I’ve been an appliance technician for years, and there’s one error code that never fails to stump Samsung washer owners: the UE/UR code. Trust me, it’s more common than you think.

The good news?

I’ve dealt with this issue countless times. To give you the most accurate advice, I’ve also consulted Derrick Moore, an appliance expert from San Francisco.

So, are you ready to tackle that annoying Samsung Washer UE/UR Code once and for all? Let’s get started.

What Is Samsung Washer Code UE Code?

Samsung says the UE code (or “UR” on older models) flags an unbalanced load. But in my years as a technician, I’ve found that it’s often more complex than that. From suspension rods and leveling legs to control boards and shock absorbers, a multitude of factors could trigger this error. Heck, even a wonky rotor position sensor could be the culprit.

Ready to dig deeper?

Let’s unplug that washer and roll up our sleeves. I’m going to break down each issue and guide you through the fixes to get your Samsung washer back in action.

Common Reasons & Troubleshooting for a Samsung Washer Code UE Code

Commonly Affected Parts	Estimated Cost
Washer leveling legs	$9  – $26
Rotor Position Sensor	$38 – $73
Shock absorbers	$11 – $25
Suspension rods	$10 – $50
Control board	$50 – $285

1. Unbalanced Load

Listen up:

The UE code on a Samsung washer often signals one culprit— an unbalanced load. I remember a specific client who was nearly pulling her hair out because of this UE error. She only had a few items in the drum, but the washer refused to cooperate.

Problem:

So, here’s the lowdown:

Samsung washers are designed to work within a certain weight range. Go over that, and the machine’s control unit thinks it’s too much, freezing the drum in its tracks.

But here’s the kicker:

If the load is too light, you’ll get the same UE or UR error.

Identification:

If you’ve overloaded the machine, you’ll find your clothes twisted and tangled when the cycle stops. This can create an imbalance, leading the machine to halt and flash the dreaded UE code. On the other end, an underloaded machine simply won’t complete its cycle.

Solution:

I asked Derrick, who’s been in this game as long as I have, for his go-to fix for unbalanced loads. His advice was spot-on: “Simply balance your load.” It’s straightforward, really. For an overloaded washer, remove some of the clothes and wash them in separate batches. Problem solved.

Additionally:

If you’re washing a heavy item like a comforter, make it a solo act. Trust me; your machine will thank you.

As for underloaded washers, just toss in a few more garments to meet the minimum weight requirement. Then kick-start another wash cycle.

There you have it. No rocket science, just good old experience steering you clear of the UE code maze.

2. Washer Isn’t Level

Part	Washer legs
Location	Under the washing machine
Ease of troubleshooting	Easy
Cost	$9  – $26
Repairable	No

Let’s cut to the chase:

The problem might be simpler than you think. Your washer needs to be level.

Problem:

Here’s the deal:

A tilted washer leads to an unbalanced drum, which in turn triggers the UE error. I’ve seen this dozens of times.

Derrick agrees, saying, “Leveling legs are what keep your washer stable during its spins.”

Identification:

First sign? A visibly tilted machine.

Like one Reddit user who had a shaky Samsung washer model WA50R5200AW/US, the signs are there if you look.

How to confirm?

Get a bubble level. Position it on the machine and check the bubble’s location. If it’s outside the horizontal guidelines, you’ve got work to do.

Solution:

Fixing it is straightforward.

• Step 1: Power off your washer. Safety first.
• Step 2: Lift the washer and place a wooden block for support.
• Step 3: Now adjust the problematic leg. The washer shouldn’t move when you give it a nudge.

What if you have a broken leg? No worries.

• Step 1: Remove the old leg.
• Step 2: Install the new one. Make sure it’s flush against the base.
• Step 3: Adjust it until the washer sits level, then remove the block and power it on.

You’re now one step closer to a UE-error-free life. Let’s move on.

3. Incorrect Wash Settings

Problem:

Modern Samsung washers give you a plethora of settings for each wash cycle. It’s a blessing and a curse. Pick the wrong one, and you throw the drum off balance, leading to that pesky UE error. I’ve dealt with this more times than I can count.

Identification:

Here’s the tell:

If you’re washing light fabrics and the washer stops mid-cycle, the settings are likely off. On the flip side, for heavy items, you’ll notice the machine may halt and flash the UE error.

Derrick adds, “Make sure the fabrics in your load are similar to avoid this error.”

Solution:

So, how do you fix it?

• Step 1: Power on your washer and pick a cycle.
• Step 2: Adjust the settings—temperature, speed, and soil level—according to the fabric you’re washing.
• Step 3: Press and hold “start” to kick off the cycle.

Just remember:

Your settings should suit the fabric in the drum. Use higher temps for heavy stains and quicker spins for tougher fabrics.

There you have it.

Keep your settings in check, and you’ll dodge that UE error like a pro. On to the next issue.

4. Defective Shock Absorbers

Part	Shock absorbers
Location	Underneath the drum
Ease of troubleshooting	Medium
Cost	$11 – $25
Repairable	No

Problem:

The shock absorbers essentially soften the drum’s movement during the spin cycle. But, like other washer components, it can wear over time.

Additionally:

The connecting brackets holding the shock absorber to the drum could grow weak or snap, causing the drum to spin without balance.

Identification:

To identify a defensive shock absorber, check for leaks or any signs of detachment. Also, check if the brackets are loosened or snapped.

Solution:

According to Derrick:

“Fixing a defective shock absorber usually demands one of two things: Replacing the shock absorber, or tightening or replacing the brackets.”

And he’s absolutely right.

In fact:

I’ve had some experiences where I had to replace both.

Don’t worry though:

This isn’t a cause for alarm. I’ve put together the steps below for easily replacing your shock absorbers and brackets:

• Step 1: Disconnect the washer from water and electricity.
• Step 2: Remove the screws at the bottom of the machine holding the front panel in place. You might need to place a support underneath the washer to do this.
• Step 3: Remove the screws holding the top in place and take it off.
• Step 4: Take off the control panel and disconnect the wiring connections.
• Step 5: Open the door and loosen the screws holding the door switch assembly. Then, remove the door seal from the front panel.
• Step 6: Close the door and remove the front panel to access the front shock absorbers.
• Step 7: Remove the back panel to access the back shock absorbers.
• Step 8: Take out the old shock absorbers from under the drum and install the new ones. Also, check the brackets and tighten or replace them if necessary.
• Step 9: Reinstall the back and front panels. Then, tighten the screws holding the door switch assembly and reposition the door seal.
• Step 10: Return the control panel and its connections to position and reinstall the dispenser.
• Step 11: Put the detergent drawer back in place and cover up the top panel.
• Step 12: Tighten the screws at the bottom of the washer and reconnect the water supply and electricity.

5. Faulty Suspension Rods

Part	Suspension rods
Location	At the four corners of the washing machine. Underneath the top panel
Ease of troubleshooting	Easy
Cost	$10 – $50
Repairable	No

Listen up:

From what we’ve discussed so far, the UE error happens due to an unbalanced load. So, if the drum itself isn’t balanced, the error could also pop up.

Problem:

Picture it this way:

In the mechanics of a Samsung washing machine, the suspension rods hold up the drum and prevent it from erratic motion while spinning. Essentially, without these rods, the drum would be unbalanced.

Identification:

Now:

You can diagnose the suspension rods by observing how the washer moves. If it shakes or vibrates during the wash cycle, the suspension rods are a prime suspect.

However:

To be sure that the suspension rods are faulty, you can inspect them for damage. Simply spot the rods under the top panel and check if they’re bent or broken.

Another way to inspect the suspension rods is to push down the tub. If it’s bouncy, then your suspension rods might need replacement.

Solution:

Ready for a fix? Let’s dive in.

• Step 1: Turn off everything. Power and water, off.
• Step 2: Open the top panel. Unscrew it and lift it up. Use a support to keep it open.
• Step 3: Find those suspension rods. They’re in the corners.
• Step 4: Out with the old, in with the new. Lubricate the points where the rods go.
• Step 5: Close the top panel and screw it back in.
• Step 6: Power on, water on, you’re done.

Derrick emphasizes, “Get those rods in right or you’re back to square one.” He’s spot on.

Mess it up, and your drum might still dance like that Reddit user’s did. Worst case? You’re looking at a full replacement.

6. Control Board Malfunction

Part	Control board
Location	Underneath the top panel
Ease of troubleshooting	Medium
Cost	$50 – $285
Repairable	No

Problem:

Picture this:

I once had a customer who was pulling his hair out over a persistent UE error.

The root cause? A control board that had gone haywire. Any slight damage to it or poor connections can disrupt your entire machine.

Identification:

Here’s your sign. A damaged control board often shows visible burn marks or loosened wire connections. I can’t stress this enough; check it as per the manual.

Solution:

Sometimes, it’s a hiccup. Turn the washer off, wait, and turn it back on. This could reset the system. No luck?

Time to roll up those sleeves.:

• Step 1: Unplug and disconnect the washer.
• Step 2: Unscrew the back panel and remove it.
• Step 3: Take out the two screws securing the control panel and lift it.
• Step 4: Open the control board housing by releasing its tabs. Unhook the wires and unscrew the board.
• Step 5: Insert the new control board, and secure it back with screws.
• Step 6: Lock the housing tabs.
• Step 7: Position the control panel back and screw it in.
• Step 8: Put the back panel in place and tighten those screws. Turn it on.

Pro tip:

Derrick’s wisdom? “Keep your user manual handy. Double-check the wire connections.” Even better, snap a photo of the old setup before replacing the board.

7. Malfunctioning Rotor Position Sensor

Part	Rotor Position Sensor
Location	Behind the back panel on a front loader. At the bottom of the washer on a top loader.
Ease of troubleshooting	Easy
Cost	$38 – $73
Repairable	No

Problem:

Let’s get straight to it. If your Samsung washer’s rotor position sensor goes haywire, you’re asking for a UE or UR error code. I’ve seen this glitch throw customers into panic mode.

Why?

This sensor controls drum motor speed and position, sending vital stats to the control unit. When it’s off, your control unit gets bad info.

Identification:

How to know if it’s the sensor? Easy. Use a multimeter.

• Step 1: Take out the sensor.
• Step 2: Set your multimeter to the lowest setting.
• Step 3: Probe two of the three terminals.

An Ohm reading between 9-9.5? You’re good. A reading of zero? Time for a new sensor.

Solution:

Not too long ago, a customer with a Samsung Quickdrive model WW80M6450PM called me. His UE error turned out to be a faulty rotor position sensor. He didn’t know the first step to fixing it.

Here’s what I told him, step-by-step:

• Step 1: Shut off the washer’s power and water supply.
• Step 2: Remove the rear panel for front-loaders. For top-loaders, go through the bottom.
• Step 3: Take off the sensor housing by loosening its mounting bolt.
• Step 4: Out with the old sensor, in with the new.
• Step 5: Reassemble everything.

Models Most Affected

It’s true:

The UE code error isn’t picky—it affects all Samsung washing machines. But here’s a little tidbit from the field: some washers will flash “UR” instead. Yep, same problem, different letters.

Over countless repairs, I’ve noticed patterns. Some models seem to pop up more often with this issue.

So:

Here’s a list of those Samsung washers that tend to show the UE or UR code more frequently:

Model Name	Model Number	Model-Specific Problem
Samsung Top Load 5.2 CU FT washer	WA45K7100A	Unbalanced load
Samsung Front load washer with 4.2 CU FT capacity	WA8H7400W	Defective suspension rods
Samsung Top Load washer	WA52M7750AW/A4	Control board malfunction
Samsung Front Load Washer with 5.2 CU FT capacity	WA45K7600A	Unleveled washer
Samsung VRT Plus washer	WF45N5300AW/US	Faulty shock absorbers
Samsung Front Load Washer with Vibration Reduction Technology	WF53BB8900AGUS	Unbalanced load
Samsung Activewash Washer with 5.2 CU FT  capacity	WA52M7750AW	Unleveled washer
Samsung VRT washing machine	WF500H	Incorrect washer settings
Samsung Ecobubble Freestanding Washer	WW90J6410CX	Defective suspension rods
Samsung Quickdrive Washing Machine	WW80M6450PM	Faulty rotor position sensor
Samsung Freestanding Washing Machine	WW80K54BUW	Defective suspension rods

Conclusion

Let’s wrap it up:

The UE and UR error codes are common errors caused by:

• An unbalanced load
• A washer that isn’t level
• Wrong wash settings
• Defective shock absorbers
• Faulty suspension rods
• A control board malfunction
• A malfunctioning rotor position sensor

Good news:

This article addresses each of these scenarios, and the steps are easy to do yourself. So, you can simply follow along to get that washer running again.

Our friendly home appliance expert, Derrick Moore from San Francisco, says: “Remember to contact a professional for help if you’ve tried fixing the error yourself to no avail.”

In addition:

You can use Simply Swider’s “Ask the Expert” feature to share your encounter with a professional and get help.

And that’s a wrap!

Leave me a comment below if you have any questions, contributions, or concerns, and I’ll be sure to respond.