How long do LG appliances last?

LG makes some of the most feature-rich appliances you can buy, and their direct-drive washers and inverter linear compressors are genuinely clever engineering. The catch is that the same electronics and sealed-system complexity that make LG appealing on paper are also what cause most early retirements in the field.

Refrigerators: 8 to 12 years

LG French door fridges have improved a lot since the wave of linear compressor failures that led to a large class-action settlement in the US in 2020. Newer units (2021 and later) are noticeably better, but sealed-system failure is still the biggest risk factor and it is not economical to repair on most models past year 7.

Ice makers - especially the Craft Ice ball-ice systems - are the second most common reason LG fridges get replaced early. Expect at least one ice-maker service call in a 10-year ownership window.

Dishwashers: 8 to 11 years

LG dishwashers wash well and are quiet, but the main control board and door hinge assemblies are the usual failure points. Parts are readily available and fairly priced, so repair up to about year 8 typically makes sense.

Washers and dryers: 9 to 12 years

LG's direct-drive front-load washers avoid the belt-and-pulley wear you see on other brands, which is a real advantage. The trade-off is that when the drive motor stator or main control board does fail, the parts are expensive.

LG heat-pump dryers (DLHC series) are excellent for energy efficiency but are more complex than a standard vented dryer. Compressor and sensor failures are rare but expensive when they happen.

Models we tend to warn people about

• Pre-2020 LG French door fridges with linear compressors - high sealed-system failure rate.
• LG Craft Ice fridges - repeat ice-maker service.
• First-generation LG heat-pump dryers - parts availability was rough for a few years.

Bottom line

LG is a reasonable choice if you love the features and plan to keep the appliance about 10 years. Past year 8, we almost always recommend replacing rather than repairing a French door LG fridge with a sealed-system fault. On washers and dishwashers, LG is a solid repair candidate through the early teens.