The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·19767·Announced 2019-08-13

SunSetter Recalls Vinyl Covers for Motorized Awnings Due to Fall Hazards

SunSetter is recalling vinyl covers for motorized awnings because they can cause unexpected opening and falls. One death and six injuries have been reported.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly reports one death and six injuries, which meets the rubric criteria for a Critical severity score of 5.

Plain-English summary

SunSetter Products LP is recalling vinyl covers for SunSetter Motorized, Motorized XL, Motorized PRO, Motorized PROXL, and Oasis Freestanding Motorized Retractable Awnings. The recall involves approximately 270,000 units sold in the United States and 11,000 units distributed in Canada. These covers were sold for about $100 or distributed as promotional items or packages between June 1999 and January 2019. Covers for manually operated awnings are not affected.

The hazard exists because if a powered awning is activated while the cover is secured with bungee tie-downs, the awning can open unexpectedly with enough force to strike a consumer. This can cause the consumer to fall and suffer death or serious injury. The company has received 14 reports of incidents, including one death and six injuries. In one incident, a 73-year-old man died after falling from a ladder and over a balcony when the awning opened unexpectedly while he was removing the bungee tie-downs.

Consumers should not attempt to install or remove covers until they receive instructions from SunSetter. They should contact SunSetter for free breakaway safety clips that replace the bungee tie-downs and for instructions on safe removal. SunSetter is contacting all known purchasers directly. Consumers can also reach SunSetter toll-free at 844-313-0144 or online at www.sunsetter.com/safety-clips.

The recalled product

Product
Vinyl covers for SunSetter Motorized Awnings
Manufacturer
SunSetter Products LP, of Malden, Mass.
Category
Consumer Product — Home Improvement
Hazard
Affected units
270,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fall

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