Willow 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 stopped because it can't drive the drum motor properly — the control system has flagged a fault with the brushless (BLDC) motor or the board that runs it.

Willow lists E18 as a BLDC failure. The control electronics send drive signals to the brushless drum motor and read back what the motor is actually doing; when those don't agree, or the drive circuit reports a problem, the wash is abandoned rather than risk damage. In practice the owner sees the drum sitting still or turning briefly and stopping, often with water still in the machine.

What E18 looks like on a Willow washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Willow washing machine, E18 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
Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
Turns one way only

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 control board that drives the drum
Wiring plug to the motor loose, corroded or damaged
Worn or failed brushless drum motor
Something jamming the drum so the motor overloads (a trapped coin or underwire, a seized bearing)
Mains supply disturbance that upset the drive electronics

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 programme knob to the off position and leave it for a few seconds — Willow's own reset. Then switch off at the wall for a minute before trying a short cycle.
With the machine switched off at the wall, turn the drum by hand. It should spin freely; if it grinds, drags or won't move, stop and book an engineer.
If there's water in the drum, drain it through the filter/drain hose at the front before moving the machine.

Common questions about Willow E18

What does E18 mean on a Willow washing machine?

The machine has stopped because it can't drive the drum motor properly — the control system has flagged a fault with the brushless (BLDC) motor or the board that runs it. Willow lists E18 as a BLDC failure. The control electronics send drive signals to the brushless drum motor and read back what the motor is actually doing; when those don't agree, or the drive circuit reports a problem, the wash is abandoned rather than risk damage. In practice the owner sees the drum sitting still or turning briefly and stopping, often with water still in the machine.

Can I fix Willow E18 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the programme knob to the off position and leave it for a few seconds — Willow's own reset. Then switch off at the wall for a minute before trying a short cycle.
With the machine switched off at the wall, turn the drum by hand. It should spin freely; if it grinds, drags or won't move, stop and book an engineer.
If there's water in the drum, drain it through the filter/drain hose at the front before moving the machine.

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

How much does it cost to repair Willow 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 Willow washing machine codes

All Willow 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.

Willow E18 error — washing machine