New World E18 washing machine: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What E18 actually means

The machine has detected a fault with its motor or the electronics that drive it, and has stopped the programme.

E18 is logged as a BLDC failure — the brushless motor that spins the drum, or the control board that drives it, isn't behaving as the machine expects. Rather than risk damage, the control board halts the cycle. It's an internal electrical fault, not something caused by loading or detergent.

What E18 looks like on a New World washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a New World washing machine, E18 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine door won't open
Door won't lock or click shut
Door lock light flashing
Door stuck shut with the load inside
Won't start even with the door closed
Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves

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

Fault in the motor drive electronics on the control board
A loose or damaged connection to the motor
Worn or failed brushless drum motor
Power supply disturbance or a one-off electronic glitch
Water or damp having reached electrical parts after a leak

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 switch back on and start a short programme — this clears a one-off glitch
Check the drum turns freely by hand with the door open and nothing wedged in it
Take out some of the load if the drum is packed tight, then retry

Common questions about New World E18

What does E18 mean on a New World washing machine?

The machine has detected a fault with its motor or the electronics that drive it, and has stopped the programme. E18 is logged as a BLDC failure — the brushless motor that spins the drum, or the control board that drives it, isn't behaving as the machine expects. Rather than risk damage, the control board halts the cycle. It's an internal electrical fault, not something caused by loading or detergent.

Can I fix New World E18 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short programme — this clears a one-off glitch.
Check the drum turns freely by hand with the door open and nothing wedged in it.
Take out some of the load if the drum is packed tight, then retry.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair New World E18?

£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 E18?

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 washing machine 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.

Other New World washing machine codes

All New World fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

New World E18 error — washing machine