Kenmore Elite 796 LG Front-Load Washer Guide

Which models this covers#

The 796 prefix means LG built these; they ran from 2013 to 2021 on one shared parts catalog:

• 796.41583
• 796.41392
• 796.41272
• 796.41302
• 796.41172

A same-prefix model not listed here uses the same LG drum, drive, and controls, so look up LG parts and guides for it.

Specifications#

Common problems for this model#

1. Door-boot gasket mold buildup — 22%. The rubber degrades and leaks at the fold points.
2. OE drain error — 18%. A pump clog from coins, buttons, or lint.
3. Bearing and spider-arm failure — 12%. A loud grinding during spin.
4. Door lock/switch assembly failure — 10%. Throws an LE or FE code.
5. Control-board relay failure — 8%. The washer stops responding to button presses.

LG codes, LG parts#

Because this is an LG machine underneath, its faults read in LG's language: OE means a drain/pump problem, LE and FE point at the door lock and switch, and UE flags an unbalanced load. That also means the drain-pump part (4681EA2001T) and the rest are LG components, widely stocked and affordable. The door boot at number one earns the top spot for the usual front-loader reason — it sits at the drum's low point, stays damp, and traps film in its folds, so wiping it dry after every load is the single highest-value habit.

Error codes#

The panel can display OE, LE, FE, UE, dE, PE, and tE, each mapping to a specific system. For a code that is not listed, unplug the washer or flip the breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power; transient faults clear, and a returning code needs a technician.

Recall status#

There are no active recalls on the Kenmore Elite 796 series as of 2026-05-28. Since a recall can be posted at any time, check your model number at the Consumer Product Safety Commission — cpsc.gov — periodically.

Repair or replace?#

These are LG front-loaders with Kenmore badging, so most repairs use affordable, available parts. The bearing-and-spider replacement is the break-even job on units past 8 years old; everything else is comfortably worth fixing. The usual line applies: under 10 years and a fix under 50% of a new washer favors repair, and past 10 years you weigh the cumulative history against 40% of replacement cost.

Maintenance#

1. Run a tub-clean cycle monthly — front-loaders need regular mold prevention.
2. Wipe the door-boot gasket dry after every single load.
3. Leave the door ajar between loads for ventilation.
4. Clean the drain-pump filter monthly from the front access panel.
5. Use only HE detergent.

Common questions#

What are the most common 796 faults? Door-boot mold leads at 22% and the OE drain error follows at 18%; together they are roughly 40% of calls, with bearing and door-lock faults next.

What does an OE code mean? OE is LG's drain error — almost always a pump clogged with coins, lint, or buttons, cleared from the front-panel drain filter before the pump itself is suspected.

Who actually makes the Elite 796? LG built it under the Kenmore name, which is why it uses LG codes and LG parts across its 10–14 year service life.

Book a repair#

We stock common Kenmore and LG washer parts on the truck, so most 796 repairs finish in one visit with an upfront quote. Book at /book before any work begins.