What E21 actually means
The machine has lost a reliable reading from one of its sensors — the temperature sensor or the water level sensor — so it stops the cycle rather than carry on blind.
On Hoover washer dryers E21 is a sensing fault rather than something mechanical you can see. The service information points at the NTC temperature sensor or its wiring, while Hoover and Candy's own washing machine The fault ties E21 to a missing water level reading from the APS pressure sensor, with the "Cuore" control board and its wiring as the other suspect. Either way the control board cannot trust what it is being told about heat or water, so it halts the programme — on models without a display you see it as 11 flashes of the lights between pauses, and on LCD models it may show as 11.
What E21 looks like on a Hoover washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Hoover washer dryer, E21 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Overfilling, or won't stop filling
- Stops with water still inside
- Fills and drains over and over
- Not drying
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- Faulty NTC temperature sensor or a broken/corroded connection to it
- Water level (pressure) sensor giving no usable reading
- Damaged or loose wiring between the sensor and the control board
- Faulty "Cuore" control board
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and try a short cycle — a one-off glitch will sometimes clear.
- Count the flashes between pauses (or note the number shown) before you call anyone; 11 confirms it is this code and not a neighbouring one, and it saves time on the visit.
- Clear the drain filter and make sure the drain hose is not kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe — worth ruling out if the fault comes with water left in the drum.
Common questions about Hoover E21
What does E21 mean on a Hoover washer dryer?
The machine has lost a reliable reading from one of its sensors — the temperature sensor or the water level sensor — so it stops the cycle rather than carry on blind. On Hoover washer dryers E21 is a sensing fault rather than something mechanical you can see. The service information points at the NTC temperature sensor or its wiring, while Hoover and Candy's own washing machine The fault ties E21 to a missing water level reading from the APS pressure sensor, with the "Cuore" control board and its wiring as the other suspect. Either way the control board cannot trust what it is being told about heat or water, so it halts the programme — on models without a display you see it as 11 flashes of the lights between pauses, and on LCD models it may show as 11.
Can I fix Hoover E21 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and try a short cycle — a one-off glitch will sometimes clear.
- Count the flashes between pauses (or note the number shown) before you call anyone; 11 confirms it is this code and not a neighbouring one, and it saves time on the visit.
- Clear the drain filter and make sure the drain hose is not kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe — worth ruling out if the fault comes with water left in the drum.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Hoover E21?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E21?
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washer dryer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
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