Cinmar Recalls Frontgate Chaise Lounge Chairs Due to Finger Crushing and Amputation Hazards

What was recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for specific outdoor lounge chairs manufactured by Cinmar under the Frontgate brand. This action affects two distinct product lines from the Frontgate Resort Collection: the Newport Aluminum Chaises and the Newport Teak Chaises. These are not generic items; they are premium, reclining outdoor furniture pieces designed for relaxation, but they fall under this safety notice due to critical manufacturing issues in their adjustment mechanisms.

The first group of recalled items consists of the Frontgate Resort Collection Newport Aluminum Chaises, identified by SKU 67333. These chairs were sold in sets of two and came available in five different color finishes: architectural bronze, champagne silver, cobalt, matte black, and matte white. The second group includes the Frontgate Resort Collection Newport Teak Chaises, identified by SKU 166218. Like the aluminum versions, these teak models were also sold in sets of two, with options for either a weathered or natural wood finish.

Visually, these chaise lounge chairs are substantial pieces of furniture, measuring approximately 51 inches in length and 31 inches in width. They feature a sturdy frame constructed from either powder-coated aluminum or solid teak wood, depending on the model you own. The seating area is designed in a classic chaise style, providing ample space for lounging. The backrest, which is made of mesh material, is adjustable and can be reclined to four different positions, ranging from fully upright to completely flat. A key identifier for these specific recalled chairs is the branding: "FRONTGATE" is printed in black lettering on a silver badge located at the back of the chair.

This recall was initiated on June 20, 2024. Cinmar has received reports indicating that these specific models were sold through various retail channels, though the exact list of stores is not detailed in the initial hazard notification. If you purchased a reclining outdoor chaise lounge with an adjustable mesh backrest from Frontgate around this time, it is crucial to verify your model number against the SKUs listed above (67333 for aluminum or 166218 for teak) to determine if your item is part of this safety recall. The scope of the recall covers all units of these specific SKUs, regardless of when they were originally sold within the relevant timeframe.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the Cinmar Frontgate Chaise Lounge Chair appears to be a model of relaxed elegance, designed for long afternoons in the sun. However, the mechanism that allows you to adjust its position contains a significant mechanical flaw that turns a simple stretch into a serious safety risk. The chair features an adjustable backrest made of mesh, connected to the frame by a support system that is supposed to hold the backrest securely in one of four reclining positions. When this system fails, the connection between the backrest and the frame becomes unstable. Specifically, when a consumer is seated on the chaise and attempts to adjust the backrest, the structural integrity of the hinge or locking mechanism can give way unexpectedly.

The danger lies in the speed and force with which this failure occurs. According to the CPSC recall notice, the adjustable backrest can descend with considerable force rather than settling gently into place. This is not a slow, controlled movement; it is a sudden drop. For someone sitting on the chair, their hands are often placed near the sides or underneath the backrest to stabilize themselves or to manually guide the adjustment. When the backrest drops rapidly, there is very little time to react. The gap between the moving mesh backrest and the stationary frame closes almost instantly, creating a powerful pinching point.

This type of injury mechanism is particularly dangerous because it targets the fingers, which are small, delicate, and often positioned in the line of fire during normal use. When a finger gets caught in this rapidly closing gap, the immense pressure can crush the soft tissue and bone. In more severe cases, as documented in three reported incidents for this specific model, the force is so great that it can sever parts of the finger entirely. The reports confirm two partial amputations and one crushing injury requiring surgery, illustrating just how violent this mechanical failure can be. It is not merely a matter of getting a bruise; it is about the potential for permanent loss of function or digits.

To understand why this happens, it helps to look at how these chairs are designed. The backrest is meant to recline from an upright position to fully extended. This requires a complex interaction of hinges and locks to keep the weight of the backrest stable when you lean back. In the recalled units, this locking system apparently does not engage reliably under load. When you shift your weight or try to move the backrest, the lock slips, and gravity takes over. The heavy mesh backrest then falls freely until it hits the frame, trapping anything in between. This is a classic "unexpected descent" hazard, common in some outdoor furniture designs where safety testing may not have fully accounted for the dynamic forces of human movement combined with mechanical failure.

The risk is heightened because users are often in a state of relaxation when using these chairs. You are likely leaning back, trusting the chair to hold you steady. This trust makes you less vigilant about the stability of the adjustment mechanism. By the time you feel the sudden drop or hear the clatter of metal against frame, the injury may have already occurred. The combination of heavy materials, a powerful gravitational pull, and a failing lock creates a perfect storm for finger entrapment. It is crucial to recognize that this is not a user error; it is a fundamental design flaw in the recalled models that makes normal use hazardous.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk for injury from the Cinmar Frontgate Chaise Lounge Chairs consists of anyone who uses these specific outdoor reclining chairs, particularly those who adjust the backrest while seated. Because the hazard involves a mechanical failure during normal use—specifically when changing positions—the danger is not limited to a single demographic but is inherent to the product’s design and operation. However, certain individuals face heightened vulnerability due to the nature of the force involved and their physical ability to react quickly enough to avoid injury.

Users who are actively reclining or sitting up in the chair are at immediate risk because the mechanism fails unexpectedly during movement. The recall notice highlights that the backrest can descend with significant force while a person is seated. This means that anyone using the chair for relaxation, reading, or napping could find their hands or fingers trapped between the moving backrest and the fixed frame without warning. The unpredictability of the failure is a key factor; because the descent happens "unexpectedly," users do not have time to remove their hands from the pinch points before the injury occurs.

Certain physical characteristics may increase the severity of potential injuries. Individuals with smaller hands, such as children or adults with petite frames, may find it more difficult to keep their fingers clear of the narrow gap between the mesh backrest and the aluminum or teak frame. Furthermore, people with reduced grip strength or slower reflexes, which can be associated with aging or certain medical conditions, may struggle to pull their hands away quickly enough when the mechanism suddenly drops. The reported incidents involving partial finger amputations and crushing injuries requiring surgery suggest that the force generated by the failure is substantial enough to cause serious tissue damage, regardless of age, but those with less protective fat or bone density in their fingers may be particularly susceptible.

Additionally, users who frequently adjust their seating position throughout the day are at repeated risk. The chairs are designed to recline to four positions, and each adjustment carries the same potential for failure. For individuals who spend extended periods outdoors on these loungers, the cumulative exposure to this hazard increases. It is also worth noting that anyone relying on the chair for therapeutic rest or mobility assistance might be less able to brace themselves against a sudden movement, making the unexpected descent more dangerous than it would be for someone standing or sitting upright with full body control.

• Active Users: Anyone adjusting the backrest while seated is at immediate risk of entrapment.
• Vulnerable Physical Groups: Individuals with smaller hands, reduced grip strength, or slower reflexes may be less able to avoid injury.
• Frequent Users: People who use the chair multiple times a day face repeated exposure to the mechanical defect.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your outdoor lounge chair is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at both the product’s physical construction and its labeling. Because the affected items are sold under the "Frontgate" brand but manufactured by Cinmar, it is easy to assume they are safe simply because you purchased them from a reputable retailer. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified two distinct groups of chaise lounges that fall under this safety alert. The first group includes the Frontgate Resort Collection Newport Aluminum Chaises, which carry the Stock Keeping Unit number 67333. These chairs are typically sold in sets of two and come in five specific color finishes: architectural bronze, champagne silver, cobalt, matte black, and matte white. If you own these aluminum models, your first step is to locate the product packaging or your original receipt to verify that SKU number.

The second group involves the Frontgate Resort Collection Newport Teak Chaises, identified by SKU 166218. Like their aluminum counterparts, these teak versions are also sold in sets of two. You can distinguish them by their material; they feature a frame made from weathered or natural teak wood rather than powder-coated aluminum. Regardless of whether your chair is aluminum or teak, all recalled units share the same general dimensions and design features. They measure approximately 51 inches in length and 31 inches in width. They are designed as reclining outdoor lounge chairs with a chaise-style seat and a mesh backrest that adjusts to four positions, ranging from upright to fully reclined.

To confirm your chair is part of this recall, you must look for the specific branding details on the hardware itself. On the back of the chair, there should be a silver badge with "FRONTGATE" printed in black lettering. This badge is a critical identifier because it distinguishes these chairs from other similar-looking recliners that may not have the same mechanical fault. If you do not see this specific badge, or if your SKU numbers (67333 or 166218) do not match the list above, your chair is likely not subject to this particular recall. However, because these items are outdoor furniture that may have been stored in garages or patios for extended periods, it is worth checking both the frame and any original boxes or tags you might still have on hand.

If you are unsure about your model number or cannot find the badge due to wear and tear, do not guess. The safest approach is to contact Cinmar directly using the toll-free number provided in the recall notice. They can help you verify your specific unit based on a photo or serial information. Knowing exactly what you have is the most important step before taking any action, as it prevents unnecessary worry if your chair is safe, and ensures immediate safety measures are taken if it is not.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled Cinmar Frontgate chaise lounge chairs, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a straightforward and free remedy to correct the safety defect. You do not need to pay for any part of the resolution process. Cinmar has committed to providing a complete repair kit at no cost to you, which is designed to eliminate the finger crushing and amputation hazards associated with the adjustable backrest mechanism. This approach is generally preferred in cases involving structural adjustments because it allows you to continue using the furniture you likely invested in, while ensuring it meets current safety standards. The company understands that sending a heavy outdoor lounge chair back to a warehouse can be inconvenient and costly for consumers, so they have opted for a mail-in repair kit solution instead.

To initiate this remedy, you will need to take two specific steps. First, you must stop using the chaise lounge chairs immediately. Do not attempt to adjust the backrest while seated, as this is when the unexpected descent occurs. Second, you must contact Cinmar directly to request your free repair kit. The company requires that you submit a clear photograph of your chaise lounge chair to verify that it is indeed one of the affected models. This photo submission is a mandatory condition for receiving the repair materials. Once your photo is reviewed and approved, Cinmar will send you a kit that includes a new backrest support bar and detailed assembly instructions. The new support bar is the critical component that will prevent the backrest from descending with force when you are seated.

You can reach Cinmar’s consumer support team by calling their toll-free number at 888-298-4651. Their customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. If you prefer to handle this online, you can visit www.frontgate.com/newportchaiserecall for direct information and instructions. Alternatively, you may go to the main website at www.frontgate.com and click on the "Product Recalls" link located at the top of the page. This link will guide you to the specific recall portal where you can likely upload your photo and request your kit without needing to speak on the phone.

Please be aware that this remedy involves a repair, not a refund or replacement with a new unit. Cinmar is providing the parts and instructions to fix the existing chair. If you have questions about the installation process after receiving your kit, the customer service line is the best resource for technical guidance. By following these steps promptly, you ensure that your outdoor furniture remains safe for family use without risking serious injury to your fingers or hands.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your outdoor furniture. Perhaps the chair is perfectly positioned for your morning coffee, or maybe the weather has been unseasonably warm, making it hard to put aside a favorite spot in your garden. However, ignoring this recall carries serious, immediate physical risks that extend far beyond mere inconvenience. The core issue with the Cinmar Frontgate Chaise Lounge Chairs is not a slow wear-and-tear problem, but a sudden mechanical failure that occurs during normal use. When you adjust the backrest while seated, the mechanism is designed to move with force. If that movement is uncontrolled or unexpected, it creates a crushing point between the moving backrest and the stationary frame of the chair.

The consequences of this design flaw are severe and documented. According to reports filed by Cinmar with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), three specific incidents have already occurred where consumers’ fingers became trapped in this gap. The results were not minor bruises or scrapes; they were traumatic injuries requiring significant medical intervention. Two of those reports detailed partial finger amputations, meaning parts of fingers were severed due to the force of the chair collapsing. Another consumer suffered a crushing injury severe enough to require surgery. These are not hypothetical scenarios or worst-case theories; they are real events that have already happened to real people who likely did not anticipate such danger from a piece of patio furniture.

If you continue to use the chair without addressing this hazard, you are essentially gambling with your physical safety every time you lean back or sit up. The risk is particularly acute because the injury often happens during routine adjustments. You might be trying to find a comfortable angle for a nap, and in that split second of shifting weight, the backrest could drop unexpectedly. Because the force is significant, there is little time to react. Fingers placed near the side hinges or within the gap of the frame are at high risk of being caught in this closing mechanism. Once trapped, the pressure can be enough to break bone or sever tissue before you can pull away.

Beyond the immediate physical trauma, ignoring the recall also means missing out on a free, professional repair. Cinmar is offering a complete solution, including a new backrest support bar and detailed instructions, at no cost to you. By waiting, you are not only risking further injury but also potentially making future repairs more complex or costly if the mechanism wears down differently under stress. The safest path is to step away from the chair immediately and contact Cinmar to secure your repair kit. Your comfort and relaxation should never come at the price of your health, and a simple phone call can restore the safety of your outdoor space.

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