Kenmore 500 Series Washer Guide

<strong>Quick answer:</strong> The Kenmore 500 Series Washer Guide is a well-documented washer with known repair patterns. Most common issue: Lid switch assembly failure. If your Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) washer is giving you trouble, start here. This complete reference covers the full series — ranked common failures, diagnostic error codes, OEM replacement parts, active <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">recall</a> status, and data-driven repair-vs-replace guidance so you can make the right call for your situation.

Models Covered in This Guide#

This guide covers the Kenmore 500 Series (110.2 Whirlpool Top Load Washer) series* washers, manufactured from 2010-2020. The following model numbers share the same platform, parts catalog, and common failure modes:

• 110.26132
• 110.20022
• 110.20032
• 110.20232
• 110.28132

All models listed above use the same core components and are serviced with the same replacement parts. If your specific model number starts with the same prefix but is not listed, this guide still applies — Kenmore uses common platforms across model variants within a series.

Quick Specifications#

Top 5 Most Common Problems#

Based on repair data for Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) washers, these are the most frequent issues ranked by how often we see them in service calls. Understanding these common failures helps you identify problems early and make informed repair decisions.

1. Lid switch assembly failure (22% of repairs)#

Lid switch assembly failure — washer fills but will not agitate or spin

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 22% of all service calls on the Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) series.

2. Direct drive motor coupler breaking (18% of repairs)#

Direct drive motor coupler breaking — loud clunk then no agitation

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 18% of all service calls on the Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) series.

3. Water pump failure (14% of repairs)#

Water pump failure — washer will not drain or leaks from bottom

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 14% of all service calls on the Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) series.

4. Timer contact burnout (10% of repairs)#

Timer contact burnout — cycle does not advance or skips stages

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 10% of all service calls on the Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) series.

5. Transmission failure (8% of repairs)#

Transmission failure — grinding noise during agitation cycle

Frequency: This issue accounts for approximately 8% of all service calls on the Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) series.

Which Parts Commonly Fail?#

These are the parts most frequently replaced on Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) washers. Part numbers are specific to this series — when ordering, always verify the part number against your exact model number, as there may be minor variations between production years.

Part costs vary by model and supplier. Professional installation adds additional labor cost depending on the complexity of the repair and your location.

Recall Status#

There are no active recalls on the Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) series as of 2026-05-28. We recommend checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov periodically with your specific model number, as recalls can be issued at any time. You can also sign up for email alerts on the CPSC website to be notified if a recall is issued for your appliance.

Repair vs. Replace: When Is It Worth Fixing Your Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer)?#

This is the most common question we hear from Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) owners. The answer depends on three factors: the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and the cumulative repair history.

These are among the most repair-friendly washers ever made. Parts are under for the most common repairs (lid switch, motor coupler). Transmission is the only repair where replacement math applies.

General rule for the Kenmore 500 Series (110.2 Whirlpool Top Load Washer):* If the unit is under 10 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new equivalent model, repair is almost always the better value. After 10 years, evaluate the total repair history — if cumulative repairs over the past 2-3 years exceed 40% of replacement cost, upgrading to a new unit provides better long-term value and a fresh warranty.

Repair Decision Matrix by Age#

| Unit Age | Minor Repair | Major Repair | Critical Repair | |---|---|---|<p>This matches what our service teams see in practice: if your kenmore 500 series (110.2* whirlpool top load washer) washer is giving you trouble, start here..</p>

---| | Under 5 years | Repair | Repair | Repair (usually) | | 5-10 years | Repair | Evaluate total history | Consider replacing | | Over 10 years | Repair if otherwise healthy | Consider replacing | Replace recommended |

Preventive Maintenance for Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer)#

Regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to extend the life of your Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) washer and prevent the common failures listed above. Follow these practices:

1. Clean lint filter (if equipped) monthly
2. Run a hot water cycle with bleach monthly to prevent buildup
3. Check fill hoses for bulging or cracks annually — replace every 5 years
4. Do not overload — direct drive couplers break from overloading

Related Troubleshooting Guides#

If your Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) is experiencing a specific symptom, these detailed guides walk you through the diagnosis process step by step:

• Kenmore Washer Not Draining
• Kenmore Washer Noisy
• Kenmore Washer Leaking

What Are the Best Long-Term Ownership Tips?#

To extend the life of your washing machine, avoid overloading (follow the manufacturer's load size guide), always use HE detergent in the recommended amount, and run a cleaning cycle monthly. For front-load washers, leave the door ajar between loads to prevent mold growth on the door gasket. For top-load washers, distribute clothes evenly before starting the spin cycle. Check pockets before every load — coins, keys, and small items entering the drain pump are the single most common cause of washer failure.

Need Professional Help With Your Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer)?#

We've repaired thousands of Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) washers across Sacramento and the Bay Area. Our technicians carry the most common Kenmore replacement parts on every service call, which means most repairs are diagnosed and completed in a single visit — no waiting for parts to arrive.

Book your Kenmore 500 Series (110.2* Whirlpool Top Load Washer) repair today at /book — same-day and next-day appointments available. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins, and all repairs include a 90-day parts and labor warranty.