The Most Common LG Fridge Problems + Pros & Cons

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Troubleshooting common LG refrigerator problems

Co-authored by Trevor Storey and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: September 9, 2024 Fact Checked

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Common Problems & Fixes

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LG Refrigerator Pros & Cons

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Expert Interview

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Do you know which LG refrigerator is the best option for you or what the most common issues are? In this guide, we'll break down the most common issues with LG fridges and help you decide if an LG refrigerator is worth it.

Common Problems with LG Refrigerators

Inconsistent temperatures is the most common issue with LG fridges.
Next on the list of LG fridge complaints are "ice maker not working" and "water dispenser not working."
Fortunately, most of these issues can be solved with a little troubleshooting, which might make them worth buying.

Section 1 of 2:

Common Problems & Fixes

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1
Inconsistent temperatures. Searching Google for "LG Refrigerator Problems" turns up related searches for "LG fridge not cooling enough," so it's not a stretch to say that it's one of the most common issues with LG fridges.
- Check the temperature settings to make sure you have it set correctly and clear the vents of debris or dust that might be preventing the fridge from cooling. Note that freshly installed units can take a few days to reach the set temperature.^{[1]
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- If your fridge has a screen on the front, you might see an error code telling you exactly what the problem is. Search the internet for that code and you'll find out how to fix it.
- You can also diagnose issues yourself if there isn't a screen on your fridge.
- Check out this wikiHow article to learn how to fix an LG freezer that's not freezing.
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Ice maker not working. This could be because of a few things: a defective water intake valve, a clogged water filter, or a malfunctioning ice maker assembly.
- Just installed the fridge? Make sure the ice maker is turned on and wait 24-48 hours to start producing ice.
- Make sure the temp for the freezer is set to 0 °F (−18 °C) to −4 °F (−20 °C).
- Check the water intake line to make sure it's connected to the fridge and the valve in your home and not kinked or bent to prevent water flowing through it. Also make sure the valve in your home is turned on.
- If you can't check the valve easily, try getting water from the water dispenser on your fridge (if your fridge has one). If water flows from the water dispenser, there isn't an issue with the water line.^{[2]
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- In that case, contact LG support for a repair.
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Issues related to the water dispenser. Like the ice maker, the water dispenser requires a functioning water supply to work. If you go to get water from the dispenser and get a sluggish response, water with a strange taste, or no water at all, you have a water dispenser problem.
- These issues are caused by a clogged water filter, a malfunctioning water intake valve, or faulty water lines. To diagnose and fix the water dispenser is very similar to the ice maker since you'll be investigating the water line closely.
- Replace the water filter first to see if that simple solution solves the problem.
- Check the water intake line to make sure it's connected to the fridge and the valve in your home and not kinked or bent to prevent water flowing through it. Also make sure the valve in your home is turned on.
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Noisy operation. Most fridges are expected to produce noise, but LG refrigerators can sometimes make loud and disrupting noises.
- These noises can be symptomatic of a few issues, like a malfunctioning condenser fan or evaporator fan, or a defective compressor.^{[3]
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Leaking water. Water can pool around the bottom of your fridge because of blocked defrost drains, a cracked water line, or a malfunctioning water intake valve.
- A leak on the inside indicates a faulty tank connection.
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Faulty door seals. Doors that don't shut completely or seal shut allow warm air inside and cold air out, which, in turn, leads to prematurely spoiling food.
- Take a piece of paper, like a $1 bill, and shut it halfway inside the door, so half pokes out. Pull on the side of the bill and if it slips out easily, you know immediately that something is wrong with your seals.
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Unresponsive display panel. The display panel controls a lot of settings and configurations, so it can be really frustrating when it doesn't work. However, there are troubleshooting steps available so you can get the display working again quickly and easily.
- Make sure the control panel is unlocked because it won't register button presses when it's locked. To unlock it, press and hold the Lock button for 3 seconds. The backlight should change to show an unlocked padlock.
- Power cycle the fridge. Unplug the fridge from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. ^{[4]
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Section 2 of 2:

LG Refrigerator Pros & Cons

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Pros:
- Innovative features including SmartThinQ, InstaView Door-in-Door, and Smart Diagnosis for troubleshooting.
- Energy Star certified, so they are more efficient, which means they consume less energy to function.
- Sleek and modern design, with many different finishes and setups, like French door configurations vs top-fridge configurations.
- Smart features so the fridge can connect to Wi-Fi and can be controlled via smartphone.^{[5]
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Cons:
- Price - can be more expensive than competitors
- Reliability - while every brand of fridge has malfunctions, LG has had a few lawsuits recently in regards to some of their refrigerators.^{[6]
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  Consumer Products Safety Commission
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research
  
  Go to source} However, their fridges come with a 5-year warranty on sealed parts (like the cooling system) and a 10-year parts and 5-year labor warranty for the linear/inverter compressor.
  - LG fridges are ideal for those who have a more flexible budget and prioritize the fridge's design and functionality over cost.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What is a linear compressor?

Trevor Storey
Appliance Technician
Trevor Storey is an Appliance Technician based in Santa Cruz, California. With over a decade of experience, he is the owner of Santa Cruz Appliance Repair, providing appliance repair and maintenance services for all major appliances. He also offers propane conversion, vent cleaning, and DIY virtual repair consultations. Santa Cruz Appliance Repair received a Quality Business Award in 2024 as the Best Appliance Repair company in Santa Cruz, with an over 95% quality score. Trevor received a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Trevor Storey

Appliance Technician

Expert Answer

Most of the LG refrigerators feature linear compressors, which are energy efficient. The compressors are usually a bit short-lived and can last from one to seven years. Usually, when this sort of linear compressor fails, replacing the refrigerator as a whole is always more reasonable than repairing it. This is especially true of standard residential models. But over the past years, LG has taken measures to improve this situation so your mileage may vary.

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Tips

Newly installed fridges and freezers need time to cool down. It can take anywhere between 2-3 days for a fridge or freezer to cool down in the summer.^{[7]
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