Freezers & ice makers

Ice maker tray cracked or damaged

A cracked ice tray lets water leak out before it can freeze properly and needs replacement rather than repair, since the plastic is thin and not meant to be patched.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
20–40 minutes
DIY cost
$20–$70
Pro cost
$150–$300

Symptoms

  • Visible crack in the plastic tray
  • Water leaking during fill instead of staying in the tray
  • Ice forms in odd or incomplete shapes
  • Water pooling below the ice maker

Likely causes

  • CommonPlastic becoming brittle with age and cold cyclingYears of freeze-thaw cycles make the tray plastic more prone to cracking.
  • CommonPhysical impact from ice removal tools or forceful cleaningUsing a knife or hard tool to pry out stuck ice can crack the tray.
  • Less commonManufacturing defectOccasionally a tray is weak from the factory and fails prematurely.

What to do

  1. Unplug the freezer before removing the ice maker assembly or tray.
  2. Locate your exact model number to order the correct replacement tray or full ice maker assembly.
  3. Remove the damaged tray following your model's release clips or screws as shown in the manual.
  4. Install the new tray, making sure it clicks or seats fully into place.
  5. Reconnect any wiring harness if the tray was part of a larger assembly.
  6. Run a test cycle to confirm water fills and freezes without leaking.

Tools and parts

  • Screwdriver
Ice maker tray or assemblySearch: “ice maker tray replacement by model”

When to call a pro

If you're not comfortable accessing the ice maker assembly, an appliance technician can replace the tray or full unit.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.