iFIT has issued a recall for its older NordicTrack RW900 rowing machines after reports that the screen console can overheat and ignite. The recall affects tens of thousands of units sold between 2018 and 2022 and includes free in-home repairs for anyone who owns one.
This is one of the largest connected fitness recalls in recent years and serves as a reminder that even premium, established products can pose serious risks as they age.
The affected model is the NordicTrack RW900, specifically versions NTRW19147.0, .1, .2, and .3. These rowers were sold between 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 retailed for around $1,700.
The problem lies in the touchscreen console, which can overheat and catch fire. So far, iFIT has received eight incident reports. Six involved melting or smoke, and two resulted in actual fires, causing around $6,000 in property damage. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries.
Owners are being told to unplug their rower immediately and contact iFIT for a free repair, which involves replacing the console with an updated version that resolves the overheating issue.
Why it matters
At first glance, this may seem like an isolated problem, but it highlights how complex modern fitness equipment has become. Machines like the RW900 are packed with electronics, touchscreens, and processors that can generate significant heat over time. When combined with long hours of use and limited ventilation, the risk of overheating grows.
It is also worth noting that the recalled rower is an older design, part of iFIT’s early wave of connected equipment. While newer models have updated hardware, many of these earlier versions are still in use, especially in home gyms and resale markets. For anyone shopping secondhand, checking serial numbers before buying is essential.
A pattern in connected fitness recalls
This is not the first time a major fitness brand has faced a recall due to safety concerns.
Peloton has dealt with multiple recalls in recent years. In 2021, the company recalled over 125,000 Tread+ and Tread 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 post could break during use.
These cases, along with iFIT’s current issue, underscore how safety challenges are evolving as hardware and software merge. In the rush to innovate and integrate more technology, long-term durability and heat management sometimes take a back seat.
What owners should do
If you own a NordicTrack RW900, here’s what to do next:
- Unplug the rower immediately and stop using it.
- Check the model number and serial number printed on the frame or base. If it begins with NTRW19147, it’s part of the recall.
- Contact iFIT by phone or online to schedule a free console replacement.
- Keep documentation of your repair or replacement confirmation for future reference.
- Be cautious with used units. If you are buying a secondhand RW900, confirm with the seller that the recall repair has already been completed.
My take
This recall reinforces that even trusted fitness brands need constant oversight when it comes to electronics and safety testing. The RW900 was one of NordicTrack’s early connected rowers, and while it helped set the stage for the company’s modern lineup, its design clearly wasn’t built with long-term heat resilience in mind.
iFIT deserves some credit for addressing the problem with free in-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 worth remembering that these machines are not immune to wear, heat, and age. Checking recall databases periodically is one of the simplest ways to protect both your investment and your home.
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