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Recliner Not Working? Common Recliner Problems & Fixes

4 May, 2026 | Tips & Advice

There’s nothing quite like putting your feet up at the end of a long day and relaxing in your recliner — until it suddenly stops working. Now you need someone for recliner repair!!!

Whether your recliner won’t open, gets stuck halfway, or simply won’t respond at all, it can quickly turn from your favourite seat in the house into a frustrating problem. After the busy holiday season, many homeowners across Australia start noticing issues that may have developed from increased use — especially with recliners.

The good news? Most recliner problems can be repaired quickly and cost-effectively.

At Lounge Repair Guys, we specialise in recliner repairs, lounge restoration, and upholstery cleaning across Australia. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common recliner issues, what causes them, warning signs to look out for, and why repair is almost always the smarter option over replacement.

Recliner Repair Australia

Manual vs Electric Recliners: What’s the Difference?

Before diagnosing a problem, it’s important to understand the type of recliner you have.

Manual Recliners

Manual recliners operate using a lever or handle that releases a mechanical system, allowing the chair to recline.

Common Manual Recliner Issues:

  • Broken or loose handles
  • Snapped cables
  • Jammed mechanisms
  • Difficulty opening or closing

Electric Recliners & Power Recliners

Electric recliners use a motorised system controlled by buttons or a remote.

Common Electric Recliner Issues:

  • Motor failure
  • Power supply issues
  • Faulty switches
  • Wiring problems
  • Recliner stuck in one position

While electric recliners have more components, both types are highly repairable — and in most cases, repairs are far more affordable than replacement.

The Most Common Furniture & Recliner Problems (And What Causes Them)

Recliners are built for comfort, but like any mechanical system, they experience wear and tear over time.

Here are the most common issues we repair at Lounge Repair Guys:

1. Recliner Won’t Open or Close

This is one of the most frequent problems.

Possible Causes:

  • Broken cable (manual recliners)
  • Worn or damaged mechanism
  • Obstruction inside the frame
  • Motor failure (electric recliners)

2. Recliner Stuck Halfway

If your recliner gets stuck mid-motion, it’s often due to:

  • Faulty motor
  • Damaged internal mechanism
  • Misaligned components

3. Broken Recliner Handle or Lever

Handles are one of the most used parts of a recliner.

Causes:

  • Repeated use over time
  • Excessive force
  • Low-quality plastic components

The good news is that handles and levers are usually quick and inexpensive to replace.

4. Recliner Chairs Making Noises

Creaking, clicking, or grinding noises are warning signs.

Possible Issues:

  • Loose bolts or joints
  • Worn metal components
  • Lack of lubrication
  • Structural strain

Ignoring these sounds can lead to bigger issues if not addressed early.

5. Electric Recliner Not Responding

If your electric recliner isn’t working at all:

Possible Issues:

  • Power supply fault
  • Damaged motor
  • Faulty control switch
  • Wiring failure

Many of these can be diagnosed and repaired without replacing the entire recliner.

Warning Signs Your Recliner Is About to Fail

Recliners rarely fail without warning. If you catch issues early, repairs are usually simpler and more affordable.

Watch Out For:

  • Slower movement than usual
  • Jerky or uneven reclining motion
  • Clicking or grinding noises
  • Loose or wobbly feeling
  • Difficulty locking into position
  • Buttons or switches becoming unresponsive

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to get your recliner assessed before the issue worsens.

Why Repair Is Almost Always Better Than Replacement

Many people assume that when a recliner stops working, it needs to be replaced. In reality, most recliners are designed to be repairable.

The Benefits of Recliner Repair

✔ Cost Savings

Repairs are significantly cheaper than buying a new recliner — often just a fraction of the cost.

✔ Convenience

No need to shop for new furniture or wait for delivery.

✔ Retain Comfort

You keep the chair you already know and love.

✔ Sustainability

Repairing reduces landfill waste and environmental impact.

✔ Fast Turnaround

Many recliner repairs can be completed quickly — often in a single visit.

At Lounge Repair Guys, we regularly restore recliners that customers thought were beyond saving.

The Importance of Recliner Maintenance Services

Just like any mechanical furniture, recliners benefit from regular care and maintenance.

Simple Maintenance Tips

  • Avoid forcing the recliner open or closed
  • Keep mechanisms clean and free of debris
  • Check for loose screws or bolts
  • Avoid overloading the chair
  • Clean upholstery regularly to prevent wear

For electric recliners:

  • Ensure cables are not twisted or damaged
  • Check power connections
  • Avoid moisture near electrical components

Routine maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and extends the life of your recliner significantly.

Combining Recliner Repair with Lounge Restoration

Often, recliner issues come alongside general wear on the lounge itself.

At Lounge Repair Guys, we don’t just fix the mechanism — we can also:

  • Clean fabric or leather upholstery
  • Repair scratches and cracks in leather
  • Restore sagging cushions
  • Remove stains and odours

This means your entire lounge can be refreshed at the same time your recliner is repaired — saving you time and money.

Why Choose Lounge Repair Guys?

As a trusted national service across Australia, Lounge Repair Guys specialise in lounge and recliner repairs — not general furniture work.

What Sets Us Apart:

✔ Mobile, in-home service
✔ Experienced technicians
✔ Repairs for both manual and electric recliners
✔ Honest, practical advice
✔ Cost-effective solutions
✔ Obligation-free quotes

We focus on repairing and restoring — not pushing unnecessary replacements.

Don’t Replace It — Repair It

If your recliner isn’t working properly, don’t assume it’s the end of the road.

In most cases:

  • The issue is fixable
  • The repair is affordable
  • The result is just as comfortable as before

A quick professional repair can bring your recliner back to life and save you the cost of buying new.

Recliner Repair

Reach Out To LRG

If your recliner is stuck, broken, or simply not working as it should, now is the time to get it looked at. We look after all types of furniture, brands and products whether it is your leather recliner, recliner armchair or even swivel recliners.

📞 Call Lounge Repair Guys today on 1300 101 510
or
📝 Complete our online enquiry form for an obligation-FREE quote

Let our experts restore your recliner — so you can get back to relaxing in comfort. You will find out prices very affordable! We look forward to connecting soon.

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