Dishwasher Door Does Not Close - Causes and Solutions

Issue

If the dishwasher door does not close, if the dishwasher door keeps opening, or if the door will not latch properly, the issue is often caused by incorrectly loaded baskets, obstructions around the door, incorrect installation, or a problem with the door latch mechanism.

Typical signs include:

• The dishwasher door will not stay closed
• The door does not click or lock when pushed shut
• The dishwasher cannot start because the door is open
• Baskets or dishes prevent the door from closing fully
• The door feels misaligned or difficult to close
• The dishwasher displays a door-related warning or error

Applies to

• Integrated dishwasher
• Freestanding dishwasher

Resolution

Make sure the appliance is correctly levelled

Try adjusting the appliance’s feet and checking it again with a spirit level.

See the user manual for detailed instructions. Download user manual.

Check that the door lock is positioned correctly

It is possible that the top part of the dishwasher housing has bent upwards (the diamond-shaped element on the door is positioned too low relative to the latch).

Refer to the article: Dishwasher does not switch on, does not start a cycle, does not automatically open the door at the end of a cycle

Check the installation of the dishwasher door panel (built-in models)

An incorrectly fitted front panel may cause stress and misalignment. Check that:

• the cabinet front is matched to the width of the dishwasher (typically 45 cm or 60 cm),
• the hinges and mountings are stable and symmetrical,
• There is no movement when the front panel is screwed on.

Check that the door isn't blocked

Make sure that nothing inside the dishwasher (e.g. a protruding tray, cutlery or a displaced basket) is obstructing the door.

For dishwashers with a “pin” door lock (as shown below)

The door lock can be reset by closing the door and pushing it more firmly than during normal closing - until a distinct reset of the locking mechanism is felt or heard.

This procedure restores correct position of the door lock mechanism.

Still need help? Get expert support

If the issue continues, a professional technician can help diagnose and fix the problem.

No matter whether your appliance is under warranty, out of warranty, or covered by an appliance protection plan, we’ll guide you to the right service.

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Cause

A dishwasher door must close and lock correctly before a wash cycle can start. If the door cannot close fully or the latch cannot engage, the dishwasher's safety system prevents dishwasher from starting.

The most common causes are:

• Dishes, cutlery, or cookware protruding from the baskets
• An upper or lower basket that is not positioned correctly
• An incorrectly installed dishwasher or a cabinet alignment issue
• A damaged, worn, or misaligned door latch or door lock assembly
• Damaged door hinges or other door components

In most cases, the problem is caused by an obstruction or loading issue rather than a component failure. However, if the door remains difficult to close after these causes have been eliminated, there may be a fault with the door locking or hinge system.