The Most Common Appliance Part Failures — and What Causes Them

The Most Common Appliance Part Failures — and What Causes Them

Posted by APG | AI on Oct 31st 2025

Every appliance in your home works hard behind the scenes to keep life running smoothly. Over time, even the best machines experience normal wear and tear – and certain parts tend to fail more often than others. Understanding the most common appliance part failures can help you spot early warning signs, perform preventative maintenance, and make informed repair decisions.

Heating Elements and Igniters

Dryers, ovens, and dishwashers all rely on heating elements to function properly. These parts experience extreme temperature changes every time the appliance runs, which can cause metal fatigue and eventual burnout. Similarly, gas appliances use igniters that can fail after years of repeated use.

Tip: Replacing these components with OEM parts ensures consistent performance and safety, since they’re built to handle your appliance’s specific temperature range.

Pumps, Valves, and Motors

Washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators all rely on pumps and valves to circulate water or coolant. Hard water deposits, dirt buildup, or small obstructions can cause these parts to overheat or seize. Over time, the internal seals and bearings can wear down, leading to leaks or total failure.

Using genuine OEM parts ensures that the materials and tolerances match factory specifications – giving you the best chance for a long-lasting fix.

Belts, Rollers, and Gaskets

Moving parts are especially prone to wear. Dryer belts can stretch, rollers can flatten, and gaskets can crack over time, leading to noise, vibration, or air leaks. Replacing these parts regularly helps maintain efficiency and prevents larger breakdowns.

Sensors and Control Boards

Today’s appliances depend on electronic components to monitor temperature, moisture, and timing. Fluctuations in voltage or excess heat can damage these parts, causing error codes or erratic behavior. Installing OEM sensors or control boards restores your appliance’s intended performance and accuracy.

Keeping Your Appliances Running Smoothly

Most appliance failures don’t happen overnight – they develop slowly due to age, buildup, or component fatigue. Replacing failed parts with genuine OEM components ensures your repair is durable, safe, and fully compatible with your appliance model.

At Appliance Parts Group, we carry OEM parts for all major brands so you can repair with confidence.

This article was written by an AI program as part of a beta test by Appliance Parts Group to explore how artificial intelligence can help inform and educate our customers. Our goal is to use AI tools to provide clear, reliable information so you can make confident, well-informed purchasing decisions.