BowFlex dumbbells that suddenly drop weight plates, causing broken toes and concussions, have led to a major class action lawsuit against Johnson Health Tech for allegedly prioritizing profits over consumer safety with their inadequate recall program.
Key Takeaways
- Johnson Health Tech faces a class action lawsuit over defective BowFlex adjustable dumbbells affecting 3.8 million units that pose serious impact hazards
- The recall offers full replacement only to recent purchasers (April 2024-May 2025), while earlier customers receive minimal prorated vouchers worth as little as $20 for products that cost up to $799
- At least 111 injuries have been reported, including concussions and broken toes, from weight plates unexpectedly dislodging during use
- The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, accuses the company of fraudulent business practices, false advertising, and prioritizing profits over consumer safety
Defective Dumbbells Spark Consumer Outrage
Johnson Health Tech, parent company of the popular BowFlex brand, is facing serious legal challenges after announcing a recall of 3.8 million adjustable dumbbells. The recall, launched in coordination with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, affects the BowFlex 552 (52.5 lb.) and 1090 (90 lb.) models. According to recall documents, these fitness products contain a critical design flaw that allows weight plates to suddenly dislodge from the handle during use, creating significant impact hazards for users and bystanders.
The severity of the situation became apparent when injury reports began accumulating. Company records show Johnson Health Tech received 12 direct reports of dislodging weight plates, while Nautilus/BowFlex collected 337 additional incident reports. These reports include 111 documented injuries, with some consumers suffering serious harm including concussions and broken toes when heavy plates unexpectedly detached and fell during workouts.
Class Action Lawsuit Challenges “Inadequate” Recall
Led by plaintiff Elizabeth Cosin, the class action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleges that Johnson Health Tech’s recall program is grossly inadequate and unfairly discriminates against long-term customers. The lawsuit takes particular issue with the two-tiered compensation structure. Customers who purchased the defective dumbbells between April 23, 2024, and May 2025 are eligible for either full replacement or a voucher for the full purchase price plus a one-year subscription to the company’s JRNY Fitness App.
However, customers who purchased their dumbbells before April 23, 2024 – likely the majority of affected owners – receive substantially less compensation. These earlier customers are only offered a prorated voucher based on the age of their product and a one-year JRNY app subscription. According to court documents, these vouchers range from just $20 to $95, despite the recalled products retailing for $429 (Model 552) and $799 (Model 1090). The lawsuit argues this creates an inequitable situation where most affected consumers receive minimal compensation for dangerous products.
Corporate Priorities Under Scrutiny
The legal complaint doesn’t just challenge the recall structure – it strikes at the heart of Johnson Health Tech’s business practices. The lawsuit accuses the company of fraudulent and unfair business conduct, false advertising, and prioritizing corporate profits over consumer safety. By offering such limited compensation to most affected customers, critics argue the company is attempting to minimize financial losses while appearing to address a serious safety hazard.
For consumers struggling with the recall process, BowFlex requires submission of personal information, purchase details, and proof of purchase through their online portal. After verification, customers receive a pre-paid shipping label and box to return the dumbbell handles and bases, though the dumbbell stand with a media rack is not included in the recall. Vouchers can only be used on the BowFlex e-commerce website, further restricting consumer options and potentially forcing customers to continue doing business with a company they no longer trust.
Legal and Consumer Implications
The class action lawsuit seeks significant remedies, including a jury trial, declaratory and injunctive relief, plus compensatory, statutory, and monetary damages. This case highlights growing concerns about corporate accountability in product recalls and whether companies are genuinely prioritizing consumer safety or simply managing public relations and financial exposure. For the millions of BowFlex dumbbell owners now confronting potential safety hazards in their homes, the lawsuit represents a fight for fair compensation and recognition of the real dangers they face.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of how quickly household fitness equipment can transform from an asset to a liability. The BowFlex case may ultimately establish important precedents for how recalls of consumer products should be structured to ensure equitable treatment for all affected customers, regardless of when they made their purchase. As the litigation progresses, both the fitness industry and consumer protection advocates will be watching closely to see if courts enforce stronger consumer protections in product recall situations.
