When a robot vacuum loses suction, the cause is usually airflow restriction rather than a “broken motor.”
Here are the 7 checks that fix most cases.
1) Check the filter (first)
Replace or clean (per manual). Filters are the most common cause of suction decline.
2) Empty the bin fully
Packed bins reduce airflow fast.
3) Inspect the air path
Look for:
- debris stuck in the intake
- clogged vents
- stuck flaps
4) Remove hair from brush and end caps
Hair wraps can slow brush rotation and restrict pickup.
5) Clean sensors (if applicable)
Dirty sensors can cause odd behavior that looks like suction loss.
6) Check brushes for wear
Worn brushes don’t “fluff” debris into the intake as well.
7) Replace consumables on schedule
If it’s been months, replacing:
- filter
- side brush
- main brush/rollers is often the quickest performance reset.
Diagnose with a simple test
Run the vacuum on a small patch of debris. If it pushes debris around rather than pulling it in, focus on brush wear and airflow restriction.
Next steps
- Open the Part Finder and select your exact model.
- If you suspect the filter, read How often should you replace a robot vacuum filter?.
- Browse the Robot vacuum parts hub to compare models and replacement schedules.