We rely on our appliances to keep life running smoothly. Until they don’t.

The dishwasher stops mid-cycle. The fridge stops cooling. The dryer runs but never heats up. Suddenly, your daily routine is off the rails.

If it feels like appliances always break down at the worst possible time, you’re not alone. But most breakdowns aren’t random. There are clear warning signs and common causes behind the chaos.

In this blog, we discuss some of the biggest reasons your appliances break down, which ones are most likely to give you trouble, and how you can stay one step ahead.

Some Appliances Just Break More Often

Not all appliances are created equal, and some are more prone to issues than others.

According to data from Consumer Reports, these are the appliances most likely to cause headaches:

  • French-door refrigerators
  • Dishwashers
  • Front-load washing machines
  • Wall ovens
  • Clothes dryers

Why these? Usually, it's because they’ve got more going on under the hood. Ice makers, touchscreens, sensors, smart features. They’re convenient, but all those extras also mean more chances for something to go wrong.

Ironically, the simplest appliances often last the longest. A basic top-freezer fridge or manual washer may not be flashy, but they tend to break down less.

What Tends to Go Wrong (and Where)

Let’s talk about what actually breaks. Most appliance failures come down to just a few parts.

Refrigerators: Ice makers are a common weak point, along with fans and control boards. You might notice leaks or inconsistent temperatures.

Washers: Drums, pumps, and electronic controls often fail after years of heavy use—especially if the washer gets overloaded often.

Dryers: Heating elements and belts wear out over time. If your dryer’s running but the clothes are still cold, this is likely why.

Dishwashers: Clogged spray arms and broken pumps are common. If your dishes aren’t coming out clean, it could be more than just how you loaded them.

Ovens: Temperature sensors and igniters are usually the first to fail. If your oven isn’t heating evenly—or at all—that’s probably the issue.

So, Why Do These Things Break?

Most appliance failures aren’t just bad luck. They usually fall into one of these five categories:

1. They’re Just Getting Old

Every appliance has a lifespan. After a certain number of years, parts just wear down.

On average:

  • Fridges last about 13 years
  • Dishwashers: 10 years
  • Washers and dryers: 10–13 years

  • Ovens: up to 15 years

     

A man taking apart a washing machine.

 

If your appliance is nearing the end of that range, expect more frequent issues. That doesn’t mean you need to replace it immediately, but it does mean you’ll want to keep an eye (and ear) out for changes.

2. Nobody’s Doing Maintenance

Most of us don’t think about maintaining our appliances…until they stop working.

But a little upkeep goes a long way. Things like:

  • Cleaning your dryer’s lint trap
  • Running a monthly cleaning cycle in your washer
  • Wiping down the dishwasher filter
  • Vacuuming fridge coils every few months

These quick tasks can prevent major problems. In fact, regular maintenance could prevent up to 80% of appliance breakdowns, according to This Old House.

3. We’re Not Using Them the Right Way

We’ve all overloaded the washer a time or two. Or maybe slammed the oven door shut in a rush. 

It happens.

But over time, misuse adds up:

  • Overstuffed washers strain motors and drums.
  • Small, frequent loads in the dishwasher can wear it down faster.
  • Using the wrong detergent causes buildup.
  • Slamming doors or skipping recommended settings leads to wear and tear.

Stick to the manual. It’s not just there to collect dust.

4. Power Surges Are Sneaky

One small power surge—especially during a storm or outage—can fry a control board in an instant.

Today’s smart appliances rely on sensitive electronics, so they’re more vulnerable than ever.

Plug major appliances into surge protectors when you can or at least protect high-cost items like your fridge and oven.

5. Installation Wasn’t Done Right

Even a brand-new appliance can start having problems if it wasn’t installed properly.

 

Two maintenance men installing a new dishwasher in the kitchen.

 

Uneven floors, loose hoses, poor ventilation. All of these things can lead to premature wear or sudden failure.

When in doubt, hire a pro or triple-check the instructions.

Repair or Replace? Here’s the Rule of Thumb

If your appliance breaks down, here’s a simple question to ask:

Is the repair going to cost more than half the price of a new one?

If it is—and your appliance is already halfway through its life—replacement usually makes more sense.

But if it’s a newer unit and the fix is small, repairing it is often the smarter (and cheaper) move.

How a Home Warranty Can Save You Time, Money, and Stress

Let’s face it. Appliance repairs never come at a good time.

With a home warranty from America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW), you’re not stuck figuring it out alone.

You get to:

  • Pick your own licensed contractor
  • Get coverage on major appliances and systems
  • Avoid footing the full repair bill yourself

So when something breaks, you file a claim, get it fixed, and move on with your life. Simple as that.

Final Thoughts

Appliances work hard every day. A little care can keep them running longer and help you avoid the stress of sudden breakdowns.

To recap:

  • Pay attention to age and wear
  • Don’t skip maintenance
  • Use them the right way
  • Protect them from power surges
  • Install them correctly from the start

And if you want real peace of mind? Let APHW help protect your home (and your wallet) from life’s next unexpected breakdown.

Need more homeowner tips?

Stick around the APHW blog. We’ve got expert advice, repair guides, and smart solutions to help you take care of the place you call home.