How to Fix Samsung Refrigerator Noises: A Guide to Every Hum, Knock, and Rattle 2026

Although some noises are expected out of a kitchen appliance, loud and persistent noises can get on your nerves. Not only that, but some noises signal your refrigerator has ice buildup or failing components. This guide breaks down the most common Samsung refrigerator noises, identifies their root causes, and provides step-by-step DIY fixes to restore the peace and quiet in your home. Check the end for noises on newer Samsung models.

Why is my Samsung refrigerator making noise?

Most Samsung refrigerator noises are caused by ice buildup hitting the evaporator fan, loose water lines, or high water pressure. Use this table as a quick reference for what is likely going on with your fridge. Then, read the details below on How To Fix It.

Pro-Tip: Before ordering any parts, always perform a Forced Defrost (Fd). In many cases, Samsung noise issues are simply the result of a “frozen” unit rather than a broken part. If the noise disappears after a defrost but returns within a week, then you know you have a mechanical failure in the defrost system.

Note: We may receive a small commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to you. Double check model numbers before ordering.

What Causes a Samsung Refrigerator Knocking Sound?

Ice Maker Issues

The ice maker is an appliance within your appliance, and it has many components that can fail apart from your normal refrigerator function. These components are very similar to that of the fridge’s cooling system, but focus on making sure the ice maker works correctly.

If the ice maker is turned ON but no water line is connected, the water inlet valve will vibrate loudly as it tries to draw water.
Fix: Turn OFF the ice maker function if you do not have a connected water supply.

Ice Maker Fan Frozen up

Located usually towards the back of the ice maker, it helps circulate cold air throughout the ice maker. If it has a buildup of ice and frost, the blades won’t be able to spin around unobstructed.

How to fix: You’ll need to melt the ice and frost that has built up around the ice maker fan. You can do this by running a forced defrost, or by thawing the fridge/freezer entirely. Some people suggest using a heat gun or hairdryer to melt the ice away. That is not recommended, as you risk damaging the ice maker’s parts (some plastic) by applying too much direct heat on them.

Related read: Why Your Ice Maker makes grinding noises?

Ice Maker Auger When Running

Inside the ice maker is an auger –a long, corkscrew-shaped rod located inside the ice bucket. Its primary job is to rotate and push the ice cubes forward toward the dispenser chute. When you turn on the ice maker by pressing the lever, a motor in the back engages to spin the auger and push ice to the front of the bin. For crushed ice, the auger will push the ice through rotating blades to chop it before it comes out.

It is normal for the auger to make a sound while the ice maker is in use. However, if it happens every 15 minutes or so, even when the ice maker auger is not running, then that’s a sign that the ice maker might be faulty. Read below about replacing the ice maker assembly. Always disconnect the power and water supply before attempting repairs on an ice maker.

Ice Maker Complete Failure

It’s not unusual for the ice maker in a Samsung fridge to make a knocking noise. However, when the knocking noise is accompanied by a lack of ice being made, it is a symptom that the unit itself is bad. You can replace it with the exact ice maker assembly fairly easily; look up your model number and order the replacement kit. They start around $100 on Amazon click here.

Note: We may receive a small commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to you. Double check model numbers before ordering.

Related article: Samsung Refrigerator Leaking Water? How to Fix It

Loose Water Lines

Your fridge requires a direct water supply from pipes to produce ice and dispense cold water. If the water supply lines were not installed properly and are loose, there could be a knock sound at the back of the fridge with water pressure changes. Plastic water pipes behind the fridge can vibrate against the wall or the fridge cabinet when water starts or stops flowing.

How to Fix It: Pull out the fridge so you can inspect the pipes visually, taking care not to pull anything loose and cause a leak. Tighten any loose connections and secure dangling hoses with tape or other fasteners.

Plastic Part Expansion and Contraction

The inside of your fridge features many plastic parts. In addition to the shelves and bins, the plastic walls of the fridge separate the inner compartment from the electrical and cooling system. Plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes continuously throughout the day, especially when the fridge starts to warm up/cool down when the compressor switches on.

These sounds are usually occasional, and not a constant knocking. Older refrigerators have more sounds than newer, and a fridge that sits in a sunny (warm) spot will make more contraction sounds. None of these are causes of concern, although a warm location could impact the efficiency of your appliance.

Evaporator and condenser fan Noises

Evaporator Fan: Located inside the fridge/freezer (usually behind the back panel). It pulls air over the cold coils and blows it into your food compartments. If it fails, the freezer usually stays cold, but the fridge gets warm (air isn’t moving).

Ice Buildup Near the Evaporator Fan: If ice accumulates in the rear compartment, the spinning fan blades will repeatedly strike the ice, mimicking a jackhammer or making a knocking sound. If the humming stops when you open the fridge door, the internal evaporator fan is likely hitting ice buildup.
Fix: Manually defrost the refrigerator or use the “Forced Defrost” (Fd) mode. Avoid using hair dryers, as the concentrated heat can warp the plastic interior panels. If the noise returns quickly, you may need to replace the defrost sensor or heater. If the buildup has caused longer term damage, you might need to replace the whole evaporator fan motor.

Condenser Fan Failure: Located outside the fridge (at the bottom back, near the compressor). It blows air over the hot coils to remove heat from the refrigerant. If it fails, the whole fridge stops cooling and the compressor may overheat. It sounds like a loud hum, rattle, or airplane taking off from the floor.

How To Fix it: If the vibrating or grinding noise is deafening and does not stop when the door is opened, the condenser fan motor is likely failing. Replacing this often requires moving the unit and working near high-voltage components. Best to call a certified technician.

Related: How Do You Know If Refrigerator Compressor Is Bad?

How to Fix a Samsung Fridge Jackhammer Noise

A jackhammer sound coming from your Samsung refrigerator is often linked to water pressure issues. Here are the most common causes and how to resolve them:

• Water Filter Case Assembly: If water cannot flow smoothly through the filter or the internal valve fails, it can create a rapid hammering sound.
  • Fix: Replace the entire water filter case assembly, as individual internal components are rarely sold separately. Appx $200 on Amazon.

• Faulty Water Inlet Valve: A valve that fails to shut off properly or chatters during operation can cause significant noise.
  • Fix: Inspect the electronic water valve at the back of the unit; if it is vibrating excessively during water calls, it likely needs replacement. $20-80 on Amazon.

• Water Line Shut off Valve: The water line going directly into the fridge has a shut-off valve that allows for controlling water intake. If the valve is not open fully, it will cause it will cause a loud shuttering sound as the water attempts to flow through.

Why Your Samsung Refrigerator is Humming or Buzzing

A humming sound from your Samsung refrigerator is often a sign of normal operation, but excessive or loud humming can indicate a specific mechanical issue. Below are the primary causes and how to resolve them:

• Compressor Operation: A low-pitched hum is normal as the digital inverter compressor changes speeds to maintain temperature. However, a very loud hum can indicate a failing compressor. Pictured below.
  • Fix: Ensure there is at least 2 inches of clearance around the fridge for proper ventilation. If the loud hum persists despite proper airflow, a technician may be required.
  • Persistent Loud Humming with No Cooling: If the humming is accompanied by rising temperatures in the fresh food or freezer compartments, your compressor or sealed system may be failing. These repairs involve refrigerant and require specialized licensing.
• High Water Pressure: Excessive pressure at the inlet valve can cause the fridge to hum loudly while dispensing water or filling the ice tray.
  • Fix: Slightly turn down the water supply tap to lower the pressure.

Solving Samsung Fridge Vibrating and Rattling Issues

Vibration in a Samsung refrigerator can range from a normal operational hum to a loud rattle caused by mechanical failure or improper installation. Here are the most common causes and how to fix them:

• Unlevel or Unbalanced Unit: If the refrigerator’s leveling legs are not in firm contact with the floor, the unit will vibrate and rattle during the cooling cycle.
  • Fix: Adjust the front leveling legs by turning them clockwise to raise the unit or counter-clockwise to lower it. Ensure the front is slightly higher than the back and the wheels are off the ground.
• Loose External Components: Parts like the rear access cover, drain pan, or water lines can loosen over time and rattle against the fridge cabinet.
  • Fix: Tighten any loose screws on the back cover or drain pan. Check if the water lines are secured and not touching the back wall or the fridge body.
• Internal Obstructions: Glass containers or items placed too close together can rattle against each other due to the compressor’s natural vibration.
  • Fix: Reorganize food items and containers to ensure there is sufficient space between them, especially glass items on the shelves or door bins.
• Improper Clearance: Positioning the refrigerator too close to walls or cabinets can amplify motor noise and cause the unit to vibrate against surrounding surfaces.
  • Fix: Ensure there is at least 2 inches of clearance at the back and sides for proper ventilation and noise reduction.

When to Call a Professional for Your Samsung Refrigerator

While many Samsung fridge noises are easily fixed with a manual defrost or a simple adjustment to the leveling legs, some sounds require contact with a certified appliance technician:

• Water Leaks Accompanying the Noise: If you hear a jackhammer or knocking sound followed by water pooling on the floor, you likely have a cracked water filter housing or a burst internal water line. Continuing to use the water dispenser can lead to significant home water damage.
• Electronic Control Board Failures: If the noises are accompanied by flickering display lights, erratic temperature readings, or “ghost” button presses, the main PCB (Control Board) may be malfunctioning, causing components to turn on and off rapidly.
• Noises That Persist After a 24-Hour Manual Defrost: If you have fully defrosted the unit (melting all internal ice) and the jackhammer or grinding sound returns immediately upon plugging it back in, a mechanical part is physically broken rather than just obstructed.

Noises in Newer Samsung Models

1. The “Whirring” Acclimation Period

New Bespoke models often have a high-pitched whirring or “tinnitus-like” sound during the first week.

• The Cause: High-speed compressor and fan calibration. Newer models use digital inverter compressors that run at much higher RPMs initially to reach the set temperature quickly.
• The Fix: Tell your readers to wait 7–14 days. This is often a “break-in” period where the unit is seating its internal wire harnesses and stabilizing its cooling cycles.

2. AI Family Hub Speaker Glitches

If the noise isn’t mechanical but sounds like “static” or “interference,” it might be the screen or speakers.

• The Cause: On Family Hub models, a protective film left on the AKG speakers or a software glitch in the tablet can cause a buzzing or popping sound that isn’t related to the fridge’s cooling system.
• The Fix: Check for a protective film on the speaker mesh and try a Control Panel Reset (the red switch inside the top-right door panel).

3. Dual Auto Ice Maker “Pigeon Cooing”

The newer Dual Auto Ice Makers (which make both cubes and “Ice Bites”) can make a soft, rhythmic cooing or gurgling sound.

• The Cause: This is often “latent heat” or refrigerant transition in the dedicated ice-cooling line. However, if it turns into a “rasp,” it’s the newer, smaller circulation fan hitting frost.
• The Fix: Ensure the ice bucket is fully seated and locked. If the bucket is even 1/4 inch out of place, warm air enters the small ice chamber and creates “micro-frost” that the fan will immediately hit.

4. Eco-Friendly Refrigerant “Gurgle”

Samsung has moved toward more eco-friendly refrigerants (like R600a) in their 2025-2026 lineups.

• The Cause: These refrigerants operate at different pressures than older ones, leading to more “boiling” or “gurgling” sounds as the liquid turns to gas.
• The Fix: This is normal. If the fridge is cooling properly, the “stomach growl” sound is just the physics of the new eco-refrigerant moving through the pipes.

5. “Ad-Induced” Buzzing

There have been reports in late 2025 of certain Family Hub models making a buzzing noise specifically when the screen wakes up to display advertisements or notifications.

• The Cause: High CPU usage on the door’s tablet can cause a slight hum from the internal tablet cooling fan.
• The Fix: Adjust the “Screen Timeout” settings or disable “Auto-Wake” to see if the noise persists.