Samsung Dishwasher Error Code AE — Leakage Error (Auto-Off)

What Does This Error Mean?

The AE error means Samsung's automatic leak protection system has triggered. A sensor at the bottom of the dishwasher detected water in the base pan — water that should not be there. The machine shuts down immediately to prevent flooding your kitchen. AE is essentially the same leak protection as LE on some models but indicates a more automated shutoff response. You need to find and fix the leak before running the dishwasher again.

Affected Models

DW80R9950UG
DW80T9940US
DW80R5061US
DW80T5550US
Samsung dishwashers with AquaStop or auto-leak protection

Common Causes

Oversudsing from using regular dish soap or too much detergent, creating foam that runs into the base
Worn or cracked door gasket allowing water to leak down the door during cycles
Loose or cracked internal water hose connection that drips during the wash or rinse cycle
Failed water inlet valve seeping water slowly into the base even when the dishwasher is idle
Damaged sump assembly or pump housing with a crack that weeps water during operation

How to Fix It

Turn off the dishwasher and turn off the water supply valve under the sink. Disconnect power by unplugging or switching off the circuit breaker. Do not run any more cycles until the leak is found.

Working with a powered, water-supplied appliance that's already leaking is a shock and flood risk.
Remove the kick plate at the bottom front of the dishwasher (usually 2 screws or snapped on). Look inside with a flashlight. You'll see a plastic base pan — mop up all the water inside with towels or a small sponge. The AE code won't clear until this tray is completely dry and the float returns to its normal position.

Getting all the water out of the pan can take some patience — use a turkey baster to get the last bit from the low spots.
Once the tray is dry, restore power and water supply and run a short rinse cycle. Watch inside the base area with a flashlight as the machine fills. Look for any dripping or spraying from hoses, fittings, the pump, or the door seal.

The drip may only appear under pressure — it won't be visible when the water is off.
Inspect the door gasket thoroughly for any cracks, tears, or sections where the seal has pulled away from the tub. Also look for detergent buildup on the gasket that could be preventing a proper seal. Clean the gasket with a damp cloth and reseat any sections that have slipped.

Run a finger along the full length of the gasket with the door closed to feel for gaps.
If you can't find the leak source visually during a test cycle, call a Samsung-certified technician. They have the tools to pressure-test internal hoses and identify leaks that are only visible during specific points in the wash cycle.

Ask specifically about whether your model has AquaStop — the safety valve in the inlet line. If AquaStop has partially triggered, it may restrict water flow and require replacement.

When to Call a Professional

If removing the water from the base tray and running a test cycle shows the tray fills again, the leak source must be identified and repaired. Cracked pump housings, failed inlet valves, and internal hose repairs require a technician. Expect $150-$400 for leak-related repairs. AquaStop-equipped Samsung models may have a self-sealing valve that also needs inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AquaStop and does my dishwasher have it?

AquaStop is Samsung's branded name for the safety water supply hose that automatically seals itself if it detects a leak. It's a hose with a built-in valve — if the outer hose jacket detects moisture, it triggers and cuts off the water supply. Check your model's spec sheet or the label on the supply hose. If the AquaStop has triggered, the hose will need replacement.

The AE code came back after I dried the tray. What now?

That means the leak is still happening — you dried the symptom, not the cause. The most common reasons for repeat AE are a slowly dripping inlet valve (drips even when off), a cracked internal hose, or a pump seal that only weeps under water pressure. You need to watch the machine during a cycle to catch it in the act.

Is AE the same as LE on Samsung dishwashers?

They're very similar — both indicate water detected in the base pan. On some Samsung models AE and LE are used interchangeably depending on firmware version. The fix process is identical: dry the tray, find the leak, fix the source.