Fire and burn

Additional Incidents Prompt Johnson Health Tech to Reannounce Recall of Matrix Fitness Ascent Trainers and Ellipticals Due to Fire Hazard (Recall Alert)

Recalled 2018-07-31. Fire and burn hazard. Here is what the CPSC published, and what you are owed.

About 3,000Units
2018-07-31Recall date
YesInjuries

The text below is quoted from the CPSC notice word for word.

What was recalled
This recall involves previously recalled Matrix Fitness Ascent trainers® and Elliptical trainers installed from November 2011 through December 2012. All Ascent trainers and ellipticals have a swing-arm handle design, with pedals that rotate in an elliptical path. Units also have stationary handlebars. The Ascent Trainers® are similar to the elliptical machines, but include an incline function. Users operate the machines in a standing position. The ellipticals are black and silver-colored. The Ascent trainers are also black and silver-colored with an orange accent color on the machine's body and foot pedals. "Matrix" is printed on the machines body and handlebars. When assembled, the machines are about 70" high x 29" wide and 68" long. The machines involved in this recall have a decal at the center/bottom of the units with model numbers beginning with A-3x, A-5x/7x, or E-3x/5x/7x. This recall includes units with serial numbers beginning with EP304, EP306, or EP308, and with date codes of 1208 (YYMM) or prior.
The hazard
Moisture from user perspiration or cleaning liquids can build up in the power socket on the unit, causing a short circuit, posing a fire hazard.
Injuries
The firm has received 11 additional reports of sparking, smoking, "shorting out," and/or melting at the power cord and socket. No injuries have been reported. These reports are in addition to the 44 incidents initially disclosed in the 2014 recall.
The remedy
Exercise facilities should immediately unplug the machines and contact Johnson Health Tech North America to schedule a free repair. Machines can be used in self-powered mode without needing to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Johnson is contacting purchasers of the recalled ellipticals directly

The details

ProductsAscent Trainer® by Matrix and Matrix fitness elliptical
Imported byJohnson Health Tech North America, Inc
Made inTaiwan
CPSC recall number18755
What a recall entitles you to

A refund, a repair or a replacement. The notice says which. It costs you nothing and there is usually no receipt requirement.

Stop using the product first. Recalls do not expire. An old one still counts.

The full CPSC notice, including photographs, is at cpsc.gov.

Source: CPSC SaferProducts recall feed, retrieved 2026-08-06. Newest recall on file 2026-07-30.

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