E21

Circulation Pump Error

Home Appliance Error Codes Bosch Dishwashers

Can you still use it? With care until repaired

Who can fix it? Needs a technician

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 3 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 1,000

What it means

This code appears on Bosch dishwashers when the circulation pump that sprays water onto the dishes is not working properly, or the control board detects that it is obstructed. On many models this pump is part of the heat pump that also contains the heater. The meaning should be confirmed for your model, and the same number can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Bosch dishwashers; the code shows on the display or at the end of a program.

Symptoms4

E21 shows and the program stops after filling.
No usual spraying sound inside the unit.
Dishes come out almost as dirty as they went in.
Buzzing or humming from under the unit with no spraying.

Possible causes5

A small object or hard debris jamming the circulation pump impeller.
Blocked filters reducing water reaching the pump.
A loose plug or wire at the pump connection.
A failed circulation pump motor or heat pump.
A fault in the pump drive circuit on the control board.

How to diagnose5

Unplug the unit for a few minutes and restart it to rule out a one-off glitch.
Remove and clean the filters, and make sure the bottom is free of hard debris.
Check that the spray arms turn freely and do not hit the dishes.
A technician unplugs the unit before taking it apart, then checks the impeller turns, inspects the connection and measures the windings against the manufacturer specification.
If the pump is fine, the drive circuit on the board is checked.

How to fix5

Clean the filters and the bottom and refit them.
Have the technician remove the object jamming the impeller.
Repair the damaged connection or plug.
Replace the circulation pump or heat pump if confirmed faulty.
Repair or replace the board if it is the cause, then run a full program to confirm normal spraying without the code.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low for trapped debris or a connection, and rises when the circulation pump or heat pump has to be replaced.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the circulation pump and the drain pump?

The circulation pump sprays water onto the dishes during washing; the drain pump removes the dirty water. A circulation fault shows as unwashed dishes, a drain fault as water left in the bottom.

Is E21 linked to E09?

They can be on models that combine the pump and heater in one unit, so a fault in that unit may show as either code. A technician confirms it by testing.

Why do you say the meaning should be confirmed?

The meaning of E21 can differ between Bosch dishwasher series, so check it against the user manual before buying any part.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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