Little Giant recalled about 3.66 million ladders with Rapid Locks that can suddenly retract. Here are the 11 affected models, how to check for the orange QC sticker, and how to get the free repair kit, replacement or refund.
Little Giant recalled about 3.66 million ladders with Rapid Locks that can suddenly retract. Here are the 11 affected models, how to check for the orange QC sticker, and how to get the free repair kit, replacement or refund.
Kara
Little Giant has recalled about 3.66 million ladders with Rapid Locks because the ladders can suddenly retract if a lock isn’t fully engaged, which can send the person on it to the ground. The recall, announced Nov. 5, 2026 with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), covers 11 popular models sold since December 2015. If you own one, the short answer is: stop using it, check for an orange “QC” sticker, and register for the free repair kit. Here’s how to tell whether your ladder is affected and what the fix actually involves.
Rapid Locks are the black or orange locking mechanisms on each leg that slot into the rungs to set the ladder’s height. According to the CPSC, if those locks aren’t completely engaged, the ladder can collapse or shorten under load. Little Giant has received 25 reports of ladders retracting, including 19 reports of injuries. Three involved head injuries such as traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, concussion, vision loss, hearing loss and cognitive impairment. The other 16 included broken bones, joint fractures, cuts and bruising. The company also received 39 reports of Rapid Locks not working properly.
The ladders were sold at Lowe’s, Costco and other stores nationwide, and online at Lowes.com, Amazon.com, Costco.com, LittleGiantLadders.com and other sites from December 2015 through October 2026, for roughly $100 to $1,000, the CPSC says. USA Today and other outlets picked up the story, and it has spread quickly because these multi-position ladders are common in garages and with contractors.
The recall includes these models with Rapid Locks:
The Little Giant brand name and the model name appear on the side of the ladder, and the model name and item number are also printed on the notice label, according to Little Giant’s recall FAQ.
Not every ladder of these models is included. The CPSC says only ladders without an orange rectangular “QC” sticker on the rail above one of the Rapid Locks are part of the recall. If you see that sticker, your ladder isn’t covered. If there’s no sticker and your model is on the list above, treat it as recalled.
Costco has been notifying members by email. Its recall letter names three items bought between August 2023 and October 2026: the Little Giant MegaLite+ Multi Use Ladder (Costco item numbers 1671610 and 1806348) and the MegaLite Multi Use Ladder with Rack (item 2009560). Costco says it will mail the repair kit directly to those members.
You don’t need a receipt. Little Giant’s FAQ says any owner of an affected ladder can take part, including people who bought one used or got it as a gift. You also can’t return it to the store; the fix is done at home.
This is where many owners are frustrated. The “repair” isn’t a new part. Per the CPSC and Little Giant, the kit contains warning labels to stick near each Rapid Lock, plus instructions with photos and video showing how to confirm the locks are fully engaged before every use and how to keep them lubricated. In other words, the remedy is mainly about making sure users check the locks every time.
If a lock still doesn’t work properly after you’ve lubricated it as instructed, call Little Giant for an evaluation. If the lock fails that evaluation, the company will offer a replacement ladder of the same or an equivalent model, or a refund. The refund is a depreciated value based on when you bought it, up to the full purchase price for ladders bought within the past 12 months.
Follow the kit’s instructions exactly once it arrives. In the meantime, the general rule from the recall notice is simple: never climb until you’ve confirmed every Rapid Lock is fully seated in its rung on both legs. Basic ladder habits still matter too, such as setting up on firm, level ground, keeping three points of contact and not overreaching. Our guide to essential ladder safety tips covers those in more detail.
Early November is when many people pull out ladders to clean gutters, hang holiday lights and do end-of-year repairs, so a lot of these ladders are likely in use this month. If you were planning to climb this weekend, borrow or rent a different ladder rather than relying on a recalled one while you wait for the kit.
If you’d rather replace the ladder outright, keep in mind that the refund or replacement only applies if a lock fails Little Giant’s evaluation. Holiday sales may help if you buy a new one anyway; here’s when Black Friday 2026 deals start at major retailers.
Little Giant isn’t the only household recall making the rounds. Gourmia recalled about 175,951 Stainless Steel 9-Slice Digital Air Fryer Ovens (model GTF7530) sold at Target from October 2021 to June 2026, after 57 reports of the spring-loaded doors closing unexpectedly and at least 40 burns to hands or wrists. Owners should stop using them and request a free repair kit from Gourmia. For more product recalls from the past few weeks, see our roundup of Halloween 2026 recalls on costumes, lights and food.
About 3,662,000 ladders with Rapid Locks, according to the CPSC.
Check whether it’s one of the 11 listed models (Adjustable Fortress 2.0, Conquest 2.0, Dark Horse 2.0, Epic, King Kombo XT, Leveler, MegaLite, MegaLite+, Multi, Quantum or Vector). If it is and there’s no orange rectangular “QC” sticker on the rail above a Rapid Lock, it’s included.
Not automatically. The main remedy is a free repair kit. A refund or replacement is offered only if a Rapid Lock still doesn’t work properly after lubrication and Little Giant’s evaluation. Refunds are depreciated by purchase date, with full price possible for ladders bought within the past 12 months.
No. Little Giant says any owner of an affected ladder is eligible, including people who bought it used or received it as a gift.
Little Giant and the CPSC both recommend you stop using it until you’ve received and applied the repair kit.
Sources: CPSC recall notice, Nov. 5, 2026; Little Giant Rapid Lock recall FAQ; Little Giant recall notices; USA Today, Nov. 5, 2026; Costco member letter; 9News on the Gourmia recall. Featured photo: an aluminum multi-position ladder (not a Little Giant), by Judgefloro, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).
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