Crosley brands their dishwashers as affordable, simple-to-use, and backed by a major warranty. The appliances are often made by Frigidaire or Whirlpool and sold through local dealers under the Crosley label. That means sometimes you’re getting a rebadged machine—but the quality doesn’t always match well-known names. Let’s dive into how these dishwashers stack up in real homes.
🔧 What You’re Paying For
Crosley dishwashers typically cost less than mainstream brands. They are sold mostly through independent retailers, and often mirror Frigidaire or Whirlpool models under the hood :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. But this bargain pricing comes with trade-offs.
✅ What Some Users Say They Like
- Very low price, making it a tempting option if you’re on a tight budget.
- Available locally through smaller dealers with often flexible warranty deals :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Some cooks report decent dish-cleaning when filters are cleaned regularly and parts haven’t worn out yet :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
❌ Common Complaints & Problems
1. Rust and Racks Breaking Down Quickly
Multiple users report the racks start rusting after just two years. Coatings chip, and rust spots spoil dishware—and the racks can become unusable :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
2. Control Board Fails Early
Some owners say the motherboard died within a year, leaving the dishwasher stuck with duct tape or inoperable buttons :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
3. Cleaning Only Works on Heavy Wash Cycles
User reviews note that light or eco cycles often don’t clean well—grease or food residue remain unless running the longest, hottest cycle. That defeats the purpose of a quick wash :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
4. Not Draining or Leaking Water
Dishwasher often fails to drain completely. According to Sears service data, about 61% of drain failures are caused by a bad drain pump, followed by hose issues or the control board malfunctioning :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Other service guides find that clogging filters or broken parts (like impellers or boards) also lead to poor drainage or interruptions mid-cycle :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
5. Loud Noises & Pump Problems
Rattling or buzzing is common—usually the impeller or pump motor. These are often hard to access and may fail after a few years :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
6. Short Lifespan and Poor Support
Typical lifespan is around 10–12 years, but many units fail within 3–5 years. Replacement parts are often out of stock or hard to locate, making long-term repair tricky :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
🚧 Real Owner Voices
“Racks rust after about two years… cleans dishes only on heavy duty operation.” — Multiple unfavourable Crosley dishwasher reviews score 1 of 5 stars :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
“Within a year the motherboard went out… had to put duct tape over the control board.” — Mop-up repair effort after repeated failures :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
🌡️ Breakdown of Key Issues
| Issue | What It Causes | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Drain Pump Failure | Dishwasher not draining or stopping mid-cycle | About 60% of cases |
| Drain Hose or Check Valve Leak/Crack | Water stays in tub or leaks into base | ~17% |
| Electronic Control Board Failure | Dishwasher doesn’t start or stops working entirely | ~13% |
Sources from service data show pump is by far the most common failure—for Crosley models especially :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
🧰 Troubleshooting & Repair Tips
Filter and Pump Inspection
- Remove and clean the filter—if it’s full of debris it can block both wash and drain cycles.
- Inspect the pump impeller for jams—remove food scraps or shards and test if it spins freely.
- If buzzing, the motor may still run but not pump—consider replacing the drain pump ● often under $50–80 in parts :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
Examining the Drain Hose & Drain Path
- Look for blockages or bends in the hose.
- If the hose has a check valve, ensure it’s not sticking.
- Leaks around valves or hose connections may be contributing to recurring flood sensor trips.
Diagnosing Control Board Issues
- If the pump doesn’t start or no lights show, the board may not send voltage.
- Unresponsive buttons or repeated cycle resets often point to a bad board or fuse.
✅ Pros & Cons Summary
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Very low upfront cost | Poor long-term reliability—control boards and pumps fail early |
| Parts often generic and built by known manufacturers | Rusting racks, especially if loading carelessly |
| Occasional dealer or extended warranty deals | Difficult to find replacement parts—many sold out or discontinued |
| Simple controls and minimal features | Leaks, cycle stops, and noise reported within just years of ownership |
🔍 Is a Crosley Dishwasher Right for You?
Consider a Crosley if:
- You want the cheapest available option and plan to stick with it for only a few years.
- You’re comfortable DIYing repairs like pump changes or filter cleaning.
- You’re okay accepting higher risk of service hassles or finding hard-to-get parts.
Avoid Crosley if:
- You expect durable reliability, excellent drying, and ease of getting repairs.
- You don’t want to deal with rust, leaks, or early failures.
- You rely on consistent support or long-term performance.
🔚 Final Verdict
Crosley dishwashers may look like a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers—but many current and former owners report early failures: rusted racks, drainage issues, noisy pumps, and dead control boards are common. Worse, replacement parts can be scarce or nonexistent, and customer support weak.
If price matters most and you’re handy with simple repairs, a Crosley might suffice for short-term use. But for lasting reliability, dependable performance, and easy service access, investing in brands like Bosch, Whirlpool, or Frigidaire generally leads to fewer headaches.
Buy low and maintain carefully—or spend a bit more upfront for quality that lasts.