Why Do Electric Recliners Stop Working? Common Causes and How to Fix Them

Nothing ruins a quiet evening like sitting down in your electric recliner, pressing the button, and hearing nothing but silence. You’ve paid good money for comfort, and now it’s just a fancy chair that won’t move. Before you start thinking about replacing it, take a breath. Most electric recliners stop working for simple, fixable reasons-not because the whole thing is broken beyond repair.

Power Issues Are the Most Common Culprit

Before you dive into motors or wiring, check the obvious: is the chair even getting power? Many people assume their recliner is faulty when it’s just not plugged in properly. The power cord might be loose, the outlet could be dead, or the surge protector might have tripped. Try plugging the recliner into a different outlet-preferably one you know works, like a lamp or phone charger. If it powers on there, your original outlet or power strip is the problem.

Some electric recliners come with a built-in reset button, usually hidden under the seat or near the power input. Pressing it for five seconds can restore function after a power surge. Check your manual-if you don’t have it, search online for your model number + ‘reset button’. Brands like La-Z-Boy, Ashley, and Catnapper all have this feature.

The Remote Control Isn’t Working-But Is It Really the Chair?

When your recliner doesn’t respond, the first thing you blame is the chair. But nine times out of ten, it’s the remote. Batteries die. Buttons wear out. Signals get blocked by furniture or thick rugs. Try replacing the batteries with fresh ones-alkaline, not rechargeable. Rechargeable batteries often don’t provide enough consistent voltage for the receiver.

Test the remote by holding it close to the chair and pressing the button. If it works at two inches but not at five feet, interference is likely the issue. Move the chair away from Wi-Fi routers, smart TVs, or metal surfaces. Some remotes use infrared (IR), which needs a direct line of sight. Others use radio frequency (RF), which works through walls but can still be jammed by other electronics.

If the remote still doesn’t work after new batteries and repositioning, try using the manual control panel on the side of the chair. If that works, the remote is dead-not the chair. Replacement remotes cost $20-$50 and are easy to order using your model number.

Motor Failure Is Real-but Not Always the End

If the remote and power are fine but the chair still won’t move, the motor might be the issue. Electric recliners use small DC motors to lift the footrest and recline the back. These motors are designed to last 5-10 years, but heavy use, poor ventilation, or overheating can shorten their life.

Signs of motor failure: a humming sound when you press the button, but no movement. Or a burning smell-this is serious. If you smell burning plastic or ozone, turn off the chair immediately. Overheated motors can melt internal wiring or damage the gear system.

Replacing a motor isn’t a DIY job for most people, but it’s cheaper than replacing the whole chair. A professional technician can swap it out for $150-$300, depending on your model. Compare that to buying a new electric recliner, which starts at $600. Many repair shops even offer a 1-year warranty on motor replacements.

Wiring and Connection Problems Are Sneaky

Wires inside electric recliners aren’t built to last forever. Constant movement-reclining, returning to upright, adjusting the footrest-causes wires to flex, fray, or disconnect over time. This is especially common in older models or chairs that get used multiple times a day.

Look for symptoms: intermittent operation. The chair works sometimes but not others. Or it moves slowly, then stops mid-motion. These are classic signs of a loose or broken wire.

Accessing the wiring usually means removing the back panel or lifting the seat cushion. If you’re comfortable with basic tools, you can trace the wires from the motor to the control box. Look for frayed insulation, disconnected terminals, or corrosion. A simple reconnection or electrical tape fix can restore function. If you see melted plastic or charred wires, don’t touch it-call a pro.

Overloading the Chair Can Break the System

Electric recliners have weight limits. Most are rated for 300-350 pounds. If you regularly exceed that, you’re putting stress on the motor, gears, and frame. It’s not just about the motor burning out-it’s about the entire mechanism being forced beyond its design limits.

Even if you’re under the limit, sitting in the chair while it’s moving can cause problems. Some people lean back while the footrest is still extending. Others press buttons rapidly in succession. These habits create electrical spikes and mechanical strain. Over time, that wears out the control board.

Always let the chair finish one motion before starting another. Don’t use it as a step stool. Don’t sit on the armrests. Treat it like a precision machine, not a couch you can bounce on.

The Control Board Is the Brain-And It Can Fail

Behind the buttons and remotes is a small circuit board that controls everything. It receives signals, sends power to the motor, and manages safety limits. These boards are cheap to make and not built to last decades. Moisture, dust, or power surges can fry them.

Signs of a bad control board: buttons light up but nothing happens. Or the chair moves on its own. Sometimes, it only responds to one button but ignores others. If the remote works but the side panel doesn’t, that’s a clue the board is failing.

Replacement control boards cost $80-$150. Installation requires disconnecting the old one and matching wire colors-something a handy person can do with a YouTube tutorial. But if you’re unsure, hire a technician. A bad board can damage the motor if not replaced properly.

When to Call a Professional

You don’t need to be an electrician to fix most recliner issues. But there are times when it’s smarter to call someone in:

• You smell burning plastic or see smoke
• Wires are melted or visibly damaged
• The chair moves erratically or jerks suddenly
• You’ve tried all the fixes and it still won’t work

Professional repair services in Melbourne usually charge $80-$120 for a diagnostic visit. Many offer free quotes over the phone if you describe the symptoms. Reputable technicians will tell you upfront if repair is worth it-or if replacement is the better choice.

Preventing Future Problems

Once your recliner is working again, avoid the same mistakes:

• Use a surge protector-never plug directly into the wall
• Keep the chair away from humid areas like bathrooms or basements
• Clean dust from vents and crevices every few months
• Don’t overload it or use it as a footrest for other furniture
• Replace batteries in the remote every 6-8 months, even if they still seem fine

Most electric recliners last 8-12 years with proper care. A little attention now saves hundreds later.