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Incident Report Details
Attachments (0)
Report Summary

Dumbbell weight plates were loose/unstable during use at home. 29-yo CX found it was recalled & filed a claim & was offered store credit of 3rd of paid price. New Mfr appeared to have bought Co in a way w/o taking on previous liabilities. CX requested better recall solution.

Product Details
  • Product Description: BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
  • Manufacturer/Importer/Private Labeler Name: JOHNSON HEALTH TECH TRADING, INC.
  • Brand Name: BowFlex
  • Model Name or Number: Bowflex 552 dumbbells
  • Serial Number: 100748MAG222803690
  • UPC Code:
  • SKU#:
  • Date Manufactured:
  • Retailer: Walmart
  • Retailer State:
  • Purchase Date: 7/12/2023
  • Product Category: Sports and Recreation
  • Product Type: Track, Field & Exercise
  • Product Code: Exercise Equipment (3277)
Associated Recall
Incident Details
  • Incident Description: I purchased a pair of BowFlex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells for approximately $390 before April 23, 2024. While using the dumbbells for normal strength training exercises at home, I noticed the weight plates felt loose and unstable, which could have easily caused a serious injuryespecially when lifting overhead. I later learned that the product had been officially recalled due to this exact safety hazard, which has already caused multiple injuries to others, including concussions and broken bones. Thankfully, I was not physically injured, but I feel that I was placed at real risk of harm due to the poor safety of this product. When I filed a claim through the official recall process, I was only offered a $90 store credit voucher, despite paying $390 for the dumbbells. To make matters worse, I was told I would have to return the product just to receive this minimal compensation. I also learned that the original manufacturer, Nautilus Inc. (BowFlex), filed for bankruptcy in early 2024, and the assets were sold to Johnson Health Tech in a way that allowed them to profit from the BowFlex name without taking on any of the liability for these defective products. This feels incredibly unfair and deceptive. Consumers like me, who purchased in good faith, are being left behind with unsafe products and only offered a fraction of the value backif we return the productwhile the new owners wash their hands of responsibility. I am reporting this because I believe this is a clear case of corporate irresponsibility and consumer exploitation. The product is unsafe, the recall is insufficient, and the handling of the bankruptcy and asset sale feels sleazy and deeply unethical. I hope this report helps bring attention to the issue and leads to better remedies for affected customers.
  • Incident Date: 7/5/2025
  • Incident Location: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Victims Involved
  • Injury Information: No Incident, No Injury
  • My Relationship to the Victim: Self
  • Sex: Unknown
  • Victim's Age When Incident Occurred: 29 years
Comments from the Manufacturer/Private Labeler
Additional Details
  • Submitter has product?:
  • Product was damaged before incident?:
  • Product was modified before incident?:
  • If yes to any, explanation:
  • Have you contacted the manufacturer?:
  • If Not, Do you plan to?:
  • Report Number: 20250705-E6300-2147329858
  • Report Date: 7/5/2025
  • Sent to Manufacturer/Importer/Private Labeler: 7/9/2025
  • Report First Publication Date: 7/23/2025
  • Category of Submitter: Consumer