Bosch Home Appliances Maxx EuroWasher WAE20260AU

Legend of a machine – Bought this washer 10+ years ago when single, moved it three times, had a family, then smashed it with continuous use for last four years....it's still going strong! I think the secret to longevity is always use a long spirit level to perfectly balance to reduce vibrations, as I have each time we moved it. If and when it finally crashes...I'd just buy another. Show details ·  1

After a decade it is time to move on – We purchased our Bosch Maxx Classic in March 2008 and have not had one single issue with it, until this morning. Brilliant machine, gentle on clothes while providing a great wash. Sadly this morning the power has gone, plenty at the plug but nothing happening at the machine. The lights aren't on and no one is home :( We will certainly look at another Bosch for a worthy replacement.  Show details ·  1

Fantastic machine – I had this machine for nearly 9 yrs. Has worked perfectly over that period, hasn't skipped a beat. The machine is quite solid, is pretty quiet and has a great top for storing things. Important to get the level right so that it doesn't wobble. Sold today as I am moving in with someone who already has a machine.  Show details ·  1

Good quality unit for 9 years now not worth repairing – We have been happy with this machine for 9 years apart from nuisance water leaks. Recently it has been spinning irregularity until a major failure occurred with the drum shaking violently. From what I have read it would be a failed spider. This seems to be a common problem in this machine as well as other brands. The alloy spider corrodes and… Read more

becomes brittle and fails. The replacement part $472 makes repair unviable. I would be happy to buy another Bosch if this design fault has be rectified.

Great machine with a serious flaw – The machine has done a fair bit over the years (the purchase date is a guess), but when the drum came loose, it could have been one of two things - the cheap to replace bearings, or the dreaded, prohibitively expensive spider. Being a bit of a tinkerer, I took it apart myself to see which. The machine really looked close to new throughout.… Read more

Melbourne's beautiful water leaves no scale or deposits to speak of.

When I cracked open the drum, however, the condition of the spider was appalling. It's clearly not a good quality component. The casting was just destroyed by corrosion, and all three weakened arms were broken. This, on a machine in otherwise exceptional condition is just disappointing. No excuses.

In fact, it's pretty close to the line of 'not being of merchantable quality' as defined by trade practices - you expect such an appliance to last a certain amount of time. To have it's working life cut short by a fault that seems to be very common is not a good look, and I intend asking the ACCC about it.

Otherwise, the machine was great, however, I would need to be convinced that Bosch have completely resolved this issue in recent models before I would consider another.

Amazing longevity – So bought this machine back in 2008 and we have had all these years of trouble free washing. I have had a similar problem to many on here that it has started to throw the safety switch on the second water intake. I am currently waiting for a repairman to come and quote. Regardless of the cost of repair I will be keeping the machine as many of the… Read more

reviews I have read about newer models lean toward built in obsolescence. This was built at a time when Bosch were leaders in the game. To all those people who have just dumped this washer and bought a new one....how's that working out for you? My suggestion is to fix at all costs because you will get another 14 years quality service out of it. I will update after the quote. From Australia

Probably got 13 years of trouble free use before the inlet valve failed – I am pretty happy with this machine. It has done 1-2 loads per week since I bought it, which I am guessing was sometime in 2007. Its never been abused with loads that are too heavy, always made sure to use different load configs to stop the dial wearing out etc. I've moved house twice, every time it had the transport bolts put in prior to the… Read more ·  1

moves and been levelled properly after. Just this week the inlet valve died, thankfully it broke before any water went in for the new load. My last washer was a Simpson top loader, and that didn't last anywhere near as long before the inlet valves played up, and I ended up replacing those inlet valves multiple times over the life of the machine. My father owned a washing machine repair business when I was growing up, so I can often avoid paying a service fee and just buy the part to install myself, and inlet valves were normally a $30 fix.

Regarding the transport bolts, they're a pain to put in, unless done in exactly the right order. Its not an everyday problem, but 1) given that people who are moving house are normally very pushed for time and 2) they don't move house often enough to remember what they did last time, its a small detail that can ramp up frustration levels and easily cause an hour's delay, which isn't great when you're paying an hourly rate for removalists.

11 good years, maybe 12 – Same as most of the reviews I’ve just read, I had this for 11 years with not one problem ever. Just started shorting the power recently and I just bought an Electrolux... hoping I won’t regret it!! Not much point reviewing a discontinued item but I only just realized how impressed I was when it finally carked it! Show details

10 good years – Just failed on me after a faithful 10 years (almost). No problems at all. Made in Thailand. I'd probably go for another Bosch, but found that it is really pricy now.......em... The only feedback is the rubber ring that gets dirty and marked after this many years of using, so I had wanted to order one to replace it. Looks easy to replace. Don't need to now.  Show details ·  1

Not invented for life as they state – We had our machine for just about 4 yrs then it just suddenly died mid wash. When I rang the call centre, they were not really friendly, and ran the script off sending a tech ($88, 9.65/ 6mins + parts). If you are buying Bosch based on reliability, you are wrong, you might as well buy a cheaper one from aldi which should last about 4 yrs like mine… Read more

and turf it off for another which is about the cost of repairing a bosch. I will bring this to the accc because I was told it was a reliable machine. Had I known better, I could have just bought another brand.

We got 9 years out of it – Bought it in August 2007 at The Good Guys for $865 and got talked into buying the extra 3 year warranty for $119 more. It worked well until January 2015 when we had the motor brushes replaced for $298. Last few months began making loud noise at spin, and little bits of grit in laundry tub from wash water. Then made a bigger noise and smelt of… Read more

burnt rubber, found bits of grey plastic seal in machine. Looking at previous posts it looked like the spider arm had given way. I didn't bother getting anyone to look at it. After researching on product review we have bought another Bosch, WAE22464AU for $667 delivered from appliances online. Amazing however they have come down in price in 9 years. I will write a review when I've used it for a few months.

Very disappointed – This one has probably had a power board failure. Or else it's the control unit. Dead as a maggot. Only 8 years old and still looks in mint condition. Only given light loads and short cycles so the mechanics are fine. These days the electronic parts used are often rated just above load levels to save money in manufacture, so I suspect it's this… Read more

"only just good enough" philosophy that's killed it. I traced the power OK to the control unit, but I don't know how to get that out, or whether I could fix it, especially if it's miniaturised. Then I priced the cost of a repairman to find and replace the faulty part - it would be more than the machine is worth. Looks like another machine needed, and that's exactly what the manufacturers want. From Bosch's point of view I suppose it is a successful product - except I won't touch another Bosch. On the other hand this is exactly what happened with the Fisher and Paykel I had before it, so Bosch is probably no better or worse than any of the others. It's throw-away technology these days!

Our Bosch has just died – Just looked up this website as our Bosch Maxx Classic that we purchased 8 years ago started making noises during the wash and spin cycles a few days ago, and last night stopped during the wash cycle and shorted out the power point trip switch in the house. Looks like an expensive repair bill (if repairable), particularly as we are 100km from a… Read more

service centre. Our old Hoover, which has been going for well over 20 years (sold to a neighbour when we bought the Bosch), never missed a beat, apart from a replacement boot.

3 years old – 3 years old. Only live by myself. Think this machine would have lasted longer and replacing it will be a cost I can't afford. Loud, no lights just completely died on me. It would be nice if Bosch would help out their customers a bit more. We had faith in your product to start with.

Loved it, then it died – I purchased the Bosch Maxx Classic about 8 years ago. I was thrilled. It worked so well. The recently it started to have a knocking sound throughout every wash cycle, and the spin cycle was so loud, it was like being under an airplane. And finally, it started to trip the power half way through every wash. we called our service person and he said… Read more

that it wasn't worth fixing. The bearing had gone and it had chewed into the motor housing. I thought, being Bosch, that it would last longer. Given the recent reviews, I can see that I was mistaken. Im very disappointed and will need to consider what to purchase next.

Dead after 6 years – Bought machine 6 years ago. Used weekends only. Recently is started to get noisy - and then it just stopped. Tripped the power in the house and now trips power each time I tune it on. A long piece of sheared plastic found inside drum. Looks like a common problem after reading all the reviews.

Very disappointed – I bought my Bosh Maxx classic about 6 years ago. Last couple of days the noise coming from was like a buch of rocks were in the wash; dreadful clanking noise. I cleaned out the filter, nothing in there. Yesterday, more tumbling rock noises and then the machine just died without completing the last draining and spin cycle. Not sure if getting a… Read more

repair person out would be worth it considering all the comments on here about the same machine. Just thought a Bosh would last longer, but seems this particular model doesn't. My last Hoover front loader lasted nearly 20 years and worked like a dream.

another broken spyder arm – purchased in 2008 just hubby and me at home and machine used every other day mostly , and the spyder arm just broke, Machine still looks like new, I descale it every few months, and a hot wash every week as recommended , my last bosch lasted 12 years with a large family being used several times a day, was very happy with it. Am very disappointed… Read more

with this model if I had known about this very obvious fault would never have brought it. Am in a dilemma now as machine will be very costly to repair and every thing else works perfectly.Would definitely not buy another Bosch as it looks like cheap metals are being used to have this a repeat problem. Pity because previous machines I would have recommended to anyone.

Average washing machine. Very short lifespan (5 years) – Failed after less than 6 years infrequent light usage. Drum collapsed (presumably spider-arm failure like everyone else), dumped water all over floor. Will certainly not be buying another Bosch, as such a short lifespan coupled with a failure mode that pours water everywhere is just not acceptable. They used to be good, and now they aren't.

Another Collapsed Spyder Arm – I have had my machine just on 8 years with daily use and hasn't missed a beat until today when it shorted out the whole house. So glad I have a safety switch. Lovely repair man came out quickly and yep just like all the other reviews the fault is a cracked spyder arm which caused the drum to drop onto the element. Repair would cost $600 which the… Read more

repair man was nice enough to tell me not to waste my money and to put it towards a new machine as the part will do it again further the track. It's a known faulty part. Looks like this model isn't designed to last over 8 years which would have been nice to know when I purchased it. I chose a Bosch expecting to get a quality product that lasted longer than 8 years. My previous washing machine which was a "cheap crappy brand" lasted longer. Very disappointed.

Pretty good - so far! – Bought April 2007; now eight and a half years old. I replaced the door gasket in November 2012 because it was split and mouldy - the replacement has not gone mouldy, perhaps because at the end of a day's washing I dry out the wet parts of the gasket with a towel. However, the heater now throws the safety switch in the laundry, so no more hot or… Read more ·  1

warm washes. Most of our washing is done with cold water, but it was nice to have the option. Apart from those two things, it has never missed a beat, and washes well, with good water usage, important for people like us on tank water. We probably average around five loads a week.

I had hoped for a twelve year washing machine, as was our previous Blanco; seeing how common the door gasket, heater, and drum spyder problems are, I don't know that that's going to happen. I live in hope.

Good while it lasted - died at 7 years – This was an excellent machine while in operation. Good selection of cycles. Purchased in 2008 for $980 from Harvey Norman less $200 water rebate. Stopped working in 2015 after 7 years of moderate use. Suspected carbon brushes, replaced but no joy still not working. Suspect this may need a new motor - replacement motor priced at $400 so not… Read more

worth repairing.

I'm up for a new washing machine.

All in all a bit disappointed expect 10 years out of appliances.

I won't be buying another Bosch.

Another one with a failed spider – I purchased this machine in 2007. Purchased a Bosch washer because of previous good experience with Bosch appliances. No problems with this machine when it was working but when it died it was a catastrophic failure. Called in a service guy to confirm what I already suspected. The spyder supporting the drum had fractured causing the drum to… Read more

collapse. It would still rotate but the noise sounded like it was full of rocks and was tearing itself apart. Estimate of parts cost is circa $400 plus estimated $200 labour. Effectively, the problem is terminal and I am up for another machine. Looking at this site and others it is clear that other people have had the same experience.

If Bosch is still monitoring this board please talk to me. We are a 2 person household and I would consider the use of the machine to be moderate (at best). After ditching a FP disaster I expected a lot better.

Best Washing Machine with Best Customer Service from Bosch – My track record with washing machines is not very good. I have had this machine for 6 years now. Never have I had clothes that have not washed up properly. I had to replace the brushes on this machine. Apparently it is a common problem so parts were not a problem and I was without a usable machine for 2 days only. I snapped the front door off… Read more ·  1

the washing machine and was going to be up for about $250. I rang Bosch customer service centre who recommended a less expensive alternative. When I read that the model number was discontinued I was dissappointed. I hope Bosch have replaced it with a model that is just as good.

Very happy – I am also here to support Bosch. I have had my front loader for about 5 years and have had no problems with it. It is becoming a bit noisy when spinning but that is the only problem I have had and I use it very regularly. I would go with Bosch again.  Show reply

Broken Spider Arm – Loud Thumping noise. Pulled machine apart hoping that a bearing had collapsed. Spider Arm had completely collapsed. Extremely poor quality cast iron Spider Arm. Evidence of moisture corroding the arm. If you are going to use such poor quality cast iron at least give it a spray with epoxy MR BOSCH! BADLY Designed Unit. Reverse Engineered to fail - Life Expectancy 6 - 9 years depending on usage rate and load size.

Same problem, die cast arm corroded after only 8 years – Washing machine mechanic said that washing powders are very concentrated and therefore corrosive and cause build up in the machine if the user has been using the cold wash setting, as I have always done. He suggests that the user either adds hot water to the washing powder and dissolves it in a jug prior to putting it into the machine or else… Read more ·  1

use at least a 30 degree wash setting to dissolve the powder. He also stated that modern machines heat the water very quickly and efficiently and therefore do not cost much more to run than the cold wash anyway. If this is all correct, sadly, it reflects unfairly on Bosch. As a machine I was very pleased with it.

We have the same problem! – Our washing machine begun tripping if we didn't change the temp setting to cold water only... obviously an indication of a larger problem. Now the front loader doesn't turn at all wether washing or spinning but does not display an error code. I must say I am a bit over poor quality control when buying what used to be "reputable brands". This… Read more

machine is just over 7 years old (hmm outside of extended warranty, but certainly believe reasonable expected life would be ten years at least. I came to product review to research a replacement but am now just very angry that numerous Bosch WAE20260 owners have all posted the same design fault. If anyway has info on group action to get this stupid machine recalled please post info.

Dangerous design fault - this machine should be recalled – We purchased this Bosch washing machine with extended warranty six years ago. It failed last week (9 months after extended warranty expired) due to collapsed spider arm which shorted out the whole house. This is a dangerous design fault and Bosch should recall this machine before someone without a residual current device in their house gets… Read more

electrocuted. Bosch is well aware of this catastrophic fault - appalling that they respond with their standard 'thanks for your feedback' rubbish. People should go back to their retailer and request they no longer deal in this dangerous product.

Same issue – Seems like the spider arm is to blame for this model. I too have just had the same problem. Have had mine for just on 8 years, so sounds like I've been fortunate. Perhaps something to take on board though guys? I'm sure the last thing you want is a spider arm stigma!

Seems this BOSCH machine has an inherent fault – Seems that I am the lucky one I managed to get 7 years out of my Bosch when everyone else got six. This is just not good enough.Bosch you might have a two year warranty but I should reasonable expect to get over 10 years life at a minimum. The internet is a great place to see what is happening and it appears that this machine is due to fail with… Read more

the collapsed spider arm which then caused the drum to fall on too the heater element and short the whole house out.

Time to shop for a new machine and and brand. To think I was about to buy anew dishwasher. sorry Bosch you aren't getting any more of my money

Another dead Bosch after six years – Just before Christmas our machine threw the safety switch. Repairman came out to tell us that the heater element had gone. When he removed it he found that it had been worn through. Ordered a new part, replaced it and then we discovered that the bowl had collapsed. A broken spider arm. We thought we had bought a reliable machine that would last us… Read more

for a long time as there are only two of us and the machine doesn't do that much work. What brand next? No idea.

Worse machine ever – This machine has put me off frontloaders for life. only had 6 years and its playing up E6 and no matter how many times I follow the instructions, i still cant fix the error, it will not drain or spin. And the seal is so mouldy. I hate it.