The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a major recall of BowFlex adjustable dumbbells due to a serious safety defect that has resulted in more than 100 injuries to users.
The recall affects approximately 3.7 million units of two popular BowFlex models that have been sold nationwide since 2004.
Dangerous Defect Causes Weight Plates to Dislodge
The recalled BowFlex adjustable dumbbells are affected by a critical safety flaw, where the weight plates can suddenly dislodge from the handle during everyday use, posing a significant impact hazard to users.
This defect has led to numerous reports of serious injuries as heavy metal plates unexpectedly separate from the dumbbell handle while people are exercising.
According to the CPSC recall notice, the weight plates can become loose and fall off during workout sessions, striking users and causing substantial harm. The unpredictable nature of this defect makes it particularly dangerous, as users have no warning before the heavy plates detach.
Pattern of Serious Injuries
The recall comes after an alarming pattern of injury reports spanning multiple years. Nautilus Inc., the former owner of the BowFlex brand, received 337 reports of weight plates dislodging during use, with 111 of these incidents resulting in documented injuries to users.
The injuries reported include:
- Concussions
- Abrasions
- Broken toes
- Contusions
These injuries demonstrate the serious nature of the safety defect, with some users suffering head trauma and broken bones when the heavy-weight plates unexpectedly detached and struck them during their workouts.
Injured users should document their injuries and preserve their defective equipment.
Recalled BowFlex Models
The recall affects two specific BowFlex adjustable dumbbell models:
BowFlex 552 Adjustable Dumbbells: These dumbbells adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds and were sold in black, complete with handles, weight plates, and a molded plastic tray.
BowFlex 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells: These larger units adjust from 10 to 90 pounds and feature the same basic design with manual adjustment knobs.
Both models use a weight selection system where users manually adjust knobs while the weights are nested in a base tray. The model and serial numbers are printed on stickers located on the bottom of the molded plastic tray.
Consumers can check the CPSC recall page for specific serial number ranges to determine if their dumbbells are included in the recall.
Wide Distribution and Sales
The defective BowFlex dumbbells were widely distributed through primary retail channels over a period of more than two decades. The products were sold at prominent retailers including, Johnson Fitness & Wellness, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Best Buy stores across the nation. Online sales occurred through Amazon.com and the BowFlex website.
The dumbbells were sold from as early as 2004 through May 2025, with prices ranging from $200 to $800. This extended sales period means that millions of potentially dangerous units reached consumers’ homes across the country.
Recall History Indicates Ongoing Problems
This is not the first time BowFlex adjustable dumbbells have been subject to safety recalls. In 2012, approximately 17,000 BowFlex SelectTech 1090 dumbbell models were recalled due to weight selector dial failures that caused weight plates to fall when dumbbells were lifted from storage trays.
That earlier recall resulted from 16 reports of problems with three documented injuries.
The fact that similar safety issues have persisted for over a decade raises questions about the fundamental design and manufacturing of these products.
Corporate Changes and Recall Response
Changes in corporate ownership complicate the recall situation. BowFlex Inc. (formerly Nautilus Inc.) filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2024.
Johnson Health Tech Trading subsequently acquired certain BowFlex assets in April 2024 and has agreed to provide remedies for the recalled dumbbells as part of this recall announcement.
Johnson Health Tech Trading has received an additional 12 reports of plates dislodging during use for units sold under their ownership. However, no injuries have been reported for these more recent incidents.
What Consumers Should Do
The CPSC strongly advises consumers to immediately stop using any recalled BowFlex adjustable dumbbells and contact Johnson Health Tech Trading for remedy options.
The company is offering refunds in the form of vouchers or replacement products, with specific terms depending on when the dumbbells were purchased.
Consumers can contact Johnson Health Tech Trading at:
- Phone: 800-209-3539 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday)
- Email: recall@bowflex.com
- Website: www.bowflex.com/recalls
Compensation for Injured Consumers
Individuals who have suffered injuries from defective BowFlex adjustable dumbbells may have legal rights to seek compensation for their damages.
Product liability claims may be available for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to injuries caused by defective dumbbells.
Given the documented history of injuries and the manufacturer’s knowledge of the safety defect, injured users should consider consulting with experienced product liability attorneys to understand their legal options. The extensive documentation of similar injuries across multiple years may strengthen potential legal claims.
Those who have been injured by BowFlex adjustable dumbbells should preserve their equipment, maintain records of their injuries and medical treatment, and document the circumstances of their accident. Early consultation with qualified legal counsel can help protect important evidence and ensure the preservation of your legal rights.
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If you or a family member suffered injuries from this recalled product, you may be entitled to compensation.
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall Notice #25-311, “Johnson Health Tech Trading Recalls BowFlex Adjustable Dumbbells Due to Impact Hazard, Including 3.7 Million Sold by Nautilus Inc.” Available at: https://www.cpsc.gov/
