ApplianceErrors.com

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code UE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
✓ Low Severity 🔧 Easy DIY Also shown as: E4

Unbalanced load detected

The most common cause of the UE error on a Samsung washing machine is single heavy item or small mixed load bunched to one side (~50% of cases); start with: redistribute the laundry.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$70 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $0–$150
Samsung Washing Machine error code UE on the display panel
How the UE code appears on a Samsung washing machine display

What Does Error Code UE Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?

Unbalanced load detected.

During the spin ramp-up, the control board monitors drum motion via the balance/vibration sensor and motor feedback. If it detects excessive wobble or uneven weight distribution, it stops the spin, refills or rocks the drum to redistribute, and retries several times. UE fires only after these rebalancing attempts fail. Unlike DC (which flags a load the machine gives up redistributing), UE is the general unbalanced-load warning, and it protects the bearings, suspension, and cabinet from damage.

Models affected: Most Samsung front-load and top-load washers display UE for unbalanced loads; top-load models (such as the WA50R5400AV, WA45T3200AW, and WA54R7600AV) tend to show it more often since they rely on drum balancing during spin, while some models use the alias code E4.
What owners report: Owners commonly report UE with bulky single items like a comforter, a bath mat, or a couple of towels that clump to one side, and note it often clears simply by opening the door and spreading the load out. It can also appear if the washer isn't level or sits on an uneven floor, which some owners fix by adjusting the leveling feet.

What Causes Error Code UE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Single heavy item or small mixed load bunched to one side 50% of cases
  2. 2
    Overloaded drum (too many items packed tightly) 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Underloaded drum (one or two items only) 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Worn drum suspension springs or shock absorbers 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code UE

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Redistribute the laundry

    Open the door and manually redistribute items evenly around the drum. Separate any tangled items like sheets or towels that may have clumped together.

  2. 2

    Check the load size

    Remove some items if the drum is overloaded (more than ¾ full). Add a few items if washing 1–2 small items alone — small loads imbalance easily.

  3. 3

    Run a spin-only cycle

    Select Spin Only at the lowest speed and let it complete. If the cycle finishes without UE, the load is now balanced.

  4. 4

    Inspect suspension rods (persistent UE only)

    If UE occurs consistently with normal loads, inspect the 4 suspension rods. Shake the drum by hand — it should resist movement and spring back. If it flops freely, replace the suspension rods.

    🔩 Samsung suspension rod kit ($30–$70)

How to Reset Error Code UE

UE clears automatically once the drum is balanced. The washer may make several attempts to rebalance before displaying the error. No manual reset needed — just open and redistribute the load.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Samsung washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Washer shaking or loud →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If UE occurs with every load regardless of size or balance, the drum suspension springs or shock absorbers are likely worn and need replacement.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $0–$150

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code UE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows UE →

LG logo
LG Washing Machine UE
Unbalanced load — cannot complete spin cycle
Kenmore logo
Kenmore Washing Machine UE
Unbalanced load (LG-platform Kenmore models)

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Washing Machine:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Washing Machine repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

4C Water supply not detected OE Drain failure — water not draining LE Motor locked — drum cannot rotate DE Door not properly closed or door lock failure HE Water heater error — water not heating to target temperature SUD Excessive suds detected

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Washing Machine when error UE appears? +
Usually yes — UE is a low-severity balance notice that rarely stops the washing machine from working, but clearing the underlying cause prevents it from escalating.
What most commonly causes UE on a Samsung Washing Machine? +
Across reported Samsung washing machine repairs, the most frequent is single heavy item or small mixed load bunched to one side (50% of cases), overloaded drum (too many items packed tightly) (25%), then underloaded drum (one or two items only) (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
UE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored UE fault; if it returns, the balance problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — redistribute the laundry, then check the load size — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Washing Machine error UE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$70 in parts, versus $0–$150 for a professional service call. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Samsung Washing Machine models show error UE? +
UE is documented on Most Samsung front-load and top-load washers display UE for unbalanced loads; top-load models (such as the WA50R5400AV, WA45T3200AW, and WA54R7600AV) tend to show it more often since they rely on drum balancing during spin, while some models use the alias code E4.. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

← All Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes ← All Samsung Error Codes