Navien Error Codes

Navien Water Heater Error Codes — Diagnostic Reference

Every Navien numeric error code, what triggers it, and diagnostic sequence. Code 003, 012, 016, 030, 041, plus combi-specific codes.

Updated May 2026 · Navien Water Heaters

Navien displays three-digit numeric error codes on the controller and in the NaviLink app. The codes are consistent across NPE tankless, NCB combi boilers, NFC fire-tube combi, and NHB heating boilers — though some codes are specific to combi (E110 communication) or specific to condensing units (E041 condensate). Older Navien units sometimes show the same codes prefixed with "E" (E003 vs 003) — these are the same code, displayed differently by controller generation.

The top codes you'll actually see

CodeMeaningMost common cause
003 / E003No flame / ignition failureGas supply / igniter / flame rod
012 / E012Flame failure during operationDirty flame rod / vent
016 / E016Overheat protectionScaled heat exchanger
030 / E030Combustion fan faultFan motor / pressure switch
041 / E041Condensate drain blockedTrap or drain line

Full numeric reference

CodeDescription
002Unit not initialized / setup mode
003Ignition failure / no flame
004False flame signal
010Air pressure / venting abnormality
012Flame failure during operation
015Control board (PCB) fault
016Overheat (heat exchanger or burner)
020Inlet thermistor
021Outlet thermistor
022Heat exchanger thermistor
023DHW inlet thermistor
027Mixing valve fault (combi)
030Combustion fan motor
032Condensate pressure switch
034Combustion air pressure switch
0382-way valve / 3-way diverter (combi)
041Condensate drain blocked
043Flow sensor (DHW)
046Boiler return temp too high (combi)
060Gas valve circuit
070Heat exchanger high limit
099Combustion abnormality
109Remote controller communication
110Control communication (master-slave cascade or remote)
114NaviLink Wi-Fi module communication
351-394Various sensor faults (specific by code)

How to reset

Three reset levels:

  • Level 1 — controller reset: press the reset button (controller varies — usually a dedicated button or hold On/Off for 3 seconds)
  • Level 2 — power cycle: turn off at wall outlet or breaker, wait 30 seconds, restore. Clears all running state
  • Level 3 — factory reset: service-menu only. Requires installer password. Resets all configured settings

If the code returns within 60 seconds of reset, the underlying fault is active — escalate to the specific code's diagnostic walkthrough.

Bottom line

Don't replace parts based on the code alone. Each code page above contains the diagnostic sequence to isolate the specific failed component. For cases without a displayed code, see general troubleshooting.