Southern Motion Recalls "Wireless Power" Reclining Furniture Due to Fire Hazard

What was recalled

In early April 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving a specific line of home furnishings from Southern Motion. This action centers on their "Wireless Power" reclining furniture, a premium product category designed to integrate modern convenience into living spaces. The core issue lies in the optional equipment upgrade known as the "Wireless Power" system, which utilizes lithium-ion batteries to power the reclining mechanism without the need for traditional wiring or outlets near the chair. While these custom-configurable pieces are generally sought after for their luxury and functionality, this particular batch of furniture contains a component that poses a serious risk to home safety.

To understand exactly what is involved, it is important to look at how Southern Motion constructed these units. The recalled items are not standard off-the-shelf recliners; they are custom-made pieces where buyers could choose various styles and fabrics. The specific hazard is tied to the internal battery system used in the "Wireless Power" option. These batteries are installed internally within the furniture frame, meaning they are not easily visible from a quick glance. However, if you were to look under the upholstery at the rear of the furniture, you would find a black mounting bracket holding the power source. The batteries themselves are black and rectangular in shape. A key identifier for these units is that the top of the battery is marked with the word "ENouvation," while the reverse side features a white label also displaying the brand name. Additionally, the sides of these batteries have blinking lights that indicate the current charge level, serving as a visual cue to users that the system is active.

Identifying the specific units subject to this recall requires checking for distinct labeling on the furniture itself. Southern Motion placed a white label on the back underside of the footrest ottoman associated with these recliners. This label is crucial because it explicitly states "Options: WP," which stands for "Wireless Power." Alongside this designation, the label provides the product’s unique serial number, style number, cover fabric number, and the custom production date. These details are vital for consumers to verify if their specific piece of furniture falls within the scope of this recall. The recall was issued on April 2, 2020, addressing units that had been sold to consumers who opted for this advanced power configuration. If you purchased a Southern Motion recliner with the wireless power feature during this period, it is essential to verify these specific markings to determine if your item is part of this safety notice.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a specific component: the lithium-ion battery that powers the "Wireless Power" feature in Southern Motion reclining furniture. To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at what these batteries are doing inside your chair and what happens when they fail. Lithium-ion batteries are the standard power source for many modern devices because they store a lot of energy in a small space. However, they rely on delicate internal chemistry to manage that energy safely. When something goes wrong—such as manufacturing defects, physical damage, or thermal runaway—the battery can begin to overheat uncontrollably.

In this specific case, the hazard is not just that the battery gets warm; it is that it can reach temperatures high enough to ignite nearby materials. The recalled furniture integrates these batteries directly into the frame of the recliner and ottoman, often hidden beneath upholstery or within the rear structure. Because the battery is enclosed within the furniture’s body, heat has little opportunity to dissipate quickly. If a cell inside the battery pack fails, it can generate intense heat in a confined space. This heat does not stay contained; it transfers to the surrounding materials.

The danger escalates when this heat comes into contact with combustible parts of the furniture itself. The upholstery, foam padding, and even the floor coverings beneath the chair are often made of fabrics and materials that can catch fire if exposed to sufficient heat for long enough. This is why the incidents reported so far involve fires affecting both the chairs and the floors. It is a chain reaction: the battery overheats, transfers that thermal energy to the adjacent fabric or cushioning, and eventually ignites it. There is no spark required in the traditional sense; the material simply reaches its ignition temperature due to prolonged exposure to the hot battery.

It is important to note that while these batteries are designed with safety features, they are not immune to failure. The CPSC report confirms that six separate incidents have occurred where this overheating led to actual fires. While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for harm is significant. Fire spreads rapidly, especially in a living room setting where curtains, rugs, and other furnishings are nearby. The risk is not just to the furniture but to your home’s structural integrity and your family’s safety. Understanding that this is a thermal hazard—a heat-based problem rather than an electrical shock hazard—helps clarify why immediate action is necessary. You cannot simply "reset" a battery that has chemically degraded or failed; it remains a ticking source of heat until it is removed or replaced by professionals.

This type of hazard is particularly insidious because the furniture looks and feels normal during everyday use. The blinking lights on the side of the battery indicate charge levels, which might give a false sense of security. However, these indicators only show power status, not internal health. A battery can appear fully charged and functional while still being prone to overheating. Therefore, relying on visual cues or performance is not enough; you must rely on the identification steps provided below to ensure your specific unit is safe.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk for this specific recall includes anyone who has purchased or installed the Southern Motion “Wireless Power” reclining furniture with the optional lithium-ion battery upgrade. Because these batteries are not standard equipment but rather a custom, configurable add-on, the risk is not universal to all Southern Motion products. It is specifically tied to those who opted for the convenience of wireless operation. If your furniture was purchased as a basic model without this specific “WP” (Wireless Power) option, you are not part of this particular safety concern. However, if you have the custom recliner or ottoman with the internal battery system, it is crucial to understand that the danger lies in the potential for these batteries to overheat and ignite, which can occur without warning.

While any user of the recalled furniture faces the physical risk of fire, certain demographics may be more vulnerable to the consequences of such an incident. Elderly individuals, who are often the primary users of reclining furniture due to mobility challenges or comfort needs, may find it physically difficult to evacuate a home quickly during a sudden fire event. The nature of lithium-ion battery fires means they can escalate rapidly, producing intense heat and potentially toxic smoke. For seniors who rely on these chairs for daily stability and ease of sitting and standing, the loss of their primary support system in an emergency situation adds a layer of complexity to their safety.

Families with young children also face heightened risks. Children are naturally curious and may interact with furniture components they do not fully understand. While the battery is installed internally and hidden under upholstery, the presence of blinking lights on the side of the battery unit might attract attention. Furthermore, if a fire were to start in the rear of the furniture or underneath the footrest ottoman, it could spread to floor coverings, potentially trapping children who are lower to the ground and may not be able to perceive the danger as quickly as adults. The recall notes that six incidents have already occurred where batteries caused fires to both the chairs and floor coverings, indicating that the proximity of flammable materials like rugs or carpets near the furniture increases the likelihood of significant property damage and personal harm.

Additionally, anyone living in multi-unit housing, such as apartments or condos, faces a broader community risk. A fire originating in one unit due to an overheating battery can spread through walls or shared ventilation systems, endangering neighbors who have no connection to the original product defect. Therefore, the “at-risk” population extends beyond just the owner to include household members and potentially nearby residents if immediate action is not taken to repair or remove the hazard.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action, the most critical step is confirming whether your specific piece of furniture is part of this recall. Because Southern Motion offers custom-configurable reclining options, not every "Wireless Power" chair or ottoman is affected in exactly the same way, but the core hazard lies in a very specific component: the lithium-ion battery pack. To determine if you own a recalled unit, you need to look for two distinct physical markers—one on the furniture itself and one on the internal battery component.

First, check the exterior of your furniture. Look at the back underside of the footrest ottoman. If your piece includes the "Wireless Power" option, there will be a white label affixed to this area. This label is your primary identifier. It must explicitly state "Options: WP," which stands for Wireless Power. Alongside this code, the label will display your product’s unique serial number, style number, cover fabric number, and the custom production date. If you do not see this specific "WP" designation on that white label, your unit likely does not have the optional battery system installed, and thus is not part of this specific recall.

If you see the "Options: WP" label, you must then verify the internal battery to be absolutely certain. The recalled batteries are installed internally as an optional equipment upgrade. To find them, you will need to look under the upholstery at the rear of the furniture. You should see a black mounting bracket holding the battery in place. The battery itself is black and rectangular in shape. A key visual identifier is found on the top surface of the battery, which is marked with the word "ENouvation." Additionally, on the reverse side of the battery, there is a white label where "ENouvation" is printed again. On the sides of the battery, you may also notice blinking lights that indicate the charge level.

It is important to note that this recall applies strictly to units equipped with these ENouvation lithium-ion batteries. The hazard arises from these specific power sources overheating. Therefore, if your furniture is a standard model without the Wireless Power upgrade, or if it uses a different battery manufacturer not marked with "ENouvation," it is not included in this recall action. However, if you confirm the presence of the "Options: WP" label and the ENouvation battery, please stop using the furniture immediately and contact Southern Motion for your free in-home repair.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that your Southern Motion "Wireless Power" reclining furniture is part of this recall, the company has established a specific remedy designed to resolve the safety issue while minimizing the inconvenience to you. It is important to understand that this is not a standard return for a refund of the entire piece of furniture. Instead, Southern Motion is offering a comprehensive free in-home repair service. This approach acknowledges that these are large, custom-configured items that are difficult to transport, so they have opted to bring the solution directly to your living room rather than asking you to ship heavy components back to a warehouse.

The core of this remedy involves two distinct parts: the physical repair and a financial credit. First, a technician will come to your home to perform the necessary repairs on the internal mechanism. This addresses the immediate fire hazard by replacing or securing the lithium-ion battery system that poses the risk. Second, and equally important for your peace of mind, Southern Motion is providing a credit specifically for the cost of the "Wireless Power" lithium-ion battery option. This means you are not just getting the dangerous part fixed; you are also being compensated for the premium feature you originally purchased. The company recognizes that the very feature that made your furniture unique is now the source of the problem, so they are ensuring you do not lose money on that upgrade.

To initiate this process, you must take action to contact Southern Motion directly. You cannot simply wait for a mailbox notification; you need to proactively engage with their recall team. You have three convenient ways to reach them. The most direct method is to call their toll-free number at 800-368-8865. If you prefer written communication or need to send details about your specific model, you can email them at wprecall@southermotion.com. Alternatively, you can visit their official website at www.SoutherMotion.com and navigate to the “Product Safety” section for additional information and online support resources.

Please note that these contact lines are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. When you reach out, have your furniture’s serial number, style number, and cover fabric numbers ready, as these are printed on the white label located on the back underside of the footrest ottoman. Having this information on hand will significantly speed up the process, allowing the support team to verify your product against the recall database and schedule your free in-home repair appointment more quickly.

• Do not attempt DIY repairs: Because the hazard involves lithium-ion batteries and internal electrical components, attempting to fix this yourself is dangerous. The recall remedy is strictly handled by Southern Motion professionals.
• Verify your credit: Ensure that when you speak with the representative, they explicitly confirm that a credit for the "Wireless Power" battery option will be applied to your account or issued as part of the resolution.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about stopping the use of a comfortable piece of furniture, especially one that has been customized and installed in your home. You may be tempted to wait for a repair or simply hope the issue resolves itself. However, continuing to use Southern Motion’s "Wireless Power" reclining furniture after being notified of this recall introduces a serious and immediate risk that goes beyond mere inconvenience. The core danger lies in the lithium-ion batteries installed internally as an optional upgrade. These specific power units are known to overheat. When a battery overheats, it does not simply stop working; it can enter a state of thermal runaway, where heat generates more heat in a self-sustaining cycle.

The consequences of ignoring this warning are documented and tangible. Southern Motion has already identified six separate incidents where these batteries overheated to the point of causing fires. These were not minor electrical glitches; they resulted in actual combustion affecting both the chairs themselves and the floor coverings beneath them. While it is a relief that no injuries have been reported in these specific cases, the potential for severe harm remains high. A fire starting within a piece of furniture you are actively using—or sleeping on—can spread rapidly through upholstery and nearby fabrics. This creates a life-threatening situation where escape time is drastically reduced, and the risk of smoke inhalation or burns becomes immediate.

Beyond the direct physical danger, ignoring the recall imposes significant indirect costs on you. If a fire does occur, your homeowners or renters insurance may face complications if it is determined that known safety defects were ignored. More practically, the damage to your flooring, carpets, and surrounding home furnishings can be extensive and expensive to repair. The "Wireless Power" system is designed to be an optional upgrade, meaning you paid extra for this convenience. By ignoring the recall, you are risking not only the value of that upgrade but also the integrity of your living space.

Furthermore, relying on a defective battery carries the risk of sudden failure at any time. Unlike a mechanical part that might wear out gradually, a lithium-ion battery failure can be abrupt and violent. There is no warning signal other than the blinking lights indicating charge level, which are present in all units regardless of their health status. Once the internal thermal protection fails, the only indicator will be smoke or flame. Given that these batteries are visible under the upholstery in the rear of the furniture, you might notice swelling or discoloration before a fire starts, but by then, the risk is already critical. Do not gamble with your safety for the sake of temporary comfort.

The remedy offered here is proactive and comprehensive: a free in-home repair that includes a credit for the cost of the battery option you chose. This means Southern Motion is taking full responsibility for the defect and covering all associated costs to make your home safe again. By acting now, you eliminate the fire hazard entirely without financial penalty. Waiting only increases the window of time during which a catastrophic event could occur. The six reported incidents are a clear warning that the defect is active and present in multiple units. Your safety depends on removing that risk from your home as soon as possible.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a defect in Southern Motion’s optional battery system, the underlying issue—lithium-ion batteries overheating in home environments—is a relevant safety consideration for many modern households. As we integrate more electronics into our daily lives, particularly in furniture and power tools, understanding how to manage these energy sources proactively can significantly reduce risk. The first and most critical step is recognizing that lithium-ion batteries, while convenient and powerful, require careful handling to prevent thermal runaway, a condition where the battery’s internal temperature rises uncontrollably.

To stay safe with any device powered by lithium-ion batteries, always follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions strictly. Avoid leaving devices plugged in for extended periods, especially overnight or when you are away from home. Use only the original chargers provided by the manufacturer, as third-party alternatives may not regulate voltage and current correctly, leading to overheating. If you notice your device becoming unusually warm during normal use, stop using it immediately and unplug it if possible. Discoloration of the casing, swelling, or a strange odor are also warning signs that should never be ignored.

Regular maintenance and inspection are equally important. Periodically check the power cords and plugs for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage. Damaged wiring can create resistance points that generate heat, potentially igniting nearby flammable materials like upholstery or rugs. Ensure that furniture with built-in electronics has adequate ventilation around its power components. Never block vents or cover electronic components with heavy blankets or cushions, as trapped heat can accelerate battery degradation and increase the likelihood of failure.

Additionally, consider installing smoke detectors in your home and testing them monthly. In the event of an electrical fire, early detection is crucial for protecting your family and property. Keep a Class C fire extinguisher accessible in areas where electronics are used, and ensure all household members know how to use it. Finally, stay informed about product recalls by regularly checking resources like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. Registering your products with manufacturers after purchase can also help you receive timely notifications if safety issues arise.

• Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and cables.
• Avoid overcharging devices; unplug them once fully charged.
• Inspect cords and plugs regularly for damage.
• Ensure proper ventilation around electronic components.
• Install and maintain smoke detectors in your home.

By adopting these general safety habits, you can enjoy the convenience of modern technology while minimizing potential risks. Being proactive about product safety not only protects your immediate household but also contributes to a broader culture of awareness and responsibility. Remember, safety is an ongoing practice, not a one-time check. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and prioritize caution in all aspects of home safety.