Error code
Bosch Washing Machine Error Code F21
Quick answer
F21
Motor drive or drum movement issue
First safe action
Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains.
Meaning
Bosch washing machine error code F21 usually points to a problem with drum rotation, the motor drive system, or how the machine is monitoring motor speed.
Likely causes
- Motor or carbon brush wear
- Drive circuit or wiring issue
- Drum movement being blocked or misread
Safe first checks
- Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains.
- Check for an overloaded drum or items trapped between the door seal and drum area.
- Do not keep retrying spin cycles if the drum is struggling to move.
How to reset
- Restore power only after reducing the load if it appears overfilled.
- Test a short spin or rinse cycle once and stop if the code returns.
When to call an engineer
Repeated motor-related faults usually need a repair engineer because the motor circuit and drive components are not user-service checks.
Safety warning
Disconnect the appliance from the mains before checking the drum area and do not remove external panels yourself.
Useful hub links
Related fault codes
E20 for Bosch Washing Machine
Motor drive or drum movement issue
F18 for Bosch Washing Machine
The machine is not draining water correctly
F19 for Bosch Washing Machine
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F23 for Bosch Washing Machine
Overflow or leak protection has been triggered
F17 for Bosch Washing Machine
Water is not entering the machine properly
E16 for Bosch Washing Machine
Door locking or door sensing problem
Relevant guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep using a Bosch washing machine with F21 showing?+
It is best not to keep using the machine while F21 is showing, because the fault can lead to repeated cycle failure or further stress on the appliance.
Will resetting clear F21 for good?+
A reset may clear a temporary interruption, but if F21 comes back after the first safe checks, the underlying fault still needs attention.