Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes Explained

A Bosch dishwasher error code tells you which system stopped the cycle: draining, water fill, leak protection, heating or drying. Most drain and fill codes clear once you fix a clogged filter, a blocked pump cover or a kinked hose. Codes tied to heating, the heat pump, voltage or the drying fan usually need a technician.

The table below lists only the codes Bosch publishes on its U.S. owner support pages. Not every code applies to every model, so check your owner's manual too. This site is an independent directory and is not affiliated with Bosch or BSH.

Before you check anything

Turn off power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker or unplug it before you reach into the sump or work under the sink. If you need to look at the inlet hose, the drain hose or anything behind the kick panel, close the dishwasher's water supply valve first. It is usually under the kitchen sink and closes clockwise. If there is no working valve, shut off the main water supply to the house.

Some codes clear after a power reset. Switch the breaker off for a minute, turn it back on, and start a short cycle. If the same code comes right back, there is a real problem to find.

Bosch dishwasher error code table

Drain codes: E22, E23, E24 and E25

These are the codes Bosch owners see most. Bosch says clogged food debris in the filter or drain pump is the most common reason a dishwasher won't drain. Bosch uses a multi-stage filter (coarse, fine and micro) that you clean by hand. Twist it out, rinse it under running water with mild soap and a soft brush, and lock it back in. Then remove the small drain pump cover underneath and clear out glass, pits or labels.

If those are clean, check the drain hose for kinks and confirm it has a high loop. Bosch's installation instructions call for one, and a missing high loop is a listed cause of a not-draining code. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposer, make sure the disposer is clear. Our step-by-step guide to a Bosch dishwasher not draining walks through each check.

E23 is the one most likely to mean a failed part. If the pump cover is clear and the code keeps returning, the drain pump itself may be bad.

Water fill codes: E14, E16, E17 and E18

These codes mean the dishwasher is not getting the water it expects. Start with the simple things. Make sure the supply valve under the sink is fully open and the inlet hose is not kinked behind the unit. If the house has low water pressure at the moment, the code may clear on its own once pressure returns.

If the supply is fine and the code keeps showing, a technician will test the water inlet valve, the flow meter and the float. See our guide to a dishwasher not filling with water for more.

Leak code: E15

E15 means water has collected in the base pan under the tub and tripped a safety switch. Bosch says to shut off the water supply. The cause can be a loose hose connection, a cracked part, a leaking pump seal, or oversudsing from the wrong detergent. Use only automatic dishwasher detergent, since hand dish soap can cause suds to spill over. Because finding the leak usually means removing the kick panel or pulling the unit out, E15 is a good time to call a pro. Our guide to a leaking dishwasher covers the common sources.

Heat pump, voltage and drying codes

E12 points to limescale in the heat pump, and Bosch says to descale the dishwasher. Bosch also suggests running a cleaner and a descaler a few times a year on the hottest, longest cycle, which can help prevent it. E09 and E21 point to the heat pump's heater or a blocked heat pump. E07 is the CrystalDry drying fan motor. These are internal parts that need a technician.

E27 means the supply voltage is too low. Reset the breaker. If it returns, an electrician should check the circuit. Bosch dishwashers are built-in appliances that need a properly grounded circuit, so don't use extension cords or adapters.

When to call a technician

• E15, E09, E21, E07 or a repeat E23.
• Any code that comes back after you clean the filter, clear the pump cover and check the hoses.
• Water on the floor or under the cabinet.
• A repair that means removing the kick panel or pulling the dishwasher out.

Bosch models with Home Connect also support Remote Diagnostics, which lets Bosch customer service look at a connected dishwasher at the owner's request.

To find local help, start with our Bosch dishwasher repair directory, or go straight to New York, Los Angeles or your state, such as Florida.

What repairs cost

Fixr lists a typical service call fee of about $35 to $100, often credited toward the repair. Fixr puts drain pump replacement at about $150 to $400 and heating element replacement at about $150 to $300. HomeAdvisor says most homeowners pay about $160 to $300 for a dishwasher repair. Our dishwasher repair cost guide breaks down more parts, and our guides page covers other symptoms.