Samsung Dishwasher Error Code UE — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The UE error means your Samsung dishwasher has detected unusually high water or internal temperatures. The machine monitors temperature throughout the cycle to protect components and keep your dishes safe. When the temperature goes beyond the expected range, it stops and shows UE. This can happen due to a faulty temperature sensor, a malfunctioning heater, or genuinely extreme conditions.

Affected Models

DW80R9950UG
DW80T9940US
DW80R5061US
DW80T5550US
DW80K5050US
Most Samsung dishwashers with digital temperature monitoring

Common Causes

The thermistor (temperature sensor) has failed and is reporting false high-temperature readings
The heating element is stuck on and heating the water past the safe limit
The incoming hot water supply temperature is extremely high (above 160°F / 71°C)
A wiring issue is causing a short that sends incorrect temperature signals to the control board
The control board has malfunctioned and is misinterpreting temperature sensor data

How to Fix It

Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it. Open the door slightly to allow the interior to cool for 30 minutes.

If genuine overheating occurred, the machine needs time to cool before you can run another cycle safely.
After 30 minutes, plug the dishwasher back in and try to start a new cycle.

If UE was caused by a temporary spike, the error should be gone once the machine has cooled.
Check your home's hot water heater temperature setting. Run the kitchen sink hot tap and test the water with a thermometer. It should be between 120°F and 140°F (49°C to 60°C).

If your water heater is set very high (above 150°F / 65°C), the dishwasher may register this as an overheating condition.
If the error returns immediately on a new cycle, the temperature sensor may be faulty. It could be sending a constant high-temperature signal even when the water is cool.

A faulty thermistor sometimes causes UE to appear right at the start of a cycle — before the heater has even activated.
If the error persists, call a Samsung-authorized technician. Provide the UE code and your model number when you call.

A technician will check the thermistor resistance and inspect the heater to determine which component has failed.

When to Call a Professional

If a power reset and checking the hot water supply temperature do not resolve UE, the thermistor or heating element likely needs replacement. Thermistor replacement typically costs $80–$150. Heating element replacement runs $100–$200. A Samsung-certified technician can test both components with a multimeter in a single visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can UE on a dishwasher damage my dishes?

The dishwasher stops the cycle when it detects UE specifically to prevent damage. If the machine managed to overheat before tripping UE, very hot water could warp plastic items or strip labels from containers. Once the machine stops and cools down, your dishes are fine. Avoid running plastics on a cycle with known temperature issues until UE is repaired.

What temperature should a dishwasher's wash water be?

Samsung dishwashers typically heat wash water to between 120°F and 160°F (49°C to 71°C) depending on the cycle selected. The sanitize cycle reaches the highest temperature — around 155°F to 160°F (68°C to 71°C). The UE error triggers when the machine detects temperatures significantly above this range or when the sensor reports an impossible reading.

Is UE the same as the tE error on Samsung dishwashers?

They are closely related but not identical. tE is a general temperature sensor fault — the sensor is not giving any valid reading at all. UE specifically indicates a high-temperature detection — the sensor is reading temperatures above the safe range. Both errors involve the thermistor and both are diagnosed and repaired the same way.