Key Takeaways
- Average Miele dishwasher repair: $180-$400
- Diagnostic fee ($80-120) usually applies to repair cost
- Parts cost more than budget brands but last longer
- Labor rates vary significantly by region
The Bottom Line
Miele repairs cost more than budget brand repairs, but the appliances last longer and parts are more durable. A $300 repair on a Miele is often equivalent to a $150 repair on a budget brand when considering longevity.
Average Repair Costs Overview
Here's what Miele dishwasher repairs typically cost in 2025:
| Repair Category | Cost Range | Most Common |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs | $100-$200 | $150 |
| Standard repairs | $200-$350 | $275 |
| Major repairs | $350-$550 | $425 |
| Complex repairs | $500-$800+ | $600 |
National average: $250-$350 for most common repairs.
Understanding Your Repair Bill
Every repair bill has these components:
1. Diagnostic Fee ($80-$120)
This covers:
- Technician's travel to your home
- Troubleshooting time
- Identifying the problem
- Providing a repair estimate
Good news: Most companies apply this fee toward the repair if you proceed.
2. Labor ($80-$150/hour)
Labor rates vary by:
- Region: NYC/LA: $120-150/hr | Midwest: $80-100/hr
- Company: Factory-certified often costs more
- Complexity: Some repairs have flat-rate pricing
Typical repair time: 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Parts (Varies Widely)
Miele parts cost more than generic brands because:
- Higher quality materials
- Precise engineering tolerances
- Longer expected lifespan
- Import costs (German manufacturing)
Typical markup: 30-50% over wholesale.
Specific Repair Cost Breakdown
Drainage System
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain pump | $80-120 | $80-150 | $150-250 |
| Drain hose | $30-50 | $60-100 | $100-150 |
| Filter assembly | $40-60 | $50-80 | $90-140 |
Heating System
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating element | $100-180 | $100-150 | $200-350 |
| Thermostat | $60-100 | $80-120 | $140-220 |
| NTC sensor | $40-70 | $80-120 | $120-190 |
Water System
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet valve | $60-100 | $60-100 | $120-200 |
| Water level sensor | $50-90 | $80-120 | $130-210 |
| Spray arm | $40-80 | $40-60 | $80-140 |
Door & Seal
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door seal/gasket | $50-100 | $60-100 | $100-180 |
| Door latch | $40-80 | $50-80 | $90-160 |
| Door hinge | $60-100 | $80-120 | $140-220 |
Electrical & Control
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control board | $200-350 | $100-150 | $300-500 |
| Display panel | $150-250 | $80-120 | $230-370 |
| Wiring harness | $60-120 | $100-150 | $160-270 |
Motor & Pump
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulation pump | $150-250 | $120-180 | $270-430 |
| Wash motor | $250-400 | $150-200 | $400-600 |
Factors That Affect Your Cost
1. Your Location
| Region | Labor Rate | Overall Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | $120-150/hr | +20-30% |
| West Coast (LA, SF) | $110-140/hr | +15-25% |
| Southeast (Atlanta, Miami) | $90-120/hr | Average |
| Midwest (Chicago, Detroit) | $80-110/hr | -10-15% |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Dallas) | $90-115/hr | Average |
2. Service Provider Type
| Provider | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miele-certified | Higher | OEM parts, warranty | More expensive |
| Independent (experienced) | Medium | Often best value | Varies in quality |
| General appliance | Lower | Cheapest | May lack Miele expertise |
| Handyman | Lowest | Very cheap | Not recommended |
Our recommendation: Miele-certified or experienced independent.
3. Part Availability
- In-stock parts: No delay, standard pricing
- Special order: 3-7 day wait, same price
- Discontinued: May require used/aftermarket, variable pricing
4. Warranty Status
- Under warranty: $0 for covered repairs
- Extended warranty: Usually $0-100 deductible
- Out of warranty: Full cost
Red Flags in Repair Quotes
Be cautious if:
- Diagnostic fee isn't applied to repair
- Quote given without seeing the appliance
- "Cash only" or no receipt offered
- Pressure to decide immediately
- Price seems too good to be true
- No warranty on the repair
How to Get the Best Price
- Get multiple quotes (2-3 technicians)
- Ask about diagnostic fee policy before scheduling
- Check if parts are OEM vs. aftermarket
- Inquire about repair warranty (90 days minimum)
- Ask about senior/military discounts
- Consider timing (off-peak seasons may be cheaper)
Is the Quote Fair?
Use this formula:
Fair price = Parts + (Labor rate × Hours) + Diagnostic fee
If quoted $350 for a drain pump:
- Pump: ~$100
- Labor: ~$120 (1.5 hours × $80)
- Diagnostic: ~$100 (should apply)
- Total: ~$320
A $350 quote is reasonable. Over $400 is high.
When to Get a Second Opinion
- Quote over $500 for single repair
- Technician recommends replacement
- Vague explanation of the problem
- Significant difference from estimates above
- Something feels "off"
A reputable technician won't mind you getting another opinion.
Next Steps
Ready to Schedule?
- Find your error code to know what's likely wrong
- Schedule service with a certified technician
- Get the quote in writing before authorizing
Want to Compare?
- Contact us to discuss your specific repair
- Read repair vs. replace to evaluate options
Prices based on national averages as of January 2025. Your actual cost may vary by location, provider, and specific circumstances.
Ready to Take Action?
If you've decided to repair, schedule a service appointment with a certified technician.