👕Washer

E21

GE Profile · PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer

GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer E21 Error Fix: Drive Motor Problem

Same as E16 — drive motor malfunction. Check motor and inverter board connections. Replace the drive motor or inverter board if defective.

High severity2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error E21 on the GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer means: Drive Motor Problem. The top-ranked community fix is “Test and Replace Drive Motor or Inverter Board” (hard difficulty, ~90 min, DIY cost: $200-$300). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · washer

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many washer repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

This is a high severity error — continued use may cause damage or a safety hazard
The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $400-$600.

Other GE Profile Models with Error E21

PFW650SSNWW 4.8 cu ft Smart Front Load with SmartDispense

washer · 2 fixes

PFW870SPTDS 5.3 cu ft Smart with Microban Antimicrobial

washer · 2 fixes

PFW950SPTDS 5.3 cu ft Smart Front Load UltraFast Combo

washer · 2 fixes

PTW605BSRWS 4.9 cu ft Top Load with Agitator

washer · 2 fixes

PTW700BSTWS 5.0 cu ft Smart Top Load with Sanitize

washer · 2 fixes

PTW900BPTRS Smart Washer

washer · 2 fixes

PTW905BPTRS 5.3 cu ft Smart with Built-In WiFi

washer · 2 fixes

Other GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer Error Codes

User Interface Control Board Defective

2 fixes

E10

Drive Motor Communication Error

2 fixes

E11

Door Lock Assembly Problem

2 fixes

E12

Door Lock Assembly Problem

2 fixes

E13

Door Lock Assembly Problem

Washer Overfilled

Drive Motor Windings Defective

2 fixes

E16

Drive Motor Problem

2 fixes

People Also Ask About GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer Error E21

What does error code E21 mean on a GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer?

Error code E21 on the GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer means: Drive Motor Problem. Same as E16 — drive motor malfunction. Check motor and inverter board connections. Replace the drive motor or inverter board if defective.

How do I fix error code E21 on my GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer?

The most successful fix is "Test and Replace Drive Motor or Inverter Board" (hard difficulty, ~90 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $200-$300. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code E21 on a GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer serious?

This error is rated high severity. You should address it promptly — continued use could cause damage or safety concerns.

Can I fix GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer error E21 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Test and Replace Drive Motor or Inverter Board") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 90 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Multimeter, Socket wrench set, Anti-static wrist strap.

How much does it cost to repair GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer error E21?

DIY cost: $200-$300. Professional repair typically costs $400-$600. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer have?

The GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer has 8 other known error codes, including: E1 (User Interface Control Board Defective), E10 (Drive Motor Communication Error), E11 (Door Lock Assembly Problem), E12 (Door Lock Assembly Problem), E13 (Door Lock Assembly Problem), and 3 more.

Which other GE Profile models have the E21 error?

Error code E21 also appears on 7 other GE Profile models: PFW650SSNWW 4.8 cu ft Smart Front Load with SmartDispense, PFW870SPTDS 5.3 cu ft Smart with Microban Antimicrobial, PFW950SPTDS 5.3 cu ft Smart Front Load UltraFast Combo, PTW605BSRWS 4.9 cu ft Top Load with Agitator, PTW700BSTWS 5.0 cu ft Smart Top Load with Sanitize, PTW900BPTRS Smart Washer, and 1 more. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer have?

The GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Smart Washer has 8 other known error codes:

E1 — User Interface Control Board Defective (2 fixes)
E10 — Drive Motor Communication Error (2 fixes)
E11 — Door Lock Assembly Problem (2 fixes)
E12 — Door Lock Assembly Problem (2 fixes)
E13 — Door Lock Assembly Problem (2 fixes)
E14 — Washer Overfilled (2 fixes)
E15 — Drive Motor Windings Defective (2 fixes)
E16 — Drive Motor Problem (2 fixes)

Which other GE Profile models have the E21 error?

Error code E21 also appears on 7 other GE Profile models:

PFW650SSNWW 4.8 cu ft Smart Front Load with SmartDispense (washer) · 2 fixes
PFW870SPTDS 5.3 cu ft Smart with Microban Antimicrobial (washer) · 2 fixes
PFW950SPTDS 5.3 cu ft Smart Front Load UltraFast Combo (washer) · 2 fixes
PTW605BSRWS 4.9 cu ft Top Load with Agitator (washer) · 2 fixes
PTW700BSTWS 5.0 cu ft Smart Top Load with Sanitize (washer) · 2 fixes
PTW900BPTRS Smart Washer (washer) · 2 fixes
PTW905BPTRS 5.3 cu ft Smart with Built-In WiFi (washer) · 2 fixes

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