November 3, 2026 – A recent incident report details recurring and dangerous failures of the hidden hydraulic closure mechanisms in Larson 156FV storm doors, leading to dangerously fast door closure and significant safety concerns, particularly for children. The report highlights a multi-year ordeal experienced by a consumer with three Larson storm doors, purchased in 2020, where the closures repeatedly failed, culminating in a situation where the door’s unpredictable speed in varying temperatures became a significant hazard.
Product Details
Incident Overview
In 2020, a consumer purchased three Larson 156FV storm doors, equipped with hidden hydraulic closure mechanisms, from Lowes. Professional installation services were utilized for all three doors.
The first failure occurred in 2022 when the closure mechanism on the back storm door malfunctioned. While inconvenient, the infrequent use of this door meant the issue was tolerated for some time.
By 2024, the hydraulic closure on the front storm door, serving as the primary entrance, also failed. Obtaining a replacement from Larson was a slow process, taking several months. Although Larson cited a one-year warranty, they eventually sent approximately $200 worth of replacement parts, which the consumer installed themselves.
Approximately one year after this replacement, a new, critical issue emerged. The door began to close “extremely fast, dangerously fast” after chilly evenings. Conversely, around midday, as temperatures rose, the door would function normally. This erratic and dangerous behavior persisted for a few years. Faced with the risk, the consumer occasionally resorted to propping the door open using its auto-prop mechanism, even acknowledging the risk of the door being damaged by wind during storms. This decision was made because it was considered safer than the alternative: risking broken fingers or, for a young child, potentially “something worse” when passing through the unpredictably fast-closing door.
This week, the consumer filed a new warranty claim for both affected doors, but was met with what they described as “apathy” from Larson. The manufacturer reportedly offered “corporate-style empathy” and directed the consumer to purchase replacement parts for $155, along with a $50 package for installation, noting that these hydraulic mechanisms are under extreme pressure and dangerous to install. The consumer has stated they will never purchase another Larson product. Prior to filing this report, the consumer found similar dangerous issues reported with Larson hidden closure doors on saferproducts.gov.
Safety Concerns
The incidents reported with the Larson 156FV storm door’s hidden hydraulic closure mechanism present several serious safety concerns:
- Immediate Danger of Injury: The primary and most alarming concern is the unpredictable and “dangerously fast” closing speed of the door, especially in varying temperatures. This poses a severe risk of crushing injuries, including broken fingers or hands, to adults. For young children, the risk is amplified, potentially leading to more severe injuries to their heads, necks, or torsos if caught in the closing path.
- Inconsistent Performance: The closure’s sensitivity to temperature changes means its behavior is unpredictable. A door that closes normally one moment could become a hazard hours later, making it difficult for users to anticipate and react safely.
- Installation Hazards: The manufacturer’s warning that replacement mechanisms are “under extreme pressure and dangerous to install” highlights an inherent risk not just in the product’s function, but also in its repair. This could lead to serious injury if a consumer attempts self-installation or if a professional is not adequately trained or equipped.
- Long-Term Reliability Issues: The repeated failures within a relatively short period (first in 2 years, then another 2 years later, followed by dangerous malfunction a year after replacement) indicate potential design or manufacturing defects that compromise the product’s long-term safety and functionality.
- Property Damage Potential: As demonstrated by the consumer’s choice to prop the door open, a malfunctioning closure can force consumers to take actions that expose the door itself to damage from wind or storms, potentially leading to further costs.
- Erosion of Trust: The manufacturer’s response, requiring the consumer to purchase expensive replacement parts for a recurring safety issue and noting the dangers of self-installation, erodes consumer trust and leaves them in a difficult position regarding a product essential for home safety and function.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Larson 156FV storm door or a similar model with a hidden hydraulic closure mechanism, we advise the following:
- Inspect Your Door: Carefully observe how your storm door closes. Pay close attention to its speed, especially in varying temperature conditions (e.g., in the morning after a cold night, and again midday).
- Test Closure Speed: Gently push the door open and allow it to close naturally. Note any instances where it slams shut or closes with excessive force. Do this cautiously, keeping hands and fingers clear of the door jamb.
- Identify Your Model: Check your door for any model numbers or identifying information to confirm if it is a Larson 156FV or a similar model with a hidden hydraulic closure.
- Cease Use if Unsafe: If your door exhibits dangerously fast or unpredictable closing behavior, consider ceasing its normal use. If possible and safe, you might prop it open securely, but be mindful of weather conditions.
- Contact the Manufacturer: If you experience issues, contact Larson Manufacturing Company directly to report the problem and inquire about solutions. Document all communications, including dates, names, and summaries of conversations.
- Consider Professional Repair: Given the manufacturer’s warning about the dangers of installing these mechanisms due to extreme pressure, if replacement is necessary, strongly consider hiring a professional who is experienced with these specific types of closures.
- Report the Incident: File a detailed incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at saferproducts.gov. This helps track incidents, identify patterns, and can trigger investigations or recalls. Your report is crucial for public safety.
Manufacturer’s Response
In response to the consumer’s latest warranty claim regarding the dangerously fast-closing doors, Larson Manufacturing Company reportedly offered standard corporate empathy and directed the consumer to purchase replacement parts for $155, in addition to a $50 installation package, due to the high pressure and dangerous nature of the hydraulic mechanisms. While the manufacturer’s official response to the incident report itself is marked “Yes,” indicating they acknowledged the report, their direct action with the consumer reflects a stance of requiring the consumer to bear the cost and risk of repeated repairs for a persistent safety issue beyond initial warranty periods.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.