Received E21 message on washing machine Bosch wash and dry avantixx.

Question

Received E21 message on washing machine Bosch wash and dry avantixx. Any advice?

Harry · Answer

Generally indicates the filter is clogged and its having a problem draining away the waste water.

Luke · Answer

Quick checks:
	•	Switch off at the mains for a few minutes and restart.
	•	Try turning the drum by hand — it should move freely.

If it’s stiff or the error returns, the most common cause on these models is worn motor carbon brushes. Less commonly it can be a motor sensor or wiring fault.

If a reset doesn’t clear it, it will normally need an engineer repair.

Gavin · Answer

Have a look at bottom of washing machine see if there a small door opening if so there will be a opening screw with a filter behind it

Mindaugas · Answer

Drainage blocked, or filter or pipe or pump fault, I try to open pump and check if pump spins free

Joe · Answer

An E21 error on a Bosch Avantixx Wash & Dry usually means there’s a problem with the motor or its control system. In simple terms, the machine is struggling to turn the drum properly.
What E21 typically indicates
Most commonly, E21 points to one of the following:
Motor carbon brushes worn out (very common on older Bosch machines)
Drum not turning freely (jammed or stiff bearings)
Motor tacho (speed sensor) fault
Wiring issue between the motor and control board
Less commonly: control module fault

Shahida · Answer

Hi, I have one of these machines , I had the same error code on mine , and I had the pump motor replaced. It wasn’t the control panel as this was fully working and enabled.

Mubaraq · Answer

clean the pump filter. If it returns, clean the pump filter first; if that’s clear, the issue is usually carbon brushes.

Umar · Answer

Mosr commonly Either a blockage or worn carbon brushes.

Ryan · Answer

What E21 usually means
	•	Motor is overloaded or jammed
	•	Drum is not rotating
	•	Carbon brushes are worn (very common on older Bosch models)
	•	Something is stuck between the drum and tub
	•	Less commonly: a motor control or wiring fault

Sebastian · Answer

On a Bosch Avantixx, E21 means the motor can't spin. Most of the time, this just means the carbon brushes are worn out and need replacing (a relatively cheap part, usually under £30).

The tricky part is that E21 won't clear itself even if you fix the motor—you have to manual reset it:

Turn the dial to Off.

Close the door.

Turn the dial to the 6 o'clock position (Spin).

Press and hold the Spin Speed button.

While holding it, turn the dial to 7 o'clock.

Hold for 5 seconds, release the button, and turn to Off.

If the reset doesn't work or the drum still won't turn, you’ll likely need to swap those brushes.

Received E21 message on washing machine Bosch wash and dry avantixx.

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