LG vs Samsung Refrigerator Repair: Compared

This guide answers the most common questions about lg vs samsung refrigerator with 2026 Twin Cities pricing, brand-specific fixes, and when to call a factory-trained tech.

Quick answer: LG French-door refrigerators (LFXS, LRFXS, LMXS series) fail predominantly at the linear inverter compressor — symptom: fridge warm but freezer cold, ER CF or CO error. Samsung French-door refrigerators (RF28, RF23, Family Hub) fail predominantly at the auto-fill ice maker on the door — symptom: frozen-over ice room, thaw water at the bottom of the freezer. 2026 cost: LG linear compressor $695–$895 (often covered by extended warranty); Samsung ice maker $425–$625 installed.

Reviewed by Mike Larson — Master Appliance Technician · 18+ years · EPA 608 Universal · NASTeC Certified. Last updated June 25, 2026.

The single dominant failure on each brand

If you only remember one thing about these two brands: LG's weak point is the compressor; Samsung's weak point is the ice maker. Both are well-known platform issues with documented class-action settlements on the LG side and an extended-service-program quietly running on the Samsung side. Both are fixable in a single trip with the right OEM part on the truck.

LG linear compressor failure — symptoms & fix

The LG linear inverter compressor (used in LFXS, LRFXS, LMXS, LRMXS French-doors built 2014–2022) fails when the discharge valve loses seal and the compressor can no longer build pressure. Classic signs: refrigerator compartment at 55°F while the freezer is still at 0°F, fridge runs nonstop, ER CF (condenser fan) or ER CO (communication) error on the display, faint clicking from the back. The replacement is $695–$895 installed with the redesigned 2022+ compressor — and if your serial number falls within the 2014–2017 production window, LG's extended 10-year warranty likely covers the part (you pay labor only, typically $385–$485). We handle the warranty paperwork at no extra cost on every LG call.

Samsung ice maker frozen over — symptoms & fix

Samsung RF28/RF23/RF22 French-door refrigerators ship with an auto-fill ice maker mounted in the upper-left fridge compartment. The known issue: the drain tube freezes, water backs up, and the entire ice maker assembly ices over — fingers crossed inside the bin, water drips out of the dispenser, and the bucket won't slide out without breaking. The DA97 service kit (redesigned 2022) fixes the design flaw with an updated drain path; replacement is $425–$625 installed, including a manual defrost of the ice room and a 1-year warranty on the new assembly.

LG refrigerator error codes — what each one means

CodeMeaningFix ER CFCondenser fan motorReplace condenser fan ($285–$365) ER COCompressor communicationCompressor inverter board or compressor ER FFFreezer fan motorReplace evap fan ($265–$345) ER rFRefrigerator fanReplace fresh-food fan ER IFIce maker fanReplace ice maker fan or assembly ER dSDefrost sensorReplace thermistor ($215–$285) ER 67Door open / hinge sensorDoor switch or wiring

Samsung refrigerator error codes — what each one means

CodeMeaningFix 22 E / 22 CFridge defrost sensorReplace thermistor 33 EIce maker pipe sensorDefrost ice room + sensor swap 39 E / 39 CIce maker function faultReplace DA97 ice maker assembly 40 C / 40 EIce room fanManual defrost + fan replacement 41 CIce room sensorSensor replacement 83 E / 85 EInverter PCBMain control board OF OFDemo mode (not a fault)Hold Energy Saver + Lighting 3 sec

Is the LG linear compressor really covered by extended warranty?

Yes — for affected serial numbers. LG extended the compressor warranty to 10 years parts on most 2014–2017 French-door models after the Class Action settlement. You'll pay labor only ($385–$485) if your unit qualifies. We pull the serial number on every LG call and tell you up front whether you qualify before we order the part. Past the warranty window, full repair is $695–$895 with the redesigned compressor and a 1-year warranty on our labor.

Are LG and Samsung refrigerators worth repairing in 2026?

Generally yes if the unit is under 8 years old and the repair is under $700. Replacement French-door refrigerators in the same tier now run $2,400–$3,200, so a $625 ice-maker swap or a $485 covered LG compressor labor charge is a clear repair. Past 10 years with a sealed-system failure, the decision tightens — we'll quote the repair, then quote what a comparable new unit costs, and let you choose. No pressure either way.

Should I buy an LG or a Samsung next?

We don't sell appliances — we just fix them, so this is honest data. Post-2022 LG refrigerators with the redesigned linear compressor are noticeably more reliable than the 2014–2019 generation. Post-2022 Samsung refrigerators with the DA97 service kit installed factory-side have lower ice-maker failure rates than 2017–2021 builds. Both brands are in similar reliability territory now; pick on features and warranty, not compressor reputation.

How fast can you fix an LG or Samsung in the Twin Cities?

Most calls are same-day or next-day across the metro. We carry the LG linear compressor (LFXS-platform), the Samsung DA97 ice maker, condenser fans, evap fans, and the high-failure thermistors on every residential truck. Service area: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Woodbury, Eagan, Hudson WI, River Falls WI. Brand pages: LG refrigerator repair, Samsung refrigerator repair, LG ice maker leaking, Samsung freezing food.

Where We Service Homes

Central Minnesota Appliance Repair handles residential calls across the Twin Cities metro and Western Wisconsin: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Woodbury, Eagan, Burnsville, Brooklyn Park, Roseville, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Hudson WI, River Falls WI, Prescott WI, and Red Wing. Flat $149 trip fee credited to the repair, 4.5/5 across 187+ reviews, written 1-year parts & labor warranty. Book online or call (651) 364-7466.

Related repair services & guides

LG refrigerator: LG refrigerator repair · Not cooling · Not making ice · Linear compressor replacement · Er 1F / Er IF · Error codes · Repair cost.

Samsung refrigerator: Samsung refrigerator repair · Not cooling · Not making ice · Ice maker repair · Recall repair · 22E error · Error codes · Repair cost.

Side-by-side & city pages: LG vs Samsung comparison · LG — Minneapolis · LG — Saint Paul · Samsung — Minneapolis · Samsung — Saint Paul · Best refrigerator repair — Minneapolis.