iFIT has issued a recall for its older NordicTrack RW900 rowing machines after reports that the screen console could overheat and catch fire. The recall affects tens of thousands of units sold between 2018 and 2022 and includes free in-house repairs for anyone who owns one.
This is one of the biggest fitness recalls in recent years and serves as a reminder that even premium, established products can be dangerous as they age.
The affected model is NordicTrack RW900especially translations NTRW19147.0, .1, .2, and .3. These paddlers are sold in half November 2018 and April 2022 through major retailers including Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, ABT, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Amazon.
In total, about 44,800 units in the United States and 700 in Canada are part of the recall. Each originally sold for about $1,700.
The problem lies in the touchscreen console, which can heat up and catch fire. To date, iFIT has received eight incident reports. Six involved melting or smoke, and two caused actual fires, causing about $6,000 in property damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Owners are told to remove their rower immediately and contact iFIT for a free repair, which includes replacing the console with an updated version that solves the overheating problem.
Why is it important
At first glance, this may seem like an unusual problem, but it highlights how complex modern fitness equipment is. Devices like the RW900 are packed with electronics, touch screens, and processors that can generate a lot of heat over time. When combined with long hours of use and limited ventilation, the risk of overheating increases.
It’s also worth noting that the returned rower is a classic design, part of iFIT’s first wave of connected devices. While newer models have updated hardware, many of these earlier versions are still in use, especially in home gyms and the resale market. For anyone buying second hand, checking the serial numbers before buying is important.
A pattern in recall of connected merit
This is not the first time that a major fitness product has faced a recall due to safety issues.
Peloton has faced many recalls in recent years. In 2021, the company recalled more than 125,000 treadmills after reports of injuries and one child’s death related to the treadmill’s design. Two years later, in 2023, Peloton issued another recall affecting 2.2 million bikes because the seat could break during use.
These cases, along with the current iFIT issue, underscore how security challenges are evolving as hardware and software converge. In the race to innovate and incorporate more technology, long-term durability and heat management sometimes take a back seat.
What the owners have to do
If you own a NordicTrack RW900, here’s what to do next:
- Get the paddle out quickly and stop using it.
- Check the model number and serial number printed on a frame or base. If it starts with NTRW19147, it is part of the recall.
- Contact iFIT by phone or online to schedule a free console replacement.
- Keep documents of your repair or replacement warranty for future reference.
- Be careful with the units used. If you are buying a used RW900, confirm with the dealer that the recall repair has been completed.
My take
This recall reinforces that even trusted durability brands need to be regularly monitored when it comes to electrical and safety testing. The RW900 was one of NordicTrack’s first connected rowers, and while it helped set the stage for the company’s modern range, its design was clearly not built with long-term heat resistance in mind.
iFIT deserves credit for tackling the problem with free home repairs, but this also shows the importance of transparency. Customers have a right to know how brands handle these situations, especially when safety is involved.
For anyone investing in connected fitness gear, it’s important to remember that these devices are not immune to wear, heat, and age. Checking recall information periodically is one of the easiest ways to protect both your investment and your home.
