Bosch Dishwashers error code
Water level or flow is too low
The dishwasher is receiving too little water or water is not being pumped correctly.
Direct answer
E18 at a glance
- Meaning
- Water level or flow is too low
- Urgency
- Check now
- First safe check
- Check the inlet hose for a kink or damage.
- Model note
- Confirm the code and access instructions in the manual for your exact model.
Likely causes
Why E18 appears
- 01Inlet hose is kinked
- 02Supply valve is not fully open
- 03Available flow is too low
Safe diagnostic path
What to check, in order
- 01
Check the inlet hose for a kink or damage.
- 02
Open the water supply fully.
- 03
Confirm the supply flow meets the model requirements.
- 04
Contact Bosch support if E18 remains.
Know when to stop
Don’t push past this point
Stop if a hose is damaged, water leaks, or the code returns after supply checks.
Primary source
How this page was checked
The code meaning and manufacturer-specific guidance were checked against the linked support material on August 28, 2026. Confirm details against the manual for your exact model before removing panels or parts.
Read Bosch US: dishwasher error codes ↗Common follow-up questions
About Bosch code E18
What does E18 mean on a Bosch dishwashers?
E18 means “Water level or flow is too low.” The dishwasher is receiving too little water or water is not being pumped correctly.
Can I clear E18 by resetting the appliance?
A reset may clear a temporary alert, but it does not correct the underlying condition. Start with the safe checks above and stop if the code returns. Stop if a hose is damaged, water leaks, or the code returns after supply checks.
Does E18 mean the same thing on every Bosch model?
Not necessarily. Display codes can vary by model and product family, so confirm the meaning and access instructions in the manual for your exact model before removing covers or parts.
When should I stop troubleshooting E18?
Stop if a hose is damaged, water leaks, or the code returns after supply checks.