Roomba Error 30 — Vacuum motor problem
DIRECT ANSWER
COMMON CAUSES · RANKED
Dirt-packed bin and filter MOST COMMON
Fine debris builds up until the motor can't move air through the system.
Moisture in the bin UNCOMMON
Running the robot with a still-damp bin after washing strains the vacuum motor.
Vacuum motor wearing out RARE
An error 30 that shrugs off clean parts means the motor itself is failing.
HOW TO FIX IT
Empty the bin
Press the bin release on the back of the robot and empty it completely.
Clean or replace the filter
Remove the filter and tap it against a trash can. Filters never touch water; replace one past two months.
Rinse and dry the bin
With the filter out, rinse the bin by hand with warm water. It must be bone dry before reinstalling.
Contact support if it persists
A clean system that still throws error 30 points at the vacuum motor.
COMPATIBLE PARTS
As an Amazon Associate, RoboFaults earns from qualifying purchases. Prices are shown on the retailer's site.
High-efficiency filter, 3-pack — e, i & j series
iRobot recommends replacing the filter about every 2-3 months; tap it clean weekly, never rinse it.
Check price on Amazon ↗High-efficiency filter, 3-pack — s series
The s series filter is wider than the i series part; the two are not interchangeable.
Check price on Amazon ↗Replacement dust bin — i series
Rinse the bin with water only after removing the filter; a cracked latch is the usual reason to replace it.
Check price on Amazon ↗Corrections
Spotted an error? Report a correction — fixes ship within 48h and are logged on this page.