutes
- Everything in Diagnosis, plus:
- Step-by-step repair walkthrough on video
- Real-time guidance as you do the repair
- Safety checks before & after
- Extended time if needed ($29/15min)
Best for: "Walk me through fixing it myself"
Can't diagnose it? You don't pay. · In SoCal? $49 credited toward in-home repair.
FAQ
Are LG washers reliable?+
LG washers are well-built and feature-rich. The bearing issue is their main weakness, and it typically shows up around years 5-8. Other than that, they're solid machines. The coin trap filter design is actually great for maintenance — just clean it monthly.
My LG fridge compressor failed at 6 years — is it covered?+
Possibly. LG extended the compressor warranty to 10 years on many models. Check your model number against LG's warranty lookup or tell us during the video consult. If covered, LG pays for the part and you pay labor only ($200-350).
What's the ThinQ app — do I need it for diagnosis?+
LG's ThinQ app connects to WiFi-enabled LG appliances and can pull error codes. It's helpful but not required for our video diagnosis. If you have it installed, we'll ask you to check it. If not, we can diagnose without it.
How do I find my LG model number?+
Washers: inside the door frame. Dryers: inside the door or on the back. Fridges: inside the fresh food section on the left wall or on the back. Dishwashers: inside the door, upper edge. Format is usually letters + numbers (e.g., WM4200HWA).
LG Resources
LG Repair HubNeed in-home repair?
In SoCal? Your $49 video fee is credited toward an in-home repair.
Learn about in-home service