Which Dishwashers Leak Least? A Look at 3 Brands in Our Claims Data

When you shop for a dishwasher, you probably compare cleaning cycles, noise levels, rack space, and energy use. But there is another question worth asking: How often does the dishwasher leak?

A leak may seem like a minor appliance problem at first. You may notice a small puddle near the door or water underneath the unit. But moisture can spread into cabinets, flooring, and other nearby materials.

We pulled claims data across dishwasher brands and found leaks tell a different story than specification sheets do. Bosch had the lowest leak share at 9.5%, compared with a 15.0% category base. LG followed at 11.3%, while Kenmore reached 22.4%. So, if you are shopping for a dishwasher, leak rate deserves a place on your checklist.

Which Dishwasher Brands Leak the Least?

We looked at dishwasher service claims across several major brands and isolated leak complaints as their own category. The category average sits at 15.0%, meaning roughly 1 in 7 dishwasher claims involves a leak. Three brands stood far enough from that average to matter.

If avoiding leaks is high on your list, Bosch stands out in the claims data. Here is how Bosch, LG, and Kenmore compare to the category base of 15.0%:

1. Bosch Holds the Lowest Leak Share

The gap is worth noticing. Bosch has the lowest leak share (9.5%) out of all three brands. To put it simply, fewer Bosch claims involved leaking compared with the category overall. Its rate was also less than half of Kenmore’s 22.4% share. Leaks rank among the costliest dishwasher failures because water rarely stays contained. It spreads under cabinets, seeps into subflooring, and can trigger mold growth, damaging drywall within days if left unaddressed. A brand that leaks less often lowers that specific risk before it ever starts.

2. LG Comes in a Close Second

LG dishwashers post an 11.3% leak share, just behind Bosch and well under the category average. LG’s strength does not stop at leaks either. Its “not cleaning the dishes” complaint rate sits at 11.6%, the lowest of any brand tracked.

• LG “not cleaning” rate: 11.6% (lowest of any brand)
• Whirlpool “not cleaning” rate: 26.5%
• KitchenAid “not cleaning” rate: 22.7%

Two separate failure categories, both landing near the bottom for LG, point to a dishwasher that tends to work as intended more often than most.

3. Kenmore Ranks Highest for Leak Claims

Kenmore dishwashers report a 22.4% leak share, the highest among the brands compared here. That is more than double Bosch’s rate and well above the 15.0% category base. For homeowners weighing a purchase, that gap deserves more consideration than an extra wash cycle or a quieter motor.

Why Should You Care About Your Dishwasher’s Leak Rate?

If you are choosing between several dishwasher brands, this type of information can give you another useful comparison point. Just remember that these figures reflect claims patterns. They are not independent reliability rankings or manufacturer defect rates.

Think about where your dishwasher sits. It is usually surrounded by cabinets, flooring, countertops, and other materials. A small leak can leave water underneath the appliance where you may not notice it immediately. If moisture stays there, nearby materials could be affected.

Your dishwasher leak could potentially reach:

• Cabinet bases around the appliance
• Flooring beside or underneath the dishwasher
• Baseboards and nearby trim
• Subflooring
• Other materials near the water connection

The longer water remains unnoticed, the greater the potential for additional damage. That is why leak share deserves more weight in a buying decision than most feature comparisons get.

Does Home Warranty Cover Water Damage From a Leaking Dishwasher?

The answer depends on what caused the problem and what type of damage you are talking about. A home warranty coverage typically applies to the appliance itself, covering repair or replacement when a covered part fails from normal wear and tear, not from an outside event.

Hence, it does not automatically cover every type of damage caused by an appliance failure.

For example, your home warranty dishwasher coverage may cover a qualifying dishwasher malfunction under your plan’s terms. But damage to your kitchen flooring or cabinets from the resulting water may be treated differently. It generally falls under homeowners insurance instead, since that policy covers the structure rather than the appliance that caused the problem.

If you want to understand the distinction, check our guide on home warranty coverage for water damage.

The Bottom Line: Before You Pick Your Next Dishwasher, Look Beyond the Features

When you are comparing dishwashers, it is easy to get caught up in wash cycles, smart features, rack designs, and noise levels. But there is another detail worth checking before you make your choice: how often leaks show up.

Your buying decision doesn’t have to stop with the appliance itself. If you want coverage for eligible dishwasher problems, Select Home Warranty offers options designed to cover appliances and systems under your plan’s terms.

We have built a reputation as a top-rated home warranty company by helping homeowners manage exactly these kinds of appliance risks, including leaks.
If you are shopping for coverage that extends beyond the dishwasher itself, our cost-effective home warranty plans cover a full range of kitchen and laundry appliances under one agreement. Call us at +1 (855) 267-3532 for more information on home warranties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What usually causes a dishwasher to leak?

Common causes include worn door seals, loose connections, damaged hoses, clogged drains, and faulty pumps or valves.

What should you do if your dishwasher starts leaking?

Stop the dishwasher and avoid running another cycle until you identify the source. Clean up standing water and check accessible hoses and connections for visible leaks. If the source is not obvious, arrange for a professional inspection to prevent further water damage

Does a home warranty cover a leaking dishwasher?

Yes, a home warranty dishwasher coverage typically applies to the mechanical failure causing the leak, such as a faulty valve or pump, when it fails from normal wear and tear.

How can you tell if my dishwasher needs repair?

Your dishwasher may need repair if it leaks, leaves dishes dirty, makes unusual noises, fails to drain, or will not start. Addressing these signs early can help prevent a minor appliance problem from becoming more disruptive.