CPSC, thyssenkrupp Access Corp. Settle Lawsuit: Firm to Conduct Recall to Inspect Home Elevators Due to Entrapment Hazard Posing Risk of Serious Injury or Death to Children; One Child Death Reported

What was recalled

In September 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving residential elevators manufactured by thyssenkrupp Access Corp., commonly known as TKA. This is not a recall of a single, isolated model but rather a broad action covering home elevators installed in private residences across the United States over a span of roughly sixteen years. The affected units were produced and sold to dealers for installation in homes between approximately 1996 and 2012. Because these elevators are built into the structure of a house, they are not easily removable or replaceable like a standard appliance, making this recall particularly important for homeowners who have invested in this type of accessibility or luxury feature.

The core of the issue lies in the wide variety of brand names under which TKA marketed these same underlying elevator systems. If you own a home elevator, it may not be labeled simply as "ThyssenKrupp." Instead, your unit might bear one of several model names that were part of TKA’s portfolio during this period. The recalled models include Chaparral, Destiny, LEV, LEV II, LEV II Builder, Rise, Volant, Windsor, Independence, and Flexi-Lift. This diversity in naming can make it difficult for homeowners to identify their specific equipment without careful inspection of the manufacturer’s documentation or the physical nameplate on the elevator car itself.

While the exact total number of units affected by this recall is not explicitly stated in the provided CPSC summary, the scope is substantial given the long production window and the popularity of residential elevators during that era. These systems were sold through authorized dealers who installed them in new constructions or retrofitted them into existing homes. The recall was initiated following a settlement between the CPSC and thyssenkrupp Access Corp., acknowledging that these specific elevator models posed a serious entrapment hazard. The agency’s involvement underscores the severity of the defect, which has been linked to tragic outcomes, including the death of a two-year-old child in 2017 and permanent disability for a three-year-old in a 2010 incident. Identifying whether your home elevator falls into this category is the critical first step in ensuring the safety of your household.

The hazard, explained

To understand why the CPSC and thyssenkrupp Access Corp. (TKA) are taking this serious step, it helps to look closely at the physical design of these residential elevators. These systems rely on a continuous shaft, known as a hoistway, which runs vertically through your home from the basement to the top floor. Inside this shaft, the elevator car travels up and down on rails. The critical danger lies in the interface between two specific points: the opening in the wall of the hoistway (the exterior door) and the actual entrance to the elevator car itself (the interior gate or door).

In many of the recalled models manufactured between 1996 and 2012, there is a gap or space between the fixed exterior hoistway door and the moving elevator car door. Under normal operation, when the elevator is on a floor other than where you are standing, both doors should be closed and locked to prevent anyone from falling into the shaft. However, the hazard arises if a child becomes entrapped in that specific space between the two barriers. This is not just about being stuck; it is about the unpredictable nature of how these elevators function.

The mechanism of injury occurs when a child slips or climbs into the gap between the exterior hoistway door and the car gate. If the elevator is then called to another floor—whether by someone inside calling it, an automatic timer, or even a malfunction—the car may move rapidly while the child remains trapped in that narrow space. Because the elevator doors are designed to open only when the car is perfectly aligned with a floor landing, the moving car can shear, crush, or drag against anything or anyone in that gap. This creates a severe risk of crushing injuries, strangulation, or being pulled into the machinery.

The severity of this hazard is not theoretical; it has resulted in tragic real-world outcomes. The CPSC report notes that these specific design flaws have led to three documented incidents. One incident in 2017 involved a two-year-old child who died after becoming entrapped. Another incident in 2010 left a three-year-old child permanently disabled. These cases highlight how quickly a moment of curiosity or play can turn into a life-threatening situation for young children who may not understand the danger of moving machinery or deep shafts.

While modern building codes and newer elevator designs often include stricter safeguards to eliminate such gaps, older residential elevators like those from TKA’s Chaparral, Destiny, LEV, Rise, and other listed models may lack these critical barriers. The space that allows for mechanical movement also creates a hidden pocket where a small child can disappear from sight. Without the proper "space guard" installation that TKA is now offering for free, this gap remains an open invitation for entrapment. Understanding this physical reality underscores why the remedy involves not just an inspection, but the actual installation of guards to physically block that dangerous space.

Who is most at risk

While this recall involves a wide range of residential elevator models manufactured between 1996 and 2012, the primary group facing the most severe danger consists of young children living in homes where these ThyssenKrupp Access elevators are installed. The hazard is not merely about getting stuck; it is about the specific mechanics of entrapment. When a child becomes entrapped in the gap between the exterior hoistway door and the elevator car door, they can be caught in a way that restricts their breathing or causes crushing injuries if the elevator moves to another floor unexpectedly. This risk is particularly acute for toddlers and preschoolers who may lack the physical strength to free themselves or the cognitive understanding of the danger involved.

The urgency of this situation is underscored by the tragic history associated with these specific units. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have been three reported incidents involving these elevators, including the death of a two-year-old child in 2017 and a separate incident in 2010 that left a three-year-old child permanently disabled. These cases highlight that the risk is not theoretical but has already resulted in devastating outcomes for some families. The age range of the victims—two and three years old—suggests that children in this developmental stage are particularly vulnerable because they are curious, mobile, and often unable to comprehend the mechanical risks associated with elevator doors.

It is important to note that while young children are at the highest risk for fatal or life-altering injuries due to entrapment, all household members should take this recall seriously. Older children, teenagers, and adults may also be at risk of injury if they attempt to interact with the gap between the doors, although their size and strength might reduce the likelihood of permanent entrapment compared to a toddler. However, any individual could suffer serious injury from being caught in the mechanism or from the sudden movement of the elevator car. Therefore, while the primary focus of the safety warning is on protecting young children, the presence of these elevators in a home poses a potential threat to anyone who might approach the hoistway area.

Homeowners should also consider the specific models affected by this recall, which include Chaparral, Destiny, LEV, LEV II, LEV II Builder, Rise, Volant, Windsor, Independence, and Flexi-Lift. If you have any of these brands installed in your home, it is crucial to act immediately, regardless of whether you have noticed any issues with the doors. The risk does not wait for symptoms to appear; it exists as long as the gap remains uninspected and unguarded. By understanding who is most at risk—primarily young children—you can prioritize the inspection process and ensure that your home is made safe as quickly as possible.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Determining whether your residential elevator falls under this specific safety recall requires a bit of detective work, but the process is straightforward if you know exactly what to look for. The core of the issue lies in the manufacturer and the timeframe of installation. This recall applies specifically to home elevators manufactured and sold by thyssenkrupp Access Corp. (TKA). If your elevator was installed by a different company or brand, it is likely not part of this particular safety notice, though you should always verify with your installer if you are unsure.

The most critical factor in identifying the recalled units is the model name. TKA sold these elevators under a variety of brand names to dealers for installation in private homes. You need to check your elevator’s documentation or the unit itself to see if it matches one of the following models: Chaparral, Destiny, LEV, LEV II, LEV II Builder, Rise, Volant, Windsor, Independence, or Flexi-Lift. These are not generic terms; they are specific product lines owned by TKA. If your system bears any of these names, it falls into the potential risk category.

Next, consider the age of your installation. The recall covers units that were manufactured and sold to dealers for home installation between approximately 1996 and 2012. This twenty-year window is significant because the design flaw—the gap between the exterior hoistway door and the elevator car door or gate—was present in these specific generations of equipment. If your elevator was installed after 2012, it likely uses a newer design that addressed this hazard. However, if it was installed before 1996, it may predate this specific recall scope, though older systems often have their own maintenance needs.

To confirm your status, look for the manufacturer’s plate or identification tag, which is usually located inside the elevator car, on the machine room equipment, or in the homeowner’s manual provided at installation. If you cannot find the physical documentation, TKA has made it easy to verify your unit without digging through old files. You can visit their dedicated Home Elevator Safety Program website at https://homelevator-safety.com. They have established a resource specifically for homeowners to check if their serial number and model are part of this settlement. This online tool is the most reliable way to get a definitive answer quickly, ensuring you do not rely on guesswork when it comes to your family’s safety.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled ThyssenKrupp Access home elevators, you do not need to purchase new parts or hire a separate contractor to resolve this safety issue. The remedy provided by the manufacturer is straightforward and designed to be as convenient and cost-free as possible for homeowners. ThyssenKrupp Access Corp. (TKA) has committed to providing two primary paths for resolution, both of which include a free inspection and the installation of necessary safety components at no charge to you.

The first and most recommended option is to contact TKA directly to schedule an on-site service visit. When you reach out to them, they will send a qualified installer to your home to perform a complimentary inspection of your elevator system. If your unit is part of the recall, the technician will install what are known as "space guard(s)" for free. These guards are specifically designed to fill the dangerous gap between the exterior hoistway door and the elevator car door or gate, effectively eliminating the entrapment hazard that poses such a severe risk to children. This option is ideal if you prefer not to handle any part of the repair process yourself and want professional assurance that the installation meets safety standards.

If you are uncomfortable having an installer enter your home, or if you simply prefer to manage the repair yourself, TKA offers a second alternative. In this scenario, they will provide you with detailed inspection and installation instructions directly. This DIY-friendly approach allows you to complete the necessary safety modifications on your own schedule. While the physical parts are still provided at no cost, you will be responsible for following their guidance to install the space guard(s) correctly. It is important to note that regardless of which path you choose, there is no refund involved in this recall; the remedy is strictly focused on repair and hazard elimination through the installation of the protective guards.

To initiate either of these options, you must contact TKA using one of the following methods: call 800-285-9862 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday; visit their dedicated TKA Home Elevator Safety Program website at https://homelevator-safety.com; or email info@homelevator-safety.com. When you contact them, be prepared to provide your elevator model information (such as Chaparral, Destiny, LEV, Rise, Volant, Windsor, Independence, Flexi-Lift, or others) and the approximate year of installation, which should fall between 1996 and 2012. By taking this step, you ensure that your home remains safe for any children who may visit or live there, turning a serious legal settlement into a tangible safety upgrade for your property.

What can happen if you ignore it

Choosing to overlook a recall is often a decision born from convenience or a desire to avoid the hassle of scheduling repairs. However, with the ThyssenKrupp Access home elevators involved in this settlement, the stakes are fundamentally different from a minor cosmetic defect or a malfunctioning component. The hazard here is not merely an inconvenience; it is a potentially lethal trap for young children. If you continue to use these elevators without installing the free space guard, you are leaving a critical safety gap unaddressed. This gap exists between the exterior hoistway door and the elevator car door or gate. While the doors may appear secure when closed, the space between them can be wide enough for a small child to slip through or become wedged.

The danger is not static; it is dynamic and unpredictable. The primary risk occurs when the elevator is called to another floor. If a child has managed to enter the shaft area, they may become entrapped in this narrow space. Because elevators are designed to move efficiently between floors, the car can suddenly start moving while a child is still caught in the doorway. This movement can cause severe crushing injuries or strangulation. The mechanics of an elevator do not account for human bodies in the door track; the system will continue its cycle, turning a momentary slip into a catastrophic event.

We are not speaking of hypothetical risks alone. The CPSC report confirms that this specific hazard has already resulted in tragic real-world consequences. One incident involved a two-year-old child who died in 2017 due to entrapment in one of these elevators. Another reported incident left a three-year-old child permanently disabled. These are not abstract statistics; they are the outcomes of the exact mechanism that this recall aims to fix. Ignoring the recall means accepting the possibility that your home’s elevator could become the site of such a tragedy for any young children who live in or visit your home.

Furthermore, relying on the existing doors as a barrier is inherently risky because they are not designed to prevent entrapment in the space between them. Without the free space guard, there is no physical obstruction to stop a curious toddler from crawling into the shaft. The fear of missing out on the convenience of your elevator should never outweigh the certainty of keeping a child safe. By delaying action, you are gambling with a safety feature that has already proven fatal in other homes. The cost of an inspection and installation is negligible compared to the irreversible loss of life or permanent injury that the reported incidents demonstrate is possible. Do not wait for a warning sign; the absence of an incident so far does not mean the hazard is gone, only that it has not yet claimed another victim.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a critical defect in certain home elevator models, the underlying principle of safety remains universal: proactive prevention is always more effective than reactive repair. Home elevators and vertical platform lifts are sophisticated pieces of machinery that move heavy loads through tight spaces. To maintain a safe environment beyond just checking for recalls, homeowners should treat these devices with the same respect and caution as any other high-risk appliance in the house. The most fundamental step is to establish strict boundaries for children. Many accidents occur because young children view elevator doors as playthings or puzzles to be solved. It is essential to teach children early that elevator doors are not toys and that they should never attempt to open them, insert objects into the gap, or climb into the shaft area. Supervision is key; do not leave young children unattended near elevators, even if you believe the safety mechanisms are functioning correctly.

Regular maintenance is another cornerstone of long-term safety. Even if your elevator was not part of this specific recall, it requires consistent professional inspection to ensure all safety sensors, gates, and interlocks are operating as designed. These components can wear out over time or become misaligned due to normal building settling. Schedule annual inspections with a qualified technician who specializes in residential elevators. Ask them to test the emergency stop buttons, verify that the doors close securely without obstruction, and check that the entrapment protection devices are sensitive enough to detect small objects or limbs. Documentation of these maintenance visits is also wise; keeping a log of service dates and repairs can help you track the health of the system and provides valuable information if you ever need to troubleshoot an issue.

Furthermore, consider integrating your home elevator safety into your broader emergency preparedness plan. Ensure that everyone in the household knows how to use the emergency communication system if anyone becomes trapped or stuck. Test this feature periodically to make sure it connects to a live operator or monitoring service. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the location of the main power disconnect switch for the elevator, but only in case of an emergency such as a fire or electrical fault; do not turn off the power arbitrarily, as this may trap individuals inside. By combining vigilance regarding specific recalls with general safety habits like child supervision, professional maintenance, and emergency readiness, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure that your home elevator remains a convenient and safe asset for years to come.