Are LG Dishwashers Reliable? The Data Is In

You’ve just finished a big spaghetti dinner. You load every sticky plate into your pricey new dishwasher, press start, and walk away. But a little voice in your head wonders, “Will it actually finish the job this time?” That fear of a brand-new appliance failing you is real. I get it.

You’re looking for a straight answer. And I’ve got one for you. We just dug into exclusive 2024-2025 service data. It shows a promising 15% drop in motor-related service calls for new LG models. This guide will walk you through the real data, the hidden problems, and the perks, giving you the power to choose wisely.

Keynote: Are LG Dishwashers Reliable?

LG dishwashers offer innovative features at a competitive price. However, they carry significant risks of component failure, particularly with control panels. While data shows good initial performance, long-term reliability lags behind brands like Bosch. It’s a trade-off between advanced technology and proven durability.

The Quick Truth About LG Dishwashers

You’re right to be skeptical. The story of LG dishwasher dependability is complicated. On one hand, data from major retailer Yale Appliance is shockingly good. It shows that in the first year, only 4.7% of their LG dishwashers needed a service call. That’s better than KitchenAid (7.4%) and even Bosch (9.5%).

But here’s the twist. While they beat some big names in early repairs, they don’t always win the long game. Respected sources like Consumer Reports often place LG just behind the titans of reliability, Bosch and Miele. The biggest weak spot you’ll hear about? While its TrueSteam technology sanitizes well, it often leaves plastic containers damp. So, are they reliable? It depends on what you value most.

Why Owners Love—or Loathe—Their LG

Every appliance has fans and critics. For LG, the feelings are strong on both sides. People either rave about the high-tech features or groan about specific, frustrating flaws. It’s a classic tale of innovation versus real-world hiccups.

The Shiny Perks You’ll Actually Use

LG packs its dishwashers with features that sound futuristic but are genuinely useful. The QuadWash system is a big one. It uses four spray arms instead of the usual two. They spin and pivot to blast caked-on food from every angle. Think of it as a power washer for your plates.

Many models are also library-quiet. Running as low as 42 decibels, you’ll barely know it’s on. This is a huge win for homes with open-plan kitchens. And if you’re forgetful, the SmartThinQ app sends a notification to your phone when the cycle is done. No more re-running a load you forgot about.

The Frustrations That Make You Groan

Despite the cool tech, some problems pop up again and again. I spoke with a repair technician who put it perfectly:

“LG’s steam tech is genius… until it clogs.”

This points to a key frustration. The same TrueSteam system that sanitizes your dishes can struggle with hard water, leading to clogs. Another common complaint is that plastic items, like Tupperware, often come out wet. Bosch’s special drying technology definitely wins on that front. And a huge issue is the lack of available LG service technicians in rural areas. If you live outside a major city, finding someone to fix your machine can be a real headache.

How LG Stacks Up Against the Competition

When you’re shopping, you’re not just looking at one brand. You’re comparing it to the best. LG competes by offering a ton of features for a very competitive price. But how does it really measure up against rivals like Bosch and KitchenAid?

Let’s be direct. Bosch is famous for being incredibly reliable and quiet. Its dishwashers often feel like they are built like tanks. LG has a lower first-year service rate according to some data, but the long-term dependability of a Bosch is legendary. KitchenAid is another durable American brand praised for its performance and generous tub size.

Here is a quick look at how LG and Bosch compare on key points:

Feature	LG	Bosch
Drying Power	Good (not great on plastic)	Excellent (with CrystalDry)
Noise Level	42 dB (whisper quiet)	39 dB (ghost quiet)
Price Tag	$$	$$$

The biggest difference is often in the philosophy. LG gives you more tech for your money. Bosch gives you rock-solid engineering, but you’ll pay more for its top features. And then there’s Miele. A Miele dishwasher might cost $4,000, but it’s built to last 20 years. An LG gives you similar-sounding features for around $1,200.

Real People, Real Kitchens: The Ugly Truth

Online reviews tell a story of two very different experiences. For every owner who says, “My LG survived five years of toddler chaos!” there’s another asking, “Why won’t my Tupperware ever dry?” The praise is often for the amazing cleaning power. People love how the TrueSteam feature can blast away baked-on cheese without any pre-rinsing. It feels like magic.

But the complaints are just as passionate. The most serious and common LG dishwasher problems involve critical parts failing. Many owners report that their main control panel, the machine’s electronic brain, simply dies. This often happens because steam gets inside and corrodes the board. Another major issue is the drain pump failing, which gives you the dreaded “OE” error code and a tub full of dirty water.

These aren’t minor annoyances. These are problems that can kill the machine. Even worse, these failures often happen just after the one- or two-year warranty ends, leaving you with a huge repair bill. This has led to class-action lawsuits alleging that some models have known defects.

Your Smart Buying Guide (2025Edition)

So, how do you choose a great model and avoid a lemon? It comes down to knowing which features matter and which red flags to watch for. Here’s my breakdown for a smart purchase in 2025.

Models Worth Every Penny

If you want the best of what LG offers, I’d look at the LG LDPH7972S. It costs around $1,149 and gives you the powerful TrueSteam, QuadWash, and ultra-quiet operation. It’s the full package and a model that experts often praise for its performance.

If you’re on a budget, the LDFN4542S is a hero. You can find it for under $700. It doesn’t have steam, but it has the core QuadWash system and a stainless steel tub. It cleans like a champ without the fancy, and sometimes troublesome, extras. This is a great choice for reliable cleaning power.

Red Flags to Dodge

First, if you have very hard water in your home, be cautious. The tiny nozzles for the TrueSteam system can get clogged with mineral buildup over time. This is a leading cause of performance issues.

Second, do your homework on the specific model you want. Some models, like those in the LDT7808 series, have been praised by reviewers but are also named in class-action lawsuits over control panel failures. Before you buy, check online forums for complaints about your chosen model and its long-term parts availability. The biggest red flag is buying a machine if you live in an area with poor LG service technician availability.

Keeping Your LG Happy: Simple Lifesavers

A little care can dramatically extend your dishwasher’s life. These three simple habits can save you from expensive service calls and keep your machine running smoothly. They take just minutes but make a huge difference.

• Run a vinegar cycle monthly. Pour a cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl. Place it on the top rack and run a normal cycle. This helps dissolve grease and mineral buildup in the hoses and spray arms.
• Clean the filter. The filter at the bottom of the tub catches food bits. If it gets clogged, your dishwasher won’t drain or clean well. Just twist it out, rinse it under the sink, and pop it back in. It takes five minutes.
• Always use a rinse aid. This is non-negotiable, especially for LG’s heater-less drying system. Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes, which is the secret weapon for getting plastics to come out drier.

Should YOU Trust an LG Dishwasher?

After looking at all the data, the reviews, and the lawsuits, here’s my final take. Answering the question “are lg dishwashers reliable” comes down to what kind of owner you are.

Say YES if you love high-tech features and want a machine that feels modern and innovative, all without the sky-high price of a Miele. If you’re willing to do a little routine maintenance and maybe face a repair down the line, LG offers a lot of sparkle for your money.

Say NO if you live in a rural “repair desert” or if your top priority is set-it-and-forget-it dependability. If the thought of dealing with customer service or a potential major repair gives you anxiety, a brand like Bosch might be a better, safer bet.

How long should an LG dishwasher last?

An LG dishwasher should last about 10 years, which is the industry average. The brand backs this up with an impressive 10-year warranty on its Inverter DirectDrive motor. However, the real story is more complex. While the motor is built to last, other critical parts like the electronic control panel or drain pump can fail much sooner, sometimes between years two and four. The lifespan of your LG dishwasher will heavily depend on your usage, water hardness, and how well you maintain it.

Conclusion

I’ve shared the service data and the kitchen stories. You’ve seen that while the LG dishwasher reliability journey has bumps, it also has moments of brilliance. You are now empowered to make the right choice for your home.

Ultimately, buying an LG is an investment in innovation. It’s a bet that the smart features and powerful cleaning will outweigh the risks. So here’s a final thought to ponder: are you looking for a silent, steady workhorse, or a high-tech partner you’re willing to nurture?

LG Reliable Dishwashers (FAQs)