The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·21056·Announced 2020-12-17

Otis and CemcoLift Private Residence Elevators Recalled for Entrapment Hazard

Otis Elevator Company is recalling private residence elevators due to a risk of children becoming trapped between doors, which can cause serious injury or death.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (elevator mechanism) with reported significant injuries, including a crushed spine and abdomen, which meets the criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Otis Elevator Company is recalling approximately 5,000 Otis and CemcoLift private residence elevators. The recall addresses a hazard where children can become entrapped in the space between the exterior landing door and the interior elevator car door. When the elevator is called to another floor, the exterior door locks the child in this space, creating a risk of being crushed or pinned by the moving elevator car.

Otis is aware of at least four incidents involving these elevators that resulted in serious injuries, including a crushed spine and abdomen, fractured hip, broken arm and feet, and bruising to the face and chest. The affected units are Otis private residence elevators purchased before 2012 and CemcoLift private residence elevators purchased from 1999 to 2012. These elevators were sold to independent third-party contractors and occasionally directly to consumers.

Consumers should immediately disable or block children's access to any Otis or CemcoLift private residence elevator. They should contact Otis at 800-233-6847 or visit www.otis.com to schedule a free inspection and the installation of space guards if necessary.

The recalled product

Product
Otis and CemcoLift Private Residence Elevators
Affected units
5,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.