Tumble Dryer
F18
The F18 error code on a Miele tumble dryer indicates a fault with the heating circuit — specifically, the dryer is not reaching or maintaining the correct temperature. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dryer from drying clothes properly, but in many cases it’s fixable without a professional.
What does this error mean?
F18 tells you that the appliance’s control board has detected a problem with the heating system — either the heater isn’t activating, isn’t generating enough heat, or a thermal safety device has tripped to protect the machine. Miele dryers monitor temperature continuously, so even a partial heating failure will trigger this code. The drum will often still turn, but clothes come out damp or cold.
Est. repair cost
£80–£160 for a professional repair (parts + labour); £15–£45 DIY if replacing a thermal cut-out or NTC sensor yourself
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Power off the dryer and unplug it from the mains — never work on it while it’s connected to power.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly — remove it, clear all fluff by hand, and rinse it under a tap if it’s mesh-type. A clogged filter is the single most common cause of heating faults on Miele dryers.
On condenser models, remove and clean the condenser unit (usually located behind a flap at the bottom front). Rinse it under a cold tap, let it dry completely, and refit it. Check for any blockages in the condenser housing cavity.
Check the dryer’s exhaust hose (on vented models) is not kinked, crushed, or blocked. A restricted vent causes the same overheating that trips the thermal cut-out.
Plug the dryer back in and run a short cycle to see if the F18 clears. If it does, the fault was airflow-related and you’ve fixed it.
If F18 persists after cleaning, do not open the machine’s back panel yourself — the heating element, TCO, and NTC sensor all require disassembly of internal electrical components. At this point, call a Miele-approved or reputable independent appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If the F18 error returns after you’ve thoroughly cleaned the filters and condenser, the fault is almost certainly a failed heating element, a blown thermal cut-out, or a faulty temperature sensor — all of which require internal access to the appliance. Call an appliance engineer and tell them your Miele tumble dryer is showing an F18 error code, the drum turns but produces no heat, and that you’ve already cleared all filters. This gives them enough information to arrive with the likely parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an F18 fault — typically replacing the heating element or thermal cut-out — costs £80–£160 including labour in the UK. Miele dryers are premium, long-life machines, so repair is almost always worth it if the dryer is under 10 years old. If your machine is over 12–15 years old and has had previous faults, a replacement may make more financial sense, with decent mid-range condenser dryers starting around £350–£500.