Latest Updates
CPSC announced the recall of window opening control devices sold as kits or factory-installed accessories on 100 Series casement windows manufactured before November 19, 2025. [1] Devices can break or detach after accidental or other impact, allowing windows to open and posing fall and serious injury hazards. [1] Eight reports of devices breaking, detaching, or malfunctioning were received with no injuries reported. [1]
Devices Break or Detach After Impact
Window opening control devices fail when force is applied to window sashes. Accidental impacts from people, pets, or objects cause devices to break apart or detach completely from window frames.
Windows Open Without Restriction
When devices fail, casement windows open beyond the intended four-inch limit. Unrestricted window openings create fall hazards for children and adults leaning against or near windows.
Eight Malfunction Reports
Andersen Windows received eight reports of devices breaking, detaching, or malfunctioning. No injuries were reported, but malfunctions demonstrate widespread device failure risks.
100 Series Casement Windows
Recall affects window opening control devices applied to 100 Series casement windows only. Consumers should check Product ID numbers on labels in upper right window corners to determine recall inclusion.
Sold October 2015 Through December 2025
Devices were sold for over 10 years through independent window distributors and parts.andersenwindows.com. Individual kits sold for $9; factory-installed devices on windows sold for up to $220.
Purpose of Window Opening Control Devices
Window opening control devices limit casement window openings to four inches to prevent accidental falls. Devices must be intentionally disengaged to open windows fully for ventilation or egress.
Free In-Home Repair
Andersen Windows offers free in-home repairs by authorized technicians. Technicians reinforce device attachments with additional screws during 15-minute repairs without removing windows.
Keep Windows Closed and Locked
Consumers should leave affected windows in closed and locked positions until repairs are completed. Open windows with defective control devices create immediate fall hazards.
Design Defect in Attachment System
Window opening control devices that break or detach from normal impacts are defectively designed. Safety devices must withstand foreseeable forces without catastrophic failure.
Inadequate Attachment Strength
Original attachments lacked sufficient strength to resist forces applied to window sashes. Requiring additional screws during repairs acknowledges initial attachment systems were inadequate.
Failure to Test Under Impact Conditions
Andersen Windows failed to adequately test devices under realistic impact scenarios. Reasonable testing requires simulating accidental forces applied to windows during normal household use.
Fall Hazards for Children
Children leaning on or climbing near windows can fall through unrestricted openings when control devices fail. Falls from upper-story windows cause severe injuries and deaths.
Adult Fall Risks
Adults cleaning windows, reaching for items, or leaning out for fresh air face fall hazards when control devices unexpectedly fail. Sudden device failure eliminates expected safety protection.
Breach of Implied Warranty
Andersen Windows breached implied warranties by selling safety devices that fail during normal use. Window opening control devices must reliably prevent unrestricted window opening to fulfill their essential safety purpose.
Negligent Manufacturing
Manufacturing window opening control devices with inadequate attachment systems constitutes negligence. Safety-critical devices require robust design preventing failure during foreseeable use.
Delayed Recall After Years of Sales
Selling defective devices from October 2015 through December 2025 before recalling in February 2026 exposed thousands to fall hazards. The 10+ year delay demonstrates inadequate quality control and monitoring.
Contact an Attorney
If you or a family member suffered injuries from falls through windows with failed Andersen opening control devices, contact a product liability attorney. Preserve the broken or detached device, window with Product ID label, purchase receipts, medical records documenting fall injuries, photographs of the failed device and window, and repair documentation from Andersen technicians.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Andersen-Windows-Recalls-Window-Opening-Control-Devices-Sold-as-Kits-or-Installed-on-100-Series-Casement-Windows-Due-to-Fall-and-Serious-Injury-Hazards