Miele error codes: what they mean and what to do
A Miele error code tells you which system has stopped the appliance: on a dishwasher F11 is a drain fault, F24 a heating relay fault and F70 the Waterproof leak protection; on a washing machine F11 is a drain fault and F20 a heating fault; on a coffee machine F73 means the brew unit cannot return to its start position. The meanings below are taken from Miele UK’s own customer assistance pages and operating instructions, and LE Company, which repairs Miele appliances in London, adds what our engineers check. Many codes clear after the first steps Miele gives; if a code comes back, the appliance needs an engineer. For repairs, see our Miele repair page.
Miele dishwasher error codes
Older Miele dishwashers show numbered codes such as F11 and F70. Newer ones, the G 5000 range from 2019 and the G 7000 range, show most faults as words: “Drain” instead of F11, “Waterproof” instead of F70, and a general “Fault F…” for the rest. F78 is the one number those manuals still list.
What does F11 mean on a Miele dishwasher?
F11 is a drain fault: the drain pump is blocked or the non-return valve is not seated properly, and water is left in the cabinet. Miele’s first steps: unplug the machine, scoop out the water, clean the non-return valve and the drain pump, turn the pump impeller by hand, refit the filters and restart. On G 7000 and G 5000 Discovery machines built from 2019 the lower spray arm comes out first, and the part is called the drain pump cover. If F11 returns, call an engineer.
Miele dishwasher F24
F24 is a fault in the heating relay contact. There is nothing for the user to do: Miele says to book a repair.
Miele dishwasher F70: the Waterproof system
F70 means the Waterproof leak protection has tripped: the programme stops and the drain pump runs. Miele says to close the stopcock, switch the machine off and unplug it, then call service. Leaks are the subject of our Miele dishwasher leaks guide.
Miele dishwasher F14, F78 and F79
F78 is a blocked circulation pump, usually one that has dried out after a long break or at first use. F14 can be the same stuck pump, or a fault in the water intake or the pressure and heating level switches. For a stuck pump, Miele advises pouring 1 litre of warm water (no hotter than 75 °C) with 3–5 drops of rinse aid into the cabinet, waiting 5 minutes and restarting, two or three times. F79 is a circulation pump fault and needs a repair.
Not every dishwasher fault shows a code. In October 2026 we attended a Miele G 6260 whose door lock had broken: a piece of the lock had snapped off inside the door, and both the door lock and the door opener had to be replaced. See our Miele dishwasher repair page.
Miele washing machine error codes
F11: drain restricted. The drain hose end is more than 1 m high or kinked, or the drain filter or pump is blocked. Straighten the hose, drain the water slowly through the drain filter (it can be hot), clean the filter and check the pump impeller turns.
F20 or “Heating fault”: either Thermostop, where the programme simply pauses until the water reaches temperature, or a heating fault. Disconnect from the mains for at least 2 minutes and restart; if it persists, call an engineer.
F10, “Water inlet fault” or the Check inlet light: water is not coming in. Open the stopcock, clean the inlet filter and straighten the hose. Miele’s test for pressure: a fully open stopcock should give at least 5 litres in 15 seconds.
F1: a short circuit in the water temperature sensor circuit; it needs a repair. Do not confuse it with the “i” light and a “1” in the display, which is not a fault: it is a reminder that no wash above 60 °C has been run for a long time. Run Cottons at 90 °C with a machine cleaner or powder detergent.
F220: the machine is leaking. Miele notes it can also appear by mistake: disconnect, check for water, and if there is none, reconnect and run a programme.
Miele oven error codes: F44, F10 and F235
Oven F44: a technical fault. Miele says to switch the power off at the circuit breaker for 20 seconds; if F44 comes back, call an engineer.
Steam oven F10: a water inlet fault. The feed pump may have dried out after a long time unused, the suction hose in the water container may be missing or badly fitted, or, with a reverse osmosis system, the water may be too pure for the oven to detect. Steam oven F235: an electronic module fault, which needs a repair. Read why Miele ovens are built to last.
Miele tumble dryer error codes: F2 and F66
F66 (often searched as 066) is mostly dirty fluff filters or a dirty plinth filter. It can also be an overloaded drum, a blocked ventilation grille under the door or a poorly ventilated room. Clean the fluff and plinth filters, vacuum the heat exchanger gently and reduce the load. F2 is an open circuit at the refrigerant temperature sensor and needs a repair. See how to diagnose common Miele dryer issues.
Miele coffee machine error codes
F10: no water is being drawn in. Fill the water container three-quarters full, insert and remove it 10–20 times, then descale. F17: on a built-in machine, mains water is not reaching it (valve closed, hose kinked or the float in the water container stuck); on a countertop machine, very little water is being drawn in. F73: the brew unit cannot return to its start position or is dirty; rinse it without detergent and try less coffee or a finer grind. F74: a fault in valve adjustment; switch off and on, then descale. F77: a valve initialisation error; disconnect from the mains and reconnect. See our Miele coffee machine repair page.
When to call an engineer
Call an engineer when a code comes back after Miele’s first steps, or straight away for codes Miele says need a repair: dishwasher F24, F70 and F79, washing machine F1, steam oven F235 and dryer F2. Every repair we do starts with checking and cleaning the appliance. Many of the codes above, from F11 to F66 and F74, come from filters, pumps and valves that have not been cleaned or descaled, and after a service the appliance often works again. Comparing brands? Read Gaggenau vs Miele.
Book a Miele repair in London
LE Company’s call-out is from £175 + VAT and includes the first 30 minutes on site, when the engineer finds the cause of the fault. The cost of the repair is agreed with you before any work starts. Call +44 203 603 7172, or see our frequently asked questions.