Brown Jordan Services Recalls Swivel Patio Chairs Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Sears.com

What was recalled

In early January of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving outdoor furniture from Brown Jordan Services. Specifically, this action targeted certain models of swivel patio chairs that were marketed under the La-Z-Boy brand name. While many consumers associate La-Z-Boy with comfortable indoor recliners, the company also produced a line of high-end outdoor living goods. The items at the center of this recall are distinctively designed as both dining and lounge chairs, featuring a robust construction made from aluminum and steel. These frames support a round swivel base, allowing users to rotate the seat for better visibility or conversation. To provide comfort, the chairs were fitted with dark blue fabric-covered cushions. A key identifier for these specific units is a gold-colored tag located on the back of the chair, which clearly displays the "La-Z-Boy" logo, confirming the brand's involvement in this particular manufacturing run.

It is important to understand how these chairs were distributed to help you determine if your home might be affected. These recalled swivel chairs were not available in standard brick-and-mortar retail stores or general department store floors. Instead, they were sold exclusively through the online retailer Sears.com. They were typically offered as part of larger patio furniture sets rather than as individual units. Consumers could purchase them either as a four-piece lounge set or as a five-piece dining set. The exclusivity of the sales channel means that if you bought your patio furniture from a physical store, it is less likely to be part of this specific recall, but those who shopped online at Sears during the relevant time period need to be particularly vigilant.

The scope of this recall is defined by the specific design flaws inherent in the swivel mechanism and base structure. The CPSC identified that the base of these chairs was prone to breaking under normal usage conditions. This is not a minor cosmetic issue but a structural failure point. The firm acknowledged receiving 16 separate reports where the swivel chairs broke. While it is reassuring that no injuries were reported from these incidents, the potential for a fall remains serious. If you possess any La-Z-Boy branded swivel patio chairs with dark blue cushions and a gold tag that were purchased exclusively from Sears.com around the time of this 2017 announcement, they are part of this recall. The manufacturer, Brown Jordan Services, has stepped forward to address these units directly.

Understanding exactly what product is involved helps remove the guesswork. You are looking for a chair that combines metal durability with fabric comfort, specifically in dark blue. The presence of the gold tag is your primary visual cue. These were premium items designed for outdoor dining and lounging, intended to be durable and stylish. However, the engineering flaw in the base negates those benefits if left unaddressed. By identifying the brand, the color, the tag, and the point of sale, you can quickly narrow down whether your patio furniture is part of this specific group of recalled items. This clarity is the first step toward ensuring your outdoor space remains safe for family and friends.

The hazard, explained

When you are relaxing on a patio chair, especially one designed to swivel with your movements, there is an unspoken trust that the foundation of the seat will hold steady. In the case of the recalled La-Z-Boy Kayla chairs by Brown Jordan Services, that trust is broken by a structural failure in the base. The specific mechanism at play here is the potential for the chair’s base to break during normal use. While these chairs are constructed from durable materials like aluminum and steel, the integrity of the swivel assembly or its connection points appears to be compromised. This means that under typical weight loads and rotational forces—simply by turning your body or shifting your weight—the structural components can fail catastrophically rather than flexing or holding firm.

The physical consequence of this failure is immediate and disorienting. Because the chair is designed to rotate on a central axis, when the base breaks, the seat no longer remains anchored to the ground. Instead of gradually tipping over, which might allow you to grab onto something, the support structure gives way entirely. This leads to an uncontrolled fall. For many users, particularly older adults or those with balance issues, falling from even a low patio chair height can result in significant injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or sprains. The swivel nature of the chair exacerbates this risk because the motion is often smooth and subtle; you may not feel the base giving way until it is too late to brace yourself.

It is important to note that while Brown Jordan Services has received 16 reports of these chairs breaking, no injuries have been reported to date. This is a fortunate statistical outcome, but it does not eliminate the risk. Mechanical failures in outdoor furniture can be unpredictable; one chair might hold up for years, while another could fail after just a few uses due to manufacturing variances or material defects. The hazard exists regardless of whether an injury has occurred yet, because the fundamental design flaw remains present in every unit sold in the four-piece lounge sets and five-piece dining sets.

In general terms, patio furniture hazards often stem from the intersection of weather exposure and mechanical stress. Although these chairs are made of metal, which is resistant to rot, the swivel mechanism involves moving parts that endure constant friction and torque. If a critical joint or weld point is weak, the repetitive motion of swilling can accelerate fatigue in the material. This recall highlights why manufacturers prioritize the reliability of load-bearing bases. A broken base transforms a piece of leisure furniture into a trip hazard and a fall risk simultaneously. By understanding that the danger lies in the sudden loss of structural support rather than just general instability, you can appreciate why stopping use immediately is the only safe course of action.

Who is most at risk

When evaluating the severity of a product recall, it is important to look beyond the mechanical failure itself and consider who is likely to be using the item in their daily lives. The Brown Jordan Services chairs involved in this recall—specifically the La-Z-Boy Kayla swivel dining and lounge models—are designed for outdoor relaxation and social gatherings. Consequently, the primary group at risk includes homeowners who purchased these four-piece lounge sets or five-piece dining sets exclusively through Sears.com. These are not industrial-grade pieces of equipment; they are leisure items intended for use in patios, decks, and garden areas where people gather to eat, drink, and unwind.

The specific nature of this hazard—the base breaking during normal use—creates a particular danger for individuals who rely on stability for balance. While the company has reported sixteen incidents of the swivel chairs breaking with no injuries recorded so far, the potential for harm is significant. The most vulnerable users are likely to be older adults or anyone with mobility issues. As people age, their bone density often decreases, and reflexes may slow down. A sudden collapse of a chair’s base while seated can lead to a fall that might result in fractures, particularly to the hips or wrists, which are common concerns for seniors. Even if a user is not elderly, anyone with temporary balance issues due to illness, medication, or fatigue is at heightened risk when sitting on an unstable surface.

Children and teenagers who may be using these chairs for casual lounging are also in the crosshairs of this hazard. Younger users might engage in more dynamic behavior, such as leaning back aggressively, swinging their legs, or shifting weight abruptly while trying to get up or down. Because the failure point is the base itself, any significant shift in center of gravity can trigger the break. A child falling from the height of a dining chair onto a hard patio surface could suffer serious impact injuries, even if the chair did not fail completely but merely wobbled precariously before collapsing.

Furthermore, the risk extends to anyone using the chair for extended periods. Lounge chairs are designed for long durations of rest, which might lead users to become more relaxed and less aware of their immediate surroundings or the structural integrity of their seat. If a user is dozing off or deeply engaged in conversation, they may not notice the early signs of instability, such as unusual creaking or slight tilting, until it is too late. The combination of heavy use, potential weight distribution shifts, and the inherent weakness in the base design means that every user of this specific model carries a latent risk that is minimized only by immediate removal from service.

It is also worth noting that anyone living in areas with extreme weather conditions might face compounded risks. Although the chairs are made of aluminum and steel, environmental factors can sometimes accelerate wear on mechanical parts like swivel mechanisms. If the base was already weakened by corrosion or temperature fluctuations before the structural failure occurred, the threshold for breaking becomes even lower, affecting users who might otherwise feel secure in their furniture.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your patio furniture is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at several distinct physical and purchasing details. Because the hazard is tied to a structural failure in the base, it is crucial not to rely on general assumptions about the chair’s age or condition alone. Instead, you need to verify the brand, model name, construction materials, and where you originally purchased the set. The CPSC recall specifically targets La-Z-Boy Kayla swivel dining and lounge patio chairs manufactured by Brown Jordan Services. If your chairs do not match this description exactly, they are likely not part of this particular safety notice, but it is always wise to double-check every detail.

Start by examining the frame construction. The recalled chairs are made of a combination of aluminum and steel, featuring a round swivel base that allows the seat to rotate. Visually, these chairs are designed with dark blue fabric-covered cushions. This specific color and material combination is a key identifier, as other La-Z-Boy or Brown Jordan patio lines may use different fabrics or frame geometries. Look closely at the back of the chair for a gold-colored tag. The brand name "La-Z-Boy" should be clearly printed on this tag. If you cannot find this tag or if the branding is different, the chairs are not part of this recall.

Next, consider how the chairs were sold to you. These recalled units were exclusively sold at Sears.com. They did not appear in physical Sears stores or other retailers. Furthermore, they were packaged and sold only as part of specific multi-piece sets: either a four-piece lounge set or a five-piece dining set. If you purchased individual chairs separately or bought them from a different retailer, they are not included in this recall. Finally, check the date of your purchase. The recall was issued on January 31, 2017, so any purchases made significantly later may be from updated production runs that do not carry the same defect. If you have one of these chairs, stop using it immediately and contact Brown Jordan Services for a free repair kit.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

When you discover that a piece of furniture in your home is part of an official recall, the most important thing to know is exactly what the manufacturer has decided to do to make things right. In this specific case involving Brown Jordan Services and their La-Z-Boy Kayla swivel patio chairs, the remedy is quite straightforward but requires immediate action on your part. The company has chosen not to offer a full monetary refund or a direct replacement chair at this time. Instead, they are providing a free repair kit. This decision is common in product recalls where the structural integrity of the item can be restored through specific component fixes, rather than requiring the entire unit to be discarded. Understanding that the solution is a repair kit helps set your expectations for the next steps.

The core of the remedy is the provision of this free repair kit. Brown Jordan Services has committed to sending these kits to consumers at no cost. The purpose of this kit is to address the specific hazard identified in the recall: the potential for the chair's base to break during normal use. By installing the components included in the kit, you are essentially reinforcing the weak point that caused the fall hazard in the first place. This approach allows you to keep using your furniture safely without having to purchase an entirely new set of chairs, which is a significant benefit if you were happy with the look and comfort of your La-Z-Boy Kayla lounge or dining sets.

To get this remedy, you must take the initiative to contact Brown Jordan Services directly. The recall notice specifies two primary ways to reach them. You can call their toll-free number at 855-899-2127. When you call, be prepared to do so during their specified hours of operation, which are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle this process online, you can visit their website at www.bjsoutdoor.com. Once on the site, look for the "Customer Care" section and then click on "Recall Information." This digital path is designed to guide you to the same repair kit distribution network as the phone line.

It is crucial that you do not wait to contact them. The recall was issued on January 31, 2017, and the hazard involves a structural failure that could lead to falls. While no injuries have been reported with these specific chairs, the risk remains as long as the defect exists. By contacting Brown Jordan Services promptly, you ensure that you receive your repair kit while inventory is still available and that your family or guests are protected from the fall hazard. Remember, the remedy is free, but it requires your active participation to initiate the process.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to convince yourself that a small defect is manageable, especially when the product in question is a comfortable piece of furniture meant for relaxation. You might think, "I will just be careful," or "I have only sat in it a few times." However, ignoring a recall notice regarding structural integrity is never a minor oversight. In this specific case involving Brown Jordan Services La-Z-Boy Kayla swivel patio chairs, the hazard is not a slow wear-and-tear issue; it is a sudden, catastrophic failure of the chair's base during normal use. The aluminum and steel construction, while sturdy in appearance, has proven unable to withstand the rotational forces applied when users swivel. If you continue to use these chairs, you are betting your physical safety on the assumption that the metal will hold, but the data suggests otherwise.

The reality of ignoring this recall is that you remain at immediate risk of a fall. The mechanism that allows the chair to rotate is also its weakest point according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). When the base breaks, it does not merely stop working; it often collapses or detaches entirely while someone is seated. This results in an uncontrolled drop to the ground below. While the manufacturer has received 16 reports of these chairs breaking so far, it is crucial to understand that "no injuries have been reported" for those specific 16 incidents does not mean the risk is low. It means that, unfortunately, no one was hurt yet in those particular instances. In the world of product safety, a lack of reported injuries is never a guarantee of future safety; it is often just a matter of luck or the height of the fall at the time. One broken base could easily result in a fractured wrist, a sprained ankle, a head injury from hitting the patio surface, or worse.

Furthermore, consider the context in which these chairs are used. They are sold as lounge and dining sets, meaning they are often placed on decks, patios, or near pools—hard surfaces that offer no cushioning for a fall. A broken base while you are leaning back to relax is particularly dangerous because your body weight shifts backward, pulling you down with the chair. You lose your balance completely before you can react. By ignoring the recall, you are essentially leaving a loaded trap in your home. The remedy offered—a free repair kit—is designed to reinforce the very component that fails. Refusing this simple fix means you are keeping a known point of failure in your daily life. There is no upside to waiting. The cost of ignoring this notice is your physical well-being and the potential medical bills or rehabilitation time that would follow an accident. Please take the few minutes required to stop using the chair and contact Brown Jordan Services today, before a "lucky" break turns into a serious injury.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are essential for addressing defects that slip through manufacturing checks, your long-term safety with outdoor furniture largely depends on proactive maintenance and smart usage habits. Patio furniture, particularly items designed for movement like swivel chairs or reclining lounge sets, experiences unique stresses that indoor furniture does not. The constant shifting of weight, combined with the exposure to weather elements, can accelerate wear on joints, bases, and fabric components. Understanding how these materials behave over time allows you to extend the life of your investment and, more importantly, prevent accidents before they happen.

One of the most critical aspects of outdoor furniture safety is regular inspection of structural integrity. Unlike indoor pieces that sit in climate-controlled environments, outdoor chairs are subjected to temperature fluctuations, humidity, UV radiation, and physical wear from daily use. You should periodically check all swivel mechanisms, hinges, and base connections for signs of fatigue. Look for small cracks in metal welds, especially around the base where stress is concentrated during rotation. If you hear new squeaking or feel increased resistance when turning a chair, do not ignore it. These are often early warning signs that internal components are wearing down or that lubrication is needed. Keeping moving parts clean and properly lubricated with products recommended by the manufacturer can significantly reduce friction-related failures.

Weight distribution is another factor often overlooked in casual use. Many modern patio chairs feature lightweight aluminum frames to make them easy to move, which means they may have lower weight limits than traditional cast iron or wood furniture. Always adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s stated weight capacity. Exceeding this limit, even occasionally, can compromise the structural stability of the base or legs over time. Additionally, avoid standing on chairs or using them as step stools to reach higher areas. The design of a swivel chair is intended for seated use, and lateral forces applied from standing positions can easily twist and break the swivel mechanism, leading to sudden collapses.

Environmental care also plays a vital role in preventing hazards. During severe weather events like high winds or storms, secure lightweight furniture or store it away if possible. A chair that tips over due to wind not only risks damage to the item but can also cause injury to people nearby or damage to property. When cleaning your furniture, use gentle methods that do not degrade protective coatings or weaken fabric tension. Harsh chemicals can corrode metal components faster than normal wear and tear. Finally, stay informed about product safety by registering your purchases with the manufacturer when possible. This ensures you receive direct notifications if a future recall is issued for your specific model, allowing you to act quickly rather than waiting for news reports. Regularly checking official government recall databases like CPSC.gov is also a simple habit that keeps you ahead of potential issues.