Is It Worth Repairing a 10-Year-Old Dishwasher?

The Short Answer

Yes, repair it. In almost every scenario.

A 10-year-old Miele dishwasher is roughly at the midpoint of its expected life. You're not nursing along an old machine - you're maintaining an appliance that should serve you for another decade.

Understanding Miele Lifespan

Miele tests their dishwashers to the equivalent of 20 years of average use (about 5 cycles per week). This isn't marketing - it's engineering reality.

At 10 years:

• Your dishwasher has used ~50% of its design life
• Most components are still within spec
• Parts are readily available
• Technology hasn't changed dramatically

Compare this to budget brands:

• Expected life: 7-10 years
• At 10 years: past expected lifespan
• Parts may be discontinued
• Repair often doesn't make sense

Key insight: Don't apply "budget appliance logic" to a Miele.

Repair Costs That Make Sense at 10 Years

Repair	Cost Range	Verdict
Drain pump	$150-250	✅ Always repair
Door seal	$100-180	✅ Always repair
Heating element	$200-350	✅ Repair
Spray arm	$80-150	✅ Always repair
Water inlet valve	$120-200	✅ Always repair
Control board	$350-500	⚠️ Usually repair
Motor	$400-600	⚠️ Evaluate carefully

When Repair DOESN'T Make Sense

Even at 10 years, some situations favor replacement:

Red Flags

• Multiple systems failing at once (pump + motor + board)
• Rust in the tub - structural damage can't be repaired
• Recurring same problem despite previous repair
• Repair quote over $600 for a single issue
• Parts discontinued for your specific model

Yellow Flags (Consider Carefully)

• Second major repair in same year
• Minor issues annoying you (noise, cosmetics)
• Desire for new features (WiFi, advanced sensors)
• Upcoming kitchen renovation

The Math at 10 Years

Let's break it down:

New comparable Miele: $1,800 (average)

Current value of 10-year-old unit: ~$400-600 (functional)

Typical repair: $200-400

After repair: You have an appliance worth $600+ with 10 more years of life.

Cost per remaining year:

• Repair: $200 / 10 years = $20/year
• Replace: $1,800 / 20 years = $90/year

Repair wins decisively.

What About Energy Efficiency?

Newer dishwashers are marginally more efficient, but:

• Water savings: ~1 gallon per cycle
• Energy savings: ~$15-20 per year
• Break-even time: 10+ years

Conclusion: Energy savings alone don't justify replacement of a working unit.

Evaluating Your Specific Situation

Definitely Repair If:

• This is the first major repair
• The dishwasher has been reliable until now
• Repair cost is under $400
• You like the dishwasher's features/performance
• It's a higher-end Miele model

Consider Replacement If:

• Third+ repair in recent years
• Original issue is motor or control board PLUS other problems
• Repair quote exceeds $600
• You've been wanting to upgrade anyway
• Kitchen renovation is planned

Questions to Ask the Technician

Before authorizing repair:

1. "What's the total cost including parts and labor?"
2. "Are there any other issues you noticed?"
3. "How long should this repair last?"
4. "Are parts readily available for my model?"
5. "Would you repair this if it were your dishwasher?"

A good technician will give you honest advice - they'd rather earn your trust than push unnecessary repairs.

Don't let age alone drive you toward replacement. Focus on:

• The specific repair needed
• The overall condition of the unit
• Your satisfaction with the dishwasher

Most 10-year-old Mieles have another decade of solid service ahead of them.

Next Steps

Ready to Repair?

1. Find your error code if one is displayed
2. Schedule a diagnostic with a certified technician
3. Get a written quote before authorizing work

Still Unsure?

1. Contact us to discuss your specific situation
2. Read our repair vs. replace guide for more detail
3. Get a diagnostic first - it's easier to decide with specific information

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Ten years sounds old, but for a Miele it's just middle age. When in doubt, repair.