Siemens F21 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 F21 actually means

The machine has a problem driving the drum — the motor isn't turning as the control board expects, so the cycle stops.

On Bosch-built machines (which includes Siemens, Neff and several other badges) F21 is a motor and drive fault. The control board sends the motor a command, doesn't get the rotation it expects back, and shuts the wash down rather than carrying on. Typically the drum sits still or judders, sometimes part way through a wash with water still in it.

What F21 looks like on a Siemens washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Siemens washing machine, F21 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
Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water

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

Worn motor carbon brushes — much the most common cause on these machines
A motor fault or failed motor connection
Control module or motor-drive electronics at fault
Drum jammed by something wedged between drum and tub, or a badly unbalanced load stalling the motor

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 back on, and see whether the fault returns on a fresh cycle.
Open the door and turn the drum by hand — it should spin freely. If it grinds or won't move, note that for the engineer.
Take out a heavy or tangled load and try a short cycle with the drum empty.
Check nothing has slipped between the drum and the door seal, such as a wire from a bra or a coin.

Common questions about Siemens F21

What does F21 mean on a Siemens washing machine?

The machine has a problem driving the drum — the motor isn't turning as the control board expects, so the cycle stops. On Bosch-built machines (which includes Siemens, Neff and several other badges) F21 is a motor and drive fault. The control board sends the motor a command, doesn't get the rotation it expects back, and shuts the wash down rather than carrying on. Typically the drum sits still or judders, sometimes part way through a wash with water still in it.

Can I fix Siemens F21 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then back on, and see whether the fault returns on a fresh cycle.
Open the door and turn the drum by hand — it should spin freely. If it grinds or won't move, note that for the engineer.
Take out a heavy or tangled load and try a short cycle with the drum empty.
Check nothing has slipped between the drum and the door seal, such as a wire from a bra or a coin.

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

How much does it cost to repair Siemens F21?

£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 F21?

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 Siemens washing machine codes

All Siemens 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.

Siemens F21 error — washing machine