WASHINGTON, DC — Little Giant has recalled more than 3.6 million ladders after federal safety regulators said a locking system on the products can fail, allowing the ladders to retract and creating a serious fall hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the company has received dozens of complaints about the Rapid Locks not working properly.
Officials said the recall covers ladders sold across the country for nearly 11 years, including models that were available at major retailers and online. The company is urging consumers to stop using the affected ladders immediately while it offers repair information and other remedies.
Federal regulators cite injuries tied to ladder retraction
The CPSC said Little Giant has received 39 reports involving Rapid Locks that failed to operate as intended. Those locks are a proprietary feature used to fit into ladder rungs and adjust the height of the product.
According to the agency, 25 of the reports involved ladders retracting unexpectedly. That led to 19 injury reports, including three serious head injuries. Those injuries included traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, concussion, vision loss, hearing loss and cognitive impairment.
Other reported injuries ranged from fractures to bruises
The safety notice also listed additional harm linked to the recalled ladders. In 16 other reports, users described joint or bone fractures, lacerations and bruising after incidents involving the products.
The affected locks are black or orange and sit on each ladder leg. The CPSC said the recall applies only to ladders that do not have an orange rectangular QC sticker on the rail above a Rapid Lock. The brand and model names are printed on the side of the ladder, making it possible for owners to check whether theirs is included.
Where the recalled ladders were sold and which models are included
The ladders were sold at Lowe’s, Costco and other stores nationwide, along with online retailers such as Amazon, from December 2015 through October 2026. Prices ranged from about $100 to $1,000 depending on the model and configuration.
Models named in the recall include Adjustable Fortress 2.0, Conquest 2.0, Dark Horse 2.0, Epic, King Kombo XT, Leveler, MegaLite, MegaLite+, Multi, Quantum and Vector. Little Giant said the recall covers only the affected units meeting the CPSC’s identification criteria.
What owners should do now to avoid a fall
Regulators said consumers should stop using the recalled ladders right away. The CPSC warned that continued use could expose people to the risk of a sudden collapse or retraction while climbing or standing on the ladder.
Little Giant is providing affected customers with a repair kit that includes warning labels and instructions for safe operation and maintenance of the Rapid Locks. The company said it has already mailed label kits to ladder owners, and customers who have not received one can check the company’s website to confirm whether a kit was sent or to register for help.
Repair, replacement and refund options depend on the ladder's condition and age
Customers whose Rapid Locks continue to malfunction are being told to contact Little Giant for an assessment. If the locks are still found to be defective, the company says owners can choose a replacement ladder of the same or equivalent model or a refund.
Refund amounts will depend on the ladder’s age. Those purchased within the past 12 months are eligible for a full refund, while older ladders may qualify for a lower amount under the recall terms.
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