Roomba Error 10 — Side Brush Motor Fault (Fix Guide)

What Does This Error Mean?

Roomba Error 10 means the side brush motor has stalled — the brush is drawing too much current or is not spinning at all. This usually means hair is so deeply wound into the axle that the motor has thermally overloaded. Deep cleaning of the brush and axle is the first step. If the motor has burned out, the side brush module needs replacing.

Affected Models

Roomba 600 Series
Roomba 700 Series
Roomba 800 Series
Roomba 900 Series
Roomba e Series

Common Causes

Hair wound so tightly around the side brush axle that the motor has stalled under load
Side brush motor worn out after extended use — typical lifespan is 1–2 years without regular cleaning
Side brush arm bent or deformed and dragging on the floor plate
Hard debris wedged deep inside the side brush gear housing
Side brush cap seated incorrectly, adding mechanical resistance to the motor

How to Fix It

Remove the side brush by unscrewing the centre screw counterclockwise. Pull the brush off the axle post.

With Error 10, the amount of hair on the axle is often extreme — the motor has been straining against a tight knot for some time before it finally stopped.
Use scissors to cut through the hair coiled around the axle post, then pull every strand out with tweezers or a pick.

Simply pulling without cutting can be difficult. Cut across the coil first, then unwind and remove the cut strands. Get every bit out.
Look into the axle hole in the floor plate and pull any hair from the motor shaft inside using a toothpick or straightened paperclip.

Hair that has worked into the motor shaft is a common reason Error 10 returns even after the brush looks clean.
Try spinning the axle post by hand with the brush removed — it should turn with slight, smooth resistance.

If the axle feels stiff, grinds, or does not move, the motor has burned out and the side brush module needs replacing, not just cleaning.
Fit the clean side brush (or a replacement brush), tighten the screw, and press CLEAN to test.

If Error 10 clears and the brush spins normally, maintenance was the fix. If Error 10 returns within seconds, replace the side brush module.

When to Call a Professional

If deep cleaning the axle and replacing the side brush does not clear Error 10, the side brush motor module has burned out. This is a straightforward replacement — side brush modules for most Roomba series are available online for under $15.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Error 7 and Error 10?

Error 7 means the side brush has jammed and stopped — usually a simple hair tangle you can clear in minutes. Error 10 means the motor itself has stalled or burned out from overload. Error 10 is more serious and more likely to need a part replacement.

How long should a Roomba side brush motor last?

With regular cleaning (every 1–2 weeks), the side brush motor should last 2–3 years. If the brush axle is never cleaned, hair builds up and overloads the motor within months. Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid Error 10 altogether.