Samsung Refrigerator Making Noise: Causes and Fixes

Quick Answer

Samsung fridge noise: Samsung compressors make a humming that changes pitch as the inverter compressor adjusts speed (this is normal - Samsung uses variable-speed compressors). A knocking noise when the compressor starts or stops = refrigerant flow change (normal). Popping or cracking = plastic parts expanding and contracting with temperature changes (normal, especially in new fridges).

Most Samsung fridge noise calls I get come down to two things: ice building up on the evaporator fan, or a condenser fan motor that's on its last legs. The inverter compressor these units use will hum and change pitch, which is totally normal. But a rhythmic tapping or chirping from inside the freezer? That's the fan blade hitting frost. Ignore it long enough and you'll lose the fan motor entirely and the fridge starts warming up.

SamsungRefrigeratorSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$0 (no parts needed)

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flathead screwdriver

Samsung Refrigerator Making Noise: Causes and Fixes

Figuring out WHERE the noise is coming from is honestly 80% of the job. I always pull the unit from the wall first, then open the freezer door while it's running. If the sound stops when you open the door, that's your evaporator fan. If there's rattling from down low at the back, it's usually the condenser fan or a loose drain pan. These Samsung units aren't hard to work on once you know where to look.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Compressor relay clicking30%

Evaporator fan bearing20%

Condenser fan debris15%

Inlet valve buzz (normal)15%

Refrigerant gurgle (normal)10%

Drain pan vibrating10%

Symptoms You May Notice

A rhythmic tapping sound from inside the freezer that sounds exactly like a playing card hitting bicycle spokes, gets worse the longer the fridge runs.
Loud rattling or vibrating from the bottom rear of the unit, especially noticeable on tile or hardwood floors.
Buzzing or chirping that stops completely the second you open the freezer door.
A solid sheet of ice covering the back wall inside the freezer compartment, sometimes visible around the edges of the back panel.
The fridge is running constantly and making more noise than usual but it's warmer inside than it should be.

Can you reset a Samsung refrigerator to clear the NOISE code?

Unplug the fridge for at least 10 minutes to let the inverter board fully discharge. If you think ice buildup is causing the noise, a regular reset won't cut it. Do a forced defrost instead: hold the Freezer and Lighting buttons for 8 seconds until the display goes blank, then press Freezer until 'Fd' shows up. Let it run the full defrost cycle, usually 20-30 minutes, before plugging back in.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriverDigital multimeterFlashlight or headlampHair dryer or steamer (for defrost work)Foam weatherstripping tapeVacuum with brush attachment

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Hold 'Energy Saver' and 'Power Freeze' simultaneously for 8 seconds until the display shows 'OF OF'. For forced defrost: hold 'Freezer' and 'Lighting' buttons for 8 seconds until the display goes blank, then keep pressing 'Freezer' until 'Fd' appears. Button names vary by model, but it's always the top two buttons on most Samsung French door units.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does fixing Samsung fridge noise usually cost?

Honestly it depends on what's causing it. Cleaning the condenser coils and securing a drain pan? Free, maybe 20 minutes of your time. An evaporator fan motor replacement runs about $80-120 for the part and it's maybe an hour of work. Condenser fan motor is similar. Defrost heater or thermistor, you're looking at $40-80 in parts. The only expensive scenario is if the inverter compressor itself is failing internally, and that can push $600-900 in parts and labor. Always rule out the fans first.

Should I repair or replace my Samsung refrigerator?

If it's under 8 years old and cooling fine otherwise, fix it. Fan motors and defrost parts are cheap and the repairs are pretty straightforward. If it's over 10 years old and the noise is coming from the compressor itself, not the fans, I'd start shopping. Samsung compressors on older models can be expensive to replace and the unit might not have much life left anyway. But don't make that call until you've ruled out the fans and the defrost system first. I've seen people trash a fridge over a $90 fan motor.

Can I fix Samsung fridge noise myself?

Yeah, for most of these issues you can. Cleaning coils, securing the drain pan, replacing a fan motor, defrosting the evaporator manually, all of that is well within DIY territory. You need a Phillips head, a multimeter, and maybe an hour. The only things I'd leave to a pro are sealed system issues like a refrigerant leak, and anything involving the compressor internals. Those need EPA certification and specialized welding equipment.

Why does my Samsung fridge make noise at night?

Two reasons. First, your house is quieter at night so you're actually hearing what's been going on all day. Second, Samsung fridges run their automatic defrost cycle at night when the door isn't being opened constantly. The defrost heater clicking on and plastic parts expanding and contracting as the temp swings from freezing to warm and back? Totally normal. If it sounds like a jackhammer or grinding rather than occasional pops and clicks, that's a different issue and you should check the evaporator fan in the morning.

Is a humming Samsung fridge normal?

Most of the time, yes. Samsung uses inverter compressors that vary speed constantly, so the pitch of the hum actually changes as the fridge cools down or warms up. You'll also hear a short knocking sound when the compressor cycles off, which is just refrigerant equalizing pressure in the lines. What's NOT normal is a hum that's gotten louder over the past few weeks, a grinding or buzzing that comes and goes, or any rhythmic tapping.

What Samsung models have this noise problem most often?

The French door models with the bottom freezer drawer get the evaporator fan ice issue pretty regularly, especially the RF28 and RF23 series. The side-by-side RS series gets condenser fan noise more often because the machine compartment is tighter and those coils get dirty faster. I replaced three evaporator fan motors in RF28R7351SR units last month alone. The RF265BEAESR is another one I see constantly with drain tube clogs causing fan noise.

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8E Error Code: Motor Frequency Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience NOISE Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

RF28R7351SR, RF23M8570SG, RF28HMEDBSR, RF265BEAESR, RS27T5200SR, RF23J9011SR, RF28JBEDBSG, RS25J500DSR

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026