Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E18
Not enough water is reaching or staying in the machine for a proper wash. Bosch points first at the supply: the tap should be fully on and the inlet hose clear, with a flow of about 10 litres per minute. Tall items that flip over and trap water mid-cycle can also drop the level on some models.
Also shown as: E3200
Common causes
- Supply tap not fully open
- Kinked or partially blocked inlet hose
- Low household water pressure
- Large bowls flipping over and holding water during the cycle
What to check, in order
- Make sure the water supply tap is fully open.
- Check the inlet hose is not kinked or damaged.
- Load tall bowls and pans so they cannot flip and trap water.
- Run the cycle again; if E18 persists with a strong supply, book a technician.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
- Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code E18, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Water inlet valveInlet hoseFlow meter
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about E18
What does E18 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E18 means: Water level too low, or water not being pumped correctly. Not enough water is reaching or staying in the machine for a proper wash. Bosch points first at the supply: the tap should be fully on and the inlet hose clear, with a flow of about 10 litres per minute. Tall items that flip over and trap water mid-cycle can also drop the level on some models.
Can I fix Bosch E18 myself?
Usually, yes. Code E18 is rated DIY-friendly: the checks on this page cover the common causes and use basic household items only. If the code returns after the checks and a test cycle, book a technician.
How do I clear Bosch E18?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Bosch Home (US) owner support: dishwasher error codes
- Coolblue advice: Bosch and Siemens washing machine errors
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.