Buying a refrigerator is a big investment—and when it stops cooling, leaks water, or starts making strange noises, it quickly turns into a daily frustration. If you own an Amana fridge or are thinking of getting one, this guide walks you through the most common problems reported by real users, plus simple ways to fix or avoid them.
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Are Amana Refrigerators Reliable?
Amana refrigerators are considered budget-friendly, entry-level appliances made by Whirlpool. They’re known for their simplicity and straightforward features—but they aren’t without their quirks. While many owners report solid performance for 8–15 years, others have experienced frustrating issues within the first few years.
Most Common Amana Refrigerator Problems (With Fixes)
1. Fridge Not Cooling Properly
This is the #1 complaint from Amana fridge owners. You set it to coldest, but the food stays lukewarm. Here’s what might be going wrong:
- Clogged Condenser Coils: Dust buildup on coils makes it harder for the fridge to cool. Unplug the unit and vacuum the coils every 6 months.
- Faulty Thermistor: This sensor tells the control board how cold the fridge is. If it fails, the compressor may not run. A multimeter test can confirm if it’s defective.
- Stuck or Dirty Evaporator Fan: This fan circulates cold air inside. If it stops working or is blocked by ice, you’ll notice uneven cooling.
- Start Relay Issue: A bad relay won’t let the compressor turn on. Replacing this $20 part often fixes a “dead fridge” problem.
2. Freezer Cold but Fridge Warm
This is often caused by a failed defrost system or airflow blockage. Try this:
- Check the Damper Control: This opens/closes airflow from freezer to fridge. If it’s stuck closed, the fridge warms up.
- Inspect the Defrost Heater: If frost builds up on coils, airflow gets blocked. Melt frost manually and test the defrost components.
3. Water Leaks or Freezing in Freezer
Leaks are messy and can ruin food or flooring. The most likely culprits:
- Clogged Defrost Drain: Ice builds up and blocks drainage, causing water to overflow into the fridge or freezer.
- Cracked Drain Pan: If the pan under the fridge has a crack, water from defrost cycles will leak out.
- Worn Door Seals: Warm air leaks in, melts frost, and creates condensation that drips. Check for gaps in the gasket.
4. Noisy Operation
Some Amana owners report unusual humming, buzzing, or knocking sounds. Here’s what might be making the noise:
- Evaporator Fan Motor: A common source of loud humming. It may get noisy before failing completely.
- Compressor Rattle: If the compressor is shaking or making knocking sounds, it could be nearing failure.
- Ice Maker: Loud clicking or grinding might come from the ice maker cycling or trying to refill.
5. Ice Maker Not Working
Amana’s side-by-side models often include built-in ice makers, but they’re not always reliable.
- Water Filter Blockage: A clogged filter will restrict water flow. Replace every 6 months.
- Frozen Fill Tube: If ice blocks the water inlet, the tray won’t fill. Thaw gently using warm towels.
- Faulty Water Inlet Valve: If the valve fails, the ice maker won’t receive water even if everything else works.
What Real Customers Say (Good & Bad)
Positive Reviews:
- “Great price, simple features.” Many buyers choose Amana for affordability and minimal setup headaches.
- “It lasted us 15 years.” Long-term owners often note quiet, dependable performance—especially on older models.
Negative Reviews:
- “Freezer never stayed cold enough.” Some users report poor temperature control, especially in warm climates.
- “Leaks water constantly.” A repeated complaint for models with clogged or undersized defrost drains.
- “Stopped working after 3 years.” Some newer units reportedly fail early, often from relay, compressor, or control board issues.
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How to Reset an Amana Refrigerator
If the control board or display stops responding, here’s how to reset the unit:
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the breaker.
- Wait 5–10 minutes.
- Plug it back in or restore power.
- Press and hold the “Reset Filter” or “Temp” buttons (varies by model) for 3–5 seconds.
Tips to Make Your Amana Fridge Last Longer
- Clean condenser coils every 6 months.
- Replace the water filter every 6 months.
- Keep food away from the back vents.
- Don’t overload the fridge or freezer.
- Defrost manually if you see thick ice buildup.
Should You Buy an Amana Fridge?
If you want a basic refrigerator without smart features or complex parts, Amana can be a solid choice. They’re built to be simple and affordable, which often makes them easier to repair. However, if you’re expecting premium build quality or ultra-quiet operation, you may want to look at mid-range brands instead.
When to Call a Technician
- The fridge stops cooling completely and coils are clean.
- You hear clicking near the compressor and no fan is running.
- Water leaks return even after cleaning the drain.
- Ice maker repeatedly freezes up or leaks.
Quick Troubleshooting Chart
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not cooling | Dirty coils, bad relay, failed compressor | Clean coils, replace relay, call tech |
| Fridge warm, freezer cold | Stuck damper, defrost frost block | Test damper, defrost coils |
| Water leaks | Clogged drain or cracked pan | Clear drain, replace pan |
| Loud noises | Evap fan or compressor vibration | Replace fan, secure parts |
| Ice maker failure | Frozen tube or bad valve | Thaw tube, replace valve |
Final Thoughts
Amana refrigerators can last years with basic care—but they’re not immune to problems like uneven cooling, leaks, or noisy fans. Most issues can be fixed with a little cleaning and a few low-cost parts, but know when it’s time to call a technician if parts like the compressor or main control board fail.
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