What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a significant recall involving residential elevators manufactured by Savaria Corporation. This action affects units bearing both the Savaria and Garaventa brand names. These are not commercial lifts found in office buildings, but rather home elevators installed in private residences to assist with accessibility and mobility within multi-story houses. The scope of this recall is substantial, covering products manufactured over a long period, specifically from 1999 through 2021. If you have had an elevator installed in your home during these two decades, it is crucial to verify whether your specific unit falls within this affected range.
The recall targets several distinct model lines that were popular for residential use during this timeframe. Specifically, the following models are included in this safety notice: Eclipse, Infinity, Kwiklift, MR, and HR. It is important to note that these model names are not always prominently displayed on the exterior of the lift itself. Instead, you will typically find the specific model designation located on the elevator’s controller unit. If you are unsure which model you have, checking this control panel is your first step in determining if your equipment is part of this recall.
While the provided official record does not specify the exact number of units sold or the precise geographic distribution of these sales within the United States, it confirms that these elevators were sold to consumers for use in their homes. The lack of reported incidents is a notable aspect of this particular recall, suggesting that while the potential risk is severe, actual harm has not yet been documented among the affected population. However, the absence of reported injuries does not diminish the seriousness of the design flaw that prompted this action. Homeowners who installed these systems between 1999 and 2021 should take immediate steps to identify their equipment and contact the manufacturer for guidance.
Savaria Corporation is the responsible party for this recall, and they have established specific channels for consumers to verify their status. If your elevator matches one of the listed models and was manufactured within the specified date range, you are part of this recall group. The company has committed to providing free space guards and installation assistance to correct the hazardous gap identified in these units. This proactive approach underscores the importance of acting quickly to ensure the safety of your household.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so serious, it helps to look closely at the physical design of residential elevators and how they interact with the spaces around them. Savaria and Garaventa brand residential elevators are installed in private homes to help family members navigate between floors. These systems rely on a precise alignment between two distinct barriers: the exterior landing door (also known as the hoistway door), which separates the elevator shaft from the hallway or room, and the interior car door or gate, which is part of the moving elevator platform itself.
The core issue identified in this recall is not a mechanical failure of the lift mechanism, but rather a dangerous gap that can exist between these two doors. In some units manufactured between 1999 and 2021, the spacing allows for a hazardous opening. This gap is small enough to be overlooked during normal daily activity, yet large enough to pose a severe threat to young children. It is not merely a draft or a visual obstruction; it is a physical void that can trap limbs, torsos, or heads.
The danger materializes in a specific and terrifying sequence of events. When a young child approaches the exterior landing door, they may climb through or squeeze into this hazardous gap between the stationary hoistway door and the interior car gate. At this moment, the child is effectively wedged in the space just outside the elevator car but inside the building structure. If a family member then calls the elevator to that floor, the car moves toward the landing with significant force and speed. As the elevator arrives, the gap closes or shifts unexpectedly. A child trapped in this space can be crushed, pinned, or dragged by the moving components of the elevator system. This is not a theoretical risk; it is a mechanical reality where human bodies become caught in industrial-grade machinery designed to move heavy loads.
The severity of this hazard stems from the vulnerability of young children. Their small size allows them to fit into spaces that adults cannot, and their lack of understanding about moving machinery means they may not recognize the danger until it is too late. Once entrapped, the force required to stop or reverse the elevator is immense, and the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. The CPSC notes that this specific configuration has led to risks of serious injury or death because the gap acts as a trap door for small bodies. Unlike a standard door that might pinch fingers, this gap involves moving structural elements of a lift system, creating a high-risk entanglement and crush hazard that is nearly impossible for a child to escape once caught.
It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported to the CPSC so far, the potential for tragedy exists in every unit with this design flaw. The hazard is passive and silent; the elevator may appear to be functioning perfectly normally from the outside, hiding the dangerous gap until a child interacts with it. This is why the remedy focuses on measuring and correcting the gap with space guards, rather than just repairing mechanical parts. The physical geometry of the door interface itself must be altered to eliminate the void that makes entrapment possible.
Who is most at risk
The primary individuals at immediate and severe risk from this recall are unsupervised young children. While the Savaria and Garaventa residential elevators are designed to provide accessibility and convenience for homeowners of all ages, the specific mechanical design flaw creates a perilous trap that disproportionately affects toddlers and preschoolers. These products are installed in private residences, meaning the environment is familiar and often perceived as safe by parents and caregivers. This perception of safety can lead to moments of inattention, particularly when a child is playing near an elevator landing door. The hazard is not just about falling into the shaft; it is about being caught in the narrow space between the exterior door frame and the interior car gate. For an adult, this gap is wide enough to be visible and avoidable. For a small child, however, it presents a deceptive void that can easily accommodate their head or torso.
The danger is compounded by the physical capabilities of young children. Their heads are proportionally larger relative to their bodies than those of adults, making them uniquely susceptible to entrapment. If a child slips through the gap between the landing door and the elevator car, they may become wedged. The tragic reality described in this recall is that if the elevator is then called to another floor, the car moves with the trapped child inside it. This can result in crushing injuries, suffocation, or death. It is critical to understand that this risk exists even when the elevator is not currently at that floor. A child does not need to be inside the car to be harmed; they only need to be positioned in the hazardous gap at the landing where the mechanical action of the elevator can suddenly pull them into a dangerous position.
While elderly individuals or those with mobility issues are the typical users of these residential elevators, they are not the primary victims of this specific entrapment hazard. However, they remain vulnerable in a secondary sense. If an elderly person relies on the elevator for daily movement and is unaware of the defect, they may inadvertently place a grandchild or young caregiver in danger by operating the system without first ensuring the landing areas are clear. The responsibility for safety in this context falls largely on the guardians and parents who supervise young children in the home. Even if a child is technically "supervised," the speed at which an elevator can be called and the suddenness of its movement make it difficult for adults to react in time once a child has already entered the gap. Therefore, the most vulnerable demographic is strictly defined by age and size: any young child who can fit their body into the space between the doors, particularly those under the age of five who lack the cognitive awareness to recognize the danger.
It is also important to note that this risk applies to all models listed in the recall, including the Eclipse, Infinity, Kwiklift, MR, and HR series. There is no "safe" model within this production range because the issue stems from the design of the gap itself, which was present in units manufactured between 1999 and 2021. The fact that no incidents have been reported to date does not diminish the severity of the potential outcome. It simply means that, so far, luck has prevented tragedy. For families with young children living in homes equipped with these elevators, the risk is real, present, and requires immediate attention through the installation of space guards.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action or contacting the manufacturer, the most critical step is confirming whether your specific residential elevator falls within the scope of this recall. Because Savaria and Garaventa have been manufacturing these units for over two decades, identifying the correct model requires a careful inspection of your equipment. The primary indicator is the brand name stamped on the unit itself. You are looking for elevators branded as either "Savaria" or "Garaventa." If your lift bears one of these names, it is potentially part of this recall, provided it meets the other criteria regarding manufacturing dates and model types.
The next essential piece of information is the model name. This recall specifically targets residential elevators from the following models: Eclipse, Infinity, Kwiklift, MR, and HR. It is important to note that these names are not typically found on the exterior doors or the car interior where passengers stand. Instead, you must locate the elevator’s controller. The controller is usually housed in a cabinet or panel, often located near the machine room or at the base of the lift mechanism. On this controller, you will find a label or plate that clearly lists the model name. If your unit matches one of the five listed models above, it is included in this safety notice.
Manufacturing dates are also a key factor in this identification process. The recalled units were manufactured between the years 1999 and 2021. While the exact production date might not be immediately visible on the exterior, the combination of the brand, model, and general age of your home elevator system will help narrow down whether your unit is affected. If you purchased a Savaria or Garaventa residential elevator with one of the specified models during this time frame, you should proceed with caution.
If you are unsure about the location of your controller or cannot read the model information, do not guess. The recall notice emphasizes that these elevators are used in consumers' homes, meaning they are integrated into your living space. Take a moment to carefully inspect the control panels and any associated hardware for labels. If you still cannot determine the model or brand with certainty after checking the controller, it is safest to assume the unit may be part of the recall until you can verify otherwise through the provided consumer contact channels. Accurate identification ensures that you are not unnecessarily alarmed if your unit is safe, but more importantly, it ensures that you take appropriate protective measures if your specific elevator is indeed at risk.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Savaria or Garaventa residential elevators, the most important thing right now is to manage your immediate environment while you wait for the official fix. Because the hazard involves young children becoming trapped in the gap between the elevator car and the landing door, your first priority is physical separation. You should keep unsupervised young children strictly away from these recalled units at all times. This is not a temporary suggestion; it is a critical safety measure until the hazardous gap is corrected. Young children are small enough to slip through spaces that seem too narrow for an adult, and because they may not understand the danger or how to escape if the elevator moves, constant supervision or physical barriers are your only defense against serious injury or death in the interim. Do not rely on the elevator’s standard safety features alone to protect them from this specific entrapment risk. Once you have secured your children, you need to initiate the remedy process with the manufacturer. The recall provides a clear path for resolution: Savaria Corporation will provide space guards free of charge to correct the hazardous gap. These guards are designed to fill the dangerous space between the exterior landing door and the interior elevator car door. To get started, you should contact Savaria directly. You can reach their dedicated recall support team by calling their toll-free number at 855-983-5520. They are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. When you call, have your elevator’s model information ready, as this will help them verify your unit and process your request efficiently. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle things online, you can visit www.home-elevator-door-gap.com or go to www.savaria.com and click on "Recall" at the bottom of the page. These websites provide detailed instructions on how to measure for space guards to ensure you get the correct fit for your specific model. It is worth noting that installation assistance is available upon request. If you are not comfortable measuring the gap yourself or installing the guard, do not hesitate to ask for help during your contact with Savaria. They can guide you through the process or arrange for professional assistance, ensuring that the repair is done correctly and safely. This step-by-step approach ensures that you address the hazard promptly while maintaining a safe environment for your family until the permanent fix is in place.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you receive a notice about a product recall, the immediate question that often comes to mind is whether you will get your money back or if the manufacturer will fix the problem for free. In the case of this specific recall involving Savaria and Garaventa branded residential elevators, the remedy is focused entirely on safety correction rather than financial reimbursement. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has documented that the primary hazard involves a dangerous gap between the exterior landing door and the interior elevator car door, which can lead to serious injury or death for young children if they become entrapped. Because the issue is structural and mechanical in nature, simply returning the elevator for a refund is not the offered solution. Instead, the manufacturer, Savaria Corporation, has committed to providing a physical safety modification at no cost to you.
The core of the remedy involves the installation of "space guards." These are specialized devices designed to close the hazardous gap that allows children to slip into the space between the doors. If you own one of the recalled models manufactured between 1999 and 2021, your first step is to contact Savaria directly. They will provide instructions on how to measure your specific unit to ensure the correct space guards are prepared for your home. This measurement process is critical because it ensures that the parts sent to you will fit precisely without requiring additional modifications or adjustments by you.
Savaria will provide these space guards free of charge. You do not need to pay for the parts themselves, which helps alleviate some of the financial burden associated with home safety upgrades. Furthermore, if you are not comfortable installing these guards yourself, Savaria offers assistance with installation upon request. This means that even if you are not a handy homeowner or lack the tools to perform the work, professional support is available to ensure the installation is done correctly and safely. This level of support is particularly valuable because improper installation could fail to eliminate the hazard effectively.
To initiate this process, you will need to reach out to Savaria via their toll-free number at 855-983-5520, available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You can also visit www.home-elevator-door-gap.com or go to www.savaria.com and click on "Recall" at the bottom of the page for more information. It is important to act promptly, not because there is an immediate deadline for refund processing, but because the risk to young children remains until the gap is physically closed. While this recall does not involve a refund or a full replacement of the elevator system, it does provide a comprehensive safety fix that addresses the root cause of the danger.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall notice arrives in the mail or pops up on your screen, it is completely natural to feel a mix of frustration and anxiety. You might look at your home elevator—a piece of equipment that likely provides you with independence, convenience, and peace of mind—and think, "It’s been working fine for years. Why fix what isn’t broken?" This perspective is understandable, but in the case of the Savaria and Garaventa residential elevators recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ignoring the hazard is not a matter of minor inconvenience; it is a matter of life and death for young children.
The core issue here is not that the elevator will suddenly stop working or break down. The problem is silent and invisible: a hazardous gap between the exterior landing door and the interior car door or gate. This gap exists by design in many residential elevators, but it becomes deadly when unsupervised young children are involved. If you continue to use the recalled unit without installing the free space guards provided by the manufacturer, you are leaving an open trapdoor for a curious toddler or preschooler. These gaps are large enough for a small child to slip through and become entrapped.
The consequences of this entrapment are severe and potentially fatal. If a young child falls into the hoistway—the vertical shaft where the elevator car travels—and becomes stuck between the doors, they are no longer just trapped; they are in immediate peril. The danger escalates the moment anyone calls the elevator to another floor. When the car moves, it can crush, trap, or injure the child in ways that cause serious bodily harm or death. This is not a theoretical risk; it is the specific hazard that prompted the CPSC to issue this urgent recall. The agency has identified this as a risk of serious injury or death, which is the highest level of concern in product safety classifications.
While the current incident reports indicate no injuries have been reported yet, this statistic should offer comfort rather than complacency. In the world of home elevator safety, the absence of reported incidents often means that lucky families have avoided a tragedy simply because they were vigilant or because their children were not in the vicinity when the elevator moved. Relying on luck is never a safe strategy when dealing with heavy mechanical equipment and vulnerable children. The gap does not disappear on its own, and the danger does not diminish with time. It only increases as your home environment changes—perhaps a new grandchild visits, or a neighbor’s toddler wanders into your yard and toward your elevator entrance.
Continuing to use the elevator without the space guard is effectively leaving a critical safety feature disabled. You are relying entirely on adult supervision to prevent access, which is a fragile defense against the natural curiosity of young children. Children move quickly, climb unexpectedly, and do not understand the concept of "do not enter." By ignoring the recall, you are choosing to maintain the status quo despite knowing that the status quo contains a lethal flaw. The real-world consequence of inaction is that you leave your home less safe than it was before, turning a tool for accessibility into a potential hazard for the youngest members of your household.
The good news is that the remedy is straightforward and free. But if you ignore it, you are not just saving yourself a few hours of installation time; you are gambling with the safety of children who may not even live in your home but could wander into your property. The risk remains until the space guard is installed, and no amount of "being careful" can fully mitigate the physics of a moving elevator car closing on an entrapped child. Ignoring this recall means accepting that risk every single time the elevator is used.