Full Breakdown
Nationwide Recall of Over 1.7 Million Attic Stairway Ladders Over Bolt-Failure Hazard
8/8/2026, 12:23:15 AM
Core Event
Louisville Ladder, a Kentucky-based manufacturer, announced a voluntary recall of at least 1,770,000 attic stairway ladders sold under the Louisville, Featherlite, Lite and Century brand names. The recall targets models equipped with gas struts whose spreader bolts can break during use, creating a serious fall risk that could result in severe injury or death.
Background & Context
The recalled ladders are aluminum- or wood-frame attic stairways that fold into ceiling openings and include handrails. They were manufactured in Mexico and marketed for ceiling heights from 7 ft 8 in to 12 ft. Retail distribution spanned major home-improvement chains—including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Do It Best, Orgill—and online platforms such as Amazon. Sales occurred from November 2012 through July 2026, with unit prices ranging between $170 and $600. An additional 13,054 units were sold in Canada.
Data & Statistics
- Units recalled: 1,770,000 in the United States; 13,054 in Canada.
- Reported incidents: 11 bolt-failure reports, one of which caused neck, head and back injuries.
- Frame dimensions: Widths of 22.5 in, 25.5 in and 30 in; lengths of 54 in or 60 in.
- Manufacture cutoff: Ladders produced on or before June 22 are covered by the recall.
Official Statements & Responses
The U.S. Louisville Ladder confirmed the recall on its website and urged consumers to stop using the affected ladders immediately. The company also provided a free repair kit containing two replacement ¼-inch spreader bolts, washers and lock nuts, along with installation instructions.
Consumers can obtain the kit by registering online at atticstairwayrecall.expertinquiry.com and must supply the ladder’s model number, which is printed on the inside of the attic door. For assistance, the recall hotline (888-679-5132, weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET) is available. The recall reference number is 26-661.
Why It Matters
The recall affects a product that many homeowners rely on for safe attic access. A broken bolt can cause the ladder to collapse, potentially leading to falls from heights up to 12 ft. By halting sales and offering repair kits, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) aims to prevent further injuries and mitigate liability for retailers and the manufacturer.
Timeline
What's Next
Consumers who own a recalled ladder should cease use immediately, register for the free repair kit, and follow the provided installation instructions. Retailers are expected to remove the affected inventory from shelves and online listings. The CPSC will continue monitoring incident reports and may issue further safety guidance if additional failures are reported.
