Ascent Trainer® by Matrix and Matrix fitness elliptical
CPSC Recall #18-755 — July 31, 2018
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 18-755 |
| Recall Date | July 31, 2018 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 3,000 (The trainers and ellipticals were previously recalled in January 2014.) |
| Importer | Johnson Health Tech North America, Inc. of Cottage Grove, Wis. |
| Manufactured In | Taiwan |
Where It Was Sold
| Johnson Health Tech North America to dealers |
| commercial fitness facilities such as health clubs and military facilities nationwide from November 2011 through December 2012 for between $6 |
| 000 to $11 |
| 000 depending on console installed. |
Product
Ascent Trainer® by Matrix and Matrix fitness elliptical
Description
This recall involves previously recalled Matrix Fitness Ascent trainers® and Elliptical trainers installed from November 2011 through December 2012. All Ascent trainers and ellipticals have a swing-arm handle design, with pedals that rotate in an elliptical path. Units also have stationary handlebars. The Ascent Trainers® are similar to the elliptical machines, but include an incline function. Users operate the machines in a standing position. The ellipticals are black and silver-colored. The Ascent trainers are also black and silver-colored with an orange accent color on the machine's body and foot pedals. "Matrix" is printed on the machines body and handlebars. When assembled, the machines are about 70" high x 29" wide and 68" long. The machines involved in this recall have a decal at the center/bottom of the units with model numbers beginning with A-3x, A-5x/7x, or E-3x/5x/7x. This recall includes units with serial numbers beginning with EP304, EP306, or EP308, and with date codes of 1208 (YYMM) or prior.
Hazard
Moisture from user perspiration or cleaning liquids can build up in the power socket on the unit, causing a short circuit, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
The firm has received 11 additional reports of sparking, smoking, “shorting out,” and/or melting at the power cord and socket. No injuries have been reported. These reports are in addition to the 44 incidents initially disclosed in the 2014 recall.
Remedy Instructions
Exercise facilities should immediately unplug the machines and contact Johnson Health Tech North America to schedule a free repair. Machines can be used in self-powered mode without needing to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Johnson is contacting purchasers of the recalled ellipticals directly
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.