Faulty Washing Machines Common Problems, Fixes & Consumer Rights

If your washing machine has stopped working, started leaking, or just isn’t doing its job, you’re not alone. Here’s exactly what to do next to get it fixed, replaced, or refunded.

Common Washing Machine Problems and Faults

Washing machines break in surprisingly predictable ways. These are the most common faults reported:

Not Draining or Spinning: Clothes come out soaking wet, or water’s still in the drum. Often caused by a blocked drain pump, failed sensor, or unbalanced load. Top-loaders with worn suspension rods are a known culprit.
Water Leaks: A puddle under your machine usually means a loose hose, failed door seal, or cracked internal part. Leaks just after the 2-year mark are frustratingly common.
Excessive Vibration or Banging: “Walking” washers and loud knocking often point to leveling issues or worn shock absorbers. Some models (like Fisher & Paykel top loaders) are especially prone to balance issues.
Won’t Start or Shows Error Codes: A faulty door latch, tripped breaker, or control board fault can all stop your machine in its tracks. If a new washer won’t run the first cycle — it’s not user error, it’s a warranty issue.
Strange Noises (Grinding, Clicking): Could be as simple as a coin stuck in the drum… or a failing motor or bearing.
Bad Smells or Mold: Mostly affects front-loaders. Caused by detergent build-up or moisture around the seal — easy to fix, but still frustrating for many.
Electrical Safety Faults: If your machine sparks, smells burnt, or has a recall (looking at you, old Samsung top-loaders), unplug it immediately and contact the manufacturer or Product Safety Australia.

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Popular Washing Machine Models People Report Issues With

These models crop up regularly in complaint threads and product reviews:

Bosch Serie 6 Front Loaders: Loud banging, then leaking — sometimes within 2–3 years. Some units fail just after warranty ends.
LG WV5 Series (7.5–10kg): Reports of machines stuck on endless spin cycles or taking hours to complete a wash.
Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Top Loaders: Known for chronic out-of-balance errors. Weak support rods are a recurring issue.
Whirlpool FreshCare Front Loaders: Rust under the panel at 4 years — not covered under warranty (according to Whirlpool).
Samsung Top-Loaders (2010–2013): Recalled due to multiple fire/explosion reports. Still found in homes today — check your model.

Even high-end brands can have lemons. What matters is how they respond — and whether you know your rights when things go wrong.

Just a bit more

Customer Experiences With Faulty Washing Machines

Bosch Serie 6 Leaked After Warranty Expired: One user had a replacement machine leak at 2.5 years — Bosch quoted $110 just for the callout. The customer was furious that a premium washer failed so soon.
F&P Top Loader Balance Nightmare: Another buyer replaced suspension rods twice in 5 years. The machine kept erroring mid-cycle until fixed — but they had to pay for parts themselves.
Whirlpool Refused Rust Warranty Claim: At 4 years, a Whirlpool owner found internal rust — Whirlpool said rust wasn’t covered. The customer was shocked: “They basically told me ‘too bad’.”

How to Fix, Repair, or Replace Your Washing Machine

Here’s your action plan:

Unplug and Check for Safety Risks: If there's burning smell or smoke — disconnect the machine immediately.
Search Recalls: Use the Product Safety Australia database to see if your model’s recalled.
Check Warranty & Contact Support: Most machines come with 2-year warranties. Call the manufacturer or retailer, give them the model number, and ask for repair or replacement.
Log Your Fault with the Retailer Too: Retailers are responsible under ACL — they can’t just pass you to the brand.
Ask About Goodwill Repairs: If it’s just outside warranty and a common issue, brands may still fix it for free if you ask nicely and mention ACL.
Get a Repair Quote (If Needed): For out-of-warranty machines, compare the cost of repair to replacement. Repairs often run ~$300 in Australia.
Keep Records: Save receipts, emails, photos — they’ll help if you need to escalate.

What to Do if Your Washing Machine Still Isn’t Fixed

If you’re getting nowhere:

Know Your Rights: ACL says products must last a reasonable amount of time — even beyond the warranty.
Send a Written Complaint: Include model number, proof of purchase, and a clear statement of what you want (repair, replacement, or refund).
Contact Your State Consumer Agency: NSW Fair Trading, VIC Consumer Affairs, etc. — they’ll mediate for free.
Tribunal Action (e.g. NCAT or VCAT): You can file a small claim. Often, just mentioning this motivates companies to resolve things.
Report to the ACCC: If a brand’s repeatedly dodging consumer rights or ignoring safety faults, file a report.

Your Consumer Rights and Warranty Options

ACL > Warranty: You’re legally entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund if your machine isn’t of acceptable quality — even years after purchase.
What Counts as a “Major Failure”:
- Dangerous (e.g. fire risk)
- Repeated faults
- Makes the product unusable (e.g. won’t wash clothes)
- Can’t be fixed in a reasonable time
Retailers Must Help: You can go through the store or the manufacturer — both are responsible.

⏳ Tip: A $1,000 washing machine should last 5–10 years. If it fails early, don’t accept “out of warranty” as an excuse.

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Official Support and Repair Resources

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