Locked ovens occur for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is a bent latch mechanism. Many latches are only sheet metal and easily damaged. The latch assembly includes up to three switches that monitor the latch arm position. Access to the latch usually requires removal of the oven from the cabinet. In a few cases, it can be accessed through the front grill or console. Many GE latches are mounted on the back of the oven and operated by long lever arms. Careful observation and testing of the latch switches will almost always locate the problem. Often, a locked oven must be removed from the cabinet and unlocked before it can be repaired.

In theory, a bad locking thermostat will result in a locked oven, but this is not the usual situation.