
Electric Recliner Repair: Everything You Need to Know About
There is no debate that recliners are fantastic pieces of furniture. However, it is not ideal and tends to break from time to time. Here I want to discuss the problems that every armchair suffers at least once in their lifetime.
Some problems seem minor and can be solved in several minutes, while others can cost you hundreds of dollars. I recommend you carefully go through this list to understand what is wrong and fix it.
Table of Contents
Undone power plugs or wires
Undone power plugs or wires are a popular reason for recliner malfunctioning. You can easily avoid such things by securing all plugs and wires. Besides, don’t forget that kids like to tinker with different things. I recommend you spend extra time connecting wires and plugs if you have a kid in your household.

Frayed cords
If you notice that your electric recliner seems to malfunction, one of the first things you should check is the cords. Frayed cords can be a severe fire hazard and must be fixed as soon as possible. Usually, it is easy to identify a frayed cord – it will be visibly damaged.
Worn out gears
Another common issue with electric recliners is worn-out gears. This tends to happen after years of use. There is not much you can do but replace the entire gear system. However, there is some chance that the electric recliner still has a warranty, and I recommend you check out your warranty card before conducting any decision.
Sagging seats
The main reason for sagging seats is old age or too much weight. The bad news is that it is not much you can do if your electric recliner is starting to sag. Sagging seats can be dangerous and cause you to fall out of the chair.
Broken motors
The broken motors on a recliner are expensive types of malfunctions that you can only imagine. The only way to fix this problem is to entirely replace the damaged piece, and I recommend that you know whether the problem is covered under warranty.

How to fix the most common problems?
I’ve discussed some of the most frequently occurring malfunctions in the previous chapter. In this chapter, we will talk about how to fix them. It is essential to remember that I’ve created this guide for ordinary people that don’t have broad experience in fixing different things.
How to fix undone power plugs and wires?
It is one of the most popular and more accessible malfunctions to fix. Look at the plug and see if it is properly plugged in. If it is not, plug it in and secure it with a zip tie. Make sure to do the same with all other plugs. Now everything should be all right, and you can enjoy the comfort of your armchair.
However, I want you to pay attention to safety. Every person with kids in their household understands what mess they can make. So, let’s consider how to make your recliner power plugs and wires safe for your kids! All you need to do is secure all plugs and wires using zip ties or some other type of securing mechanism. This will prevent kids from tampering with the wires and causing further damage.
How to fix frayed cords?
Frayed cords can cause a severe fire hazard, so I recommend you fix them as soon as possible. Usually, it is easy to identify a frayed cord – it will be visibly damaged. To fix a frayed cord, you will need to cut off the damaged piece and re-strip the wires. Once you’ve done that, you can plug in the recliner and test it out. This should make your recliner work properly. However, if it still doesn’t work, I recommend calling a professional.

How to fix worn-out gears?
If you have broken gear, your only solution is to replace the entire system. This is a complex repair, so I don’t recommend you tinker with it if you don’t have any experience. The best choice for you will be to pay some money to the specialist to fix this issue.
However, don’t forget to check whether the electric recliner still has a warranty. If it does, the replacement might be free or discounted, and this will allow you to save extra money on repairs.
How to fix sagging seats?
The main reason for sagging seats is old age or too much weight. Sagging seats can be dangerous and cause you to fall out of the chair. So, I recommend paying extra attention while using an armchair with sagging seats. The bad news is that it is not much you can do if your electric recliner is starting to sag, and all you can do is go to the shop and spend money to replace it.
How to fix broken motors?
Replacing a broken motor is a rather expensive solution. Your best bet is to check whether the problem is covered under warranty. If it is, I recommend you take advantage of the warranty. If it is not, you will have to spend extra money to replace the broken piece.
Tips for Maintaining Your Electric Recliner
Your electric recliner chair is a big investment. Not only do you want to ensure that it lasts for years to come, but you also want to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining your electric recliner chair:
- Vacuum the fabric regularly. It’ll help remove any dirt or dust that could damage the fabric.
- Spot clean any spills or stains as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder they will be to remove.
- Protect the fabric from sunlight. This will help to prevent fading and other sun damage.
- Take care when using cleaners or chemicals on the fabric. Always test a small area first to make sure that there is no risk of damage.
- Have your electric recliner chair serviced periodically. This will help to ensure that it remains in good working condition for years to come.
FAQ
How do I fix my electric recliner?
First, check the power source to see if the recliner is plugged in and receiving power. Next, check the motor to see if it’s working properly. If not, you may have to buy a new one. Finally, check the reclining mechanism to ensure it is not jammed or broken. If you cannot fix the problem yourself, you may need to contact a professional for assistance.
What is the average life of a power recliner?
The average life of a power recliner is about 10 years. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the recliner and how often it is used.
Why did my electric recliner stop working?
There could be several reasons why your electric recliner stopped working. Perhaps the plug has come loose from the power source, the motor is not working properly, or the reclining mechanism is jammed or broken.
Final words
Electric recliners are unique pieces of furniture that can provide you with hours of comfort. However, they can sometimes break down and malfunction. If that happens, don’t worry! I’ve created this guide to help you fix the most.
Carl Heath
I Believe it’s an electrical problem