Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 58 E — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The 58 E error on a Samsung refrigerator means the freezer evaporator fan motor has a fault. This fan draws cold air across the freezer evaporator coils and pushes it into the freezer (and fresh food) compartment. If this fan stops, cold air cannot circulate — and your fridge and freezer will start warming up. This is a more urgent issue than some other Samsung error codes. Your food is at risk if the fan is not working and the error is not resolved promptly.

Affected Models

RF23M8090SR
RF28R6201SR
RF22R7351SR
RF28HFEDBSR
RS27T5200SR
Most Samsung French door and side-by-side models with a rear evaporator

Common Causes

Freezer evaporator fan motor has burned out from age or overheating
Heavy ice buildup on the evaporator has jammed the fan blade
Broken or cracked fan blade striking the surrounding housing, causing the motor to lock up
Wiring harness to the fan motor is broken or the connector has come loose
Failed Hall sensor (speed sensor) inside the fan motor reporting incorrect speed to the main board

How to Fix It

Listen carefully with the fridge running. The freezer fan makes a consistent humming sound. If you hear nothing from the freezer compartment — or hear a grinding/clicking sound — the fan is likely seized or has a broken blade.

On some models you can open the freezer door slightly and listen at the back panel for fan noise.
Unplug the refrigerator and remove the freezer evaporator panel (the back panel inside the freezer). This typically requires removing all freezer shelves, the ice maker assembly, and several screws along the panel edges.

If you see a thick wall of ice on the evaporator coils, the defrost system has also been failing. Do a full manual defrost before proceeding.
Try spinning the fan blade by hand. A good fan spins freely and quietly. A fan that is stiff, gritty, or clicks as it spins has a failed motor bearing and needs replacement.

Even if the blade spins by hand, a failed Hall sensor inside the motor can prevent the board from detecting the fan's speed — and still trigger 58 E.
Test the motor with a multimeter. Disconnect the motor connector and measure resistance across the motor windings. An open circuit (infinite resistance) means the motor is burned out.

Compare your reading to the specification in your Samsung model's service manual. Some models have a specific resistance range; others simply need to show continuity.
Replace the evaporator fan motor assembly. Ensure the new motor's blade is installed in the correct orientation for proper airflow direction. Reassemble, restore power, and verify the fridge returns to temperature within 4 to 6 hours.

Monitor the freezer temperature over the next 24 hours. If it does not reach -2 to 0°F (-19 to -18°C), further diagnosis is needed.

When to Call a Professional

Evaporator fan motor replacement is a moderately involved DIY repair. The motor typically costs $20 to $60. If you cannot access the motor or the problem persists after replacement, a Samsung-certified technician can diagnose the circuit and control board.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will my food spoil if the freezer fan stops?

A full freezer retains cold for about 48 hours when the fan stops, provided you keep the door closed. A half-full freezer stays cold for about 24 hours. If the fridge is also warming up (not just the freezer), refrigerated food becomes unsafe after 4 hours above 40°F (4°C). Address this repair as quickly as possible or move food to another cooler.

Can ice buildup cause 58 E without the motor actually being broken?

Yes. If the evaporator coils are heavily iced over, the ice can lock the fan blade in place. In this case, a complete manual defrost — without damaging the motor — will free the blade and potentially clear the 58 E error. The motor itself would be fine. However, you should also diagnose why the coils iced up in the first place.

Is 58 E the same as error 22 E on Samsung refrigerators?

They both relate to the freezer fan, but they may point to different aspects of the circuit. 22 E is a more general freezer fan error seen on older Samsung models. 58 E is typically seen on newer models with more detailed diagnostic codes. Both errors call for the same diagnostic steps.