Permobil F3Recalls & reported problems

Summary

The FDA's MAUDE database contains 44 adverse event reports that list this exact device (DI 17330818676433), received between May 31, 2017 and May 28, 2026 — classified as 2 deaths, 36 injuries, 6 malfunctions.

The most frequently reported specific device problem is “Mechanical Problem” (16 reports).

Reports come from manufacturers, hospitals and patients and are not verified by the FDA. A report does not prove the device caused the event, and counts can't be used to compare devices or estimate failure rates. How this data works · Data updated Oct 13, 2026.

Most reported problems

Recent adverse event reports

The 25 most recent of 44 reports, in the reporter's own words as published by the FDA.

• DeathMay 28, 2026Mechanical Problem; Device Tipped Over; Unintended Movement

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING THAT THE END-USER WAS MANEUVERING THEIR F3 CORPUS DOWN A PORTABLE RAMP FROM A RESIDENCE WHEN THE DEVICE TIPPED OVER FORWARD AND LANDED ATOP THE END-USER. THIS REPORTEDLY RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURIES EVENTUALLY LEADING TO DEATH THE FOLLOWING DAY.

  Patient problems: Insufficient Information

  MAUDE report 25318964 ↗
• InjuryMay 12, 2026Electrical /Electronic Property Problem; Power Problem

  REPORTS TILT FUNCTION ON THEIR DEVICE WAS RECEIVING OVER CURRENT ERRORS RENDERING THE TILT FUNCTION TO BE INOPERABLE. THIS PREVENTED THE END-USER FROM PERFORMING PROPER PRESSURE RELIEF WHICH REPORTEDLY LED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRESSURE INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Ulcer

  MAUDE report 25153643 ↗
• InjuryMar 9, 2026Electrical /Electronic Property Problem; Power Problem; Complete Loss of Power

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING WHILE END-USER WAS DRIVING THEIR DEVICE THROUGH A SCHOOL HALLWAY, THE DEVICE REPORTEDLY LOST POWER COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE SUDDEN STOP REPORTEDLY RESULTED WITH THE END-USER SUSTAINING SERIOUS INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s); Multiple Fractures

  MAUDE report 24547114 ↗
• InjuryDec 30, 2025Mechanical Problem; Unintended System Motion; Unintended Movement; Mechanical Problem; Unintended System Motion; Unintended Movement

  REPORT OF AN EVENT HAVING OCCURRED WHERE IT WAS CLAIMED AS THE END-USER WAS SEATED IN THEIR DEVICE NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF THEIR BALCONY, THE WHEELCHAIR REPORTEDLY LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE END-USER, SLAMMING THE END-USER'S LEGS INTO A NEARBY CHAIR. THE IMPACT REPORTEDLY RESULTED IN INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s); Multiple Fractures

  MAUDE report 23923617 ↗
• InjuryAug 13, 2025Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING AS THE END-USER WAS TRANSFERRING FROM THEIR POWER WHEELCHAIR TO ANOTHER DEVICE, THEY REPORTED TO HAVE LOST THEIR BALANCE AND FELL BACKWARDS ON TO THE FLOOR WHERE THEY SUSTAINED AN INJURY REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Concussion

  MAUDE report 22797467 ↗
• InjuryDec 4, 2024Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING WHEN THE END-USER RECLINES BACK IN THE SEATING, THEIR FEET WILL COME OFF OF THE FOOTPLATES AND DANGLE. REPORTS WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE END-USER'S FOOT WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN A DOOR AND THE WHEELCHAIR WHICH LED TO AN INJURY REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s); Limb Fracture

  MAUDE report 20843579 ↗
• InjuryDec 4, 2024Use of Device Problem; Use of Device Problem

  RECEIVED REPORT INDICATING WHILE THE END-USER WAS ON A VEHICLE PLATFORM LIFT, THEY INADVERTENTLY DROVE THE WHEELCHAIR TO THE EDGE OF THE PLATFORM WHERE THE METAL SAFETY BARRIER REPORTEDLY GAVE WAY ALLOWING THE WHEELCHAIR AND END-USER TO FALL APPROX. 3' TO THE GROUND. THIS EVENT RESULTED IN INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Concussion

  MAUDE report 20843254 ↗
• InjuryNov 8, 2024Electrical /Electronic Property Problem; Power Problem; Complete Loss of Power; Electrical /Electronic Property Problem; Power Problem; Complete Loss of Power

  REPORT RECEIVED STATING AS END-USER WAS DRIVING AT SPEED DOWN A SIDEWALK, THE DEVICE REPORTEDLY LOST POWER AND CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THIS REPORTEDLY ALLOWED THE END-USER TO LOSE POSITIONING AND FALL FROM THE SEATING TO THE GROUND WHERE THEY SUSTAINED INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s); Multiple Fractures

  MAUDE report 20642505 ↗
• InjuryOct 11, 2024Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  SERVICE PROVIDER RECEIVED REPORT FROM A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY STATING WHILE THE END-USER WAS UTILIZING THE PERMOBIL POWER WHEELCHAIR IN THEIR GARAGE, STATED THE DEVICE REPORTEDLY CAUGHT AFLAME WHICH RESULTED IN THE END-USER SUSTAINING BURNS TO THE BACKS OF THEIR LEGS REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Burn(s); Full thickness (Third Degree) Burn; Partial thickness (Second Degree) Burn

  MAUDE report 20433808 ↗
• InjurySep 12, 2024Mechanical Problem; Unintended System Motion; Unintended Movement; Mechanical Problem; Unintended System Motion; Unintended Movement

  REPORTS WHILE EXITING TRANSPORT VEHICLE VIA INCORPORATED RAMP, WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM VEHICLE TO RAMP, THE DEVICE REPORTEDLY SPUN TO THE LEFT VERY QUICKLY WHICH FORCED THE END-USERS ARM AGAINST THE VEHICLE DOOR FRAME, RESULTING IN LACERATIONS TO THEIR FOREARM.

  Patient problems: Laceration(s)

  MAUDE report 20202557 ↗
• InjuryJul 25, 2024Mechanical Problem; Unintended System Motion; Unintended Movement; Mechanical Problem; Unintended System Motion; Unintended Movement

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING WHILE IN THE KITCHEN, THE END-USER WAS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE POWER WHEELCHAIR AND ATTEMPTED TO BACK THE WHEELCHAIR UP VIA THE JOYSTICK. REPORT CLAIMS THE WHEELCHAIR DROVE FORWARD RUNNING INTO THE END-USER AND COLLIDING INTO THE STOVE. THIS ACTION REPORTEDLY RESULTED IN AN INJURY REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Laceration(s)

  MAUDE report 19831211 ↗
• DeathFeb 14, 2024Use of Device Problem; Use of Device Problem

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING WHILE THE END-USER WAS ATTEMPTING TO POSITION THE F3 CORPUS DEVICE ON PLATFORM LIFT, THE END-USER INADVERTENTLY DROVE FORWARD, OFF THE PLATFORM, AND DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS. REPORT INDICATES THE FALL RESULTED WITH THE END-USER SUCCUMBING TO THEIR INJURIES.

  Patient problems: Fall; Insufficient Information

  MAUDE report 18707495 ↗
• InjuryNov 8, 2023Mechanical Problem; Unintended System Motion; Unintended Movement; Mechanical Problem; Unintended System Motion; Unintended Movement

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING WHILE THE END-USER WAS OPERATING THE F3 CORPUS IN THEIR DRIVEWAY, SUDDENLY THE ELECTRONICS TOOK CONTROL, AND AS THE END-USER WAS ATTEMPTING TO KEEP FROM GOING INTO THE BUSY STREET, THE DEVICE DROVE OFF A CURB AND LANDED ATOP OF THE END-USER RESULTING IN INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s)

  MAUDE report 18096801 ↗
• InjurySep 6, 2023Misassembled; Use of Device Problem; Misassembly During Maintenance/Repair; Misassembled; Use of Device Problem; Misassembly During Maintenance/Repair

  RECEIVED CLAIM THAT DUE TO IMPROPER POSITIONING OF POWER WHEELCHAIR SEATING, RESULTED IN A PRESSURE ULCER ON LEFT FOOT REQUIRING MULTIPLE SURGERIES TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Pressure Sore/Ulcer; Tissue Breakdown

  MAUDE report 17693012 ↗
• InjuryMar 2, 2023Mechanical Problem; Device Tipped Over; Unintended Movement; Mechanical Problem; Device Tipped Over; Unintended Movement

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING AS END-USER WAS EXITING A MOTOR VEHICLE VIA A RAMP, WHEN RELEASING THE JSM TO STOP, ALLEGES THE DEVICE CONTINUED TO ROLL WHICH ALLOWED A WHEEL TO FALL OFF THE RAMPS EDGE CAUSING IT TO LOSE STABILITY WHERE IT FELL OVER ON TO ITS SIDE RESULTING IN AN INJURY TO THE END-USER THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL INTERVENTION.

  Patient problems: Insufficient Information

  MAUDE report 16469116 ↗
• MalfunctionJan 26, 2023Break; Mechanical Problem; Detachment of Device or Device Component; Material Integrity Problem; Break; Mechanical Problem; Detachment of Device or Device Component; Material Integrity Problem

  REPORTS WHILE END-USER WAS DRIVING ALONG A SIDEWALK, THE LEFT DRIVE WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE MOTOR CAUSING THE DEVICE TO DROP TO ONE SIDE. THIS REPORTEDLY CAUSED THE END-USER TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN UPRIGHT POSITIONING, ALLOWING THEM TO SLUMP FORWARD IN THE SEATING REQUIRING ASSISTANCE TO REGAIN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. REPORTS INDICATE THE END-USER SOUGHT MEDICAL INTERVENTION BECAUSE OF THIS EVENT.

  Patient problems: Insufficient Information

  MAUDE report 16250195 ↗
• InjuryNov 7, 2022Mechanical Problem; Structural Problem; Sharp Edges; Mechanical Problem; Structural Problem; Sharp Edges

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING DUE TO THE DELAYS IN SERVICE ACTIVITIES TO REPAIR VARIOUS SEATING COMPONENTS, THE END-USER HAVING DIFFICULTY ENTERING AND EXITING THE SEATING SYSTEM WHICH HAS LED TO THE END-USER HAVING FALLEN ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS LEADING TO INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Fall; Laceration(s); Unspecified Infection

  MAUDE report 15743985 ↗
• InjuryOct 31, 2022Mechanical Problem; Unintended Collision; Unintended Movement; Mechanical Problem; Unintended Collision; Unintended Movement

  RECEIVED REPORT AS THE END-USER WAS TURNING THE DEVICE INSIDE AN ELEVATOR, THE DEVICE REPORTEDLY TURNED TOO FAR CAUSING END-USER TO STRIKE FOOT AGAINST THE WALL RESULTING IN AN INJURY REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s)

  MAUDE report 15702059 ↗
• InjuryOct 14, 2022Mechanical Problem; Detachment of Device or Device Component; Mechanical Problem; Detachment of Device or Device Component

  REPORTS WHILE USING A PORTABLE URINAL, THE END-USER WAS UTILIZING THE THIGH SUPPORT AS A WEIGHT BEARING SURFACE TO STABILIZE THEMSELVES. REPORTS CLAIM THE LEFT UNI-TRACK RAIL HAVING DETACHED, CLAIMING MOUNTING HARDWARE HAVING BROKEN, WHICH RESULTED IN THE END-USER LOSING THEIR BALANCE AND FALLING FROM THE SEATING.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s); Concussion; Multiple Fractures

  MAUDE report 15606346 ↗
• InjuryFeb 8, 2022Use of Device Problem; Use of Device Problem

  RECEIVED REPORT INDICATING AS THE END-USER WAS DRIVING THEIR WHEELCHAIR OUTSIDE OF A LOCAL HOSPITAL, AFTER EXITING A RAMP, THE WHEELCHAIR STRUCK A BRICK THAT WAS IN THE ROAD WHICH REPORTEDLY CAUSED THE WHEELCHAIR TO LOSE UPRIGHT STABILITY AND FALL OVER ON TO ITS SIDE, WITH THE END-USER. REPORTS INDICATE THE EVENT RESULTED IN INJURIES TO THE END-USER WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Abrasion; Burn(s); Full thickness (Third Degree) Burn

  MAUDE report 13478744 ↗
• InjuryFeb 8, 2022Mechanical Problem; Mechanical Jam; Mechanical Problem; Mechanical Jam

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR PRIOR, WHILE THE END-USER WAS DRIVING THE WHEELCHAIR DOWN THE STREET, THE WHEELCHAIR REPORTEDLY STOPPED WHICH CAUSED THE END-USER LOSE POSITIONING AND FALL FORWARD OUT OF THE SEATING TO THE GROUND WHERE THEY SUSTAINED INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s); Limb Fracture

  MAUDE report 13478737 ↗
• InjuryDec 15, 2021Mechanical Problem; Detachment of Device or Device Component; Mechanical Problem; Detachment of Device or Device Component

  RECEIVED REPORT FROM END-USERS WIFE CLAIMING THE LEFT FOOTPLATE SLID OUT OF THE RECEIVER BRACKET. THIS ALLOWED THE END-USERS FOOT TO DROP DOWN WHICH REPORTEDLY GOT CAUGHT UNDER THE DRIVE WHEEL CAUSING A FRACTURE TO THE LEFT TIBIA.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s); Limb Fracture

  MAUDE report 13015087 ↗
• InjuryNov 8, 2021Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  RECEIVED REPORT CLAIMING WHILE THE END-USER WAS DRIVING UP A HANDICAP RAMP, THERE WAS A MISSING SECTION IN THE RAMPS SURFACE. WHEN DRIVEN OVER ALLOWED THE DRIVE WHEEL TO DROP DOWN CAUSING THE CHAIR, WITH THE END-USER, TO TIP OVER ON ITS SIDE. THIS RESULTED WITH THE END-USER SUSTAINING INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION.

  Patient problems: Muscle/Tendon Damage; Neck Pain

  MAUDE report 12770520 ↗
• InjurySep 2, 2021Use of Device Problem; Use of Device Problem

  RECEIVED REPORT OF A CAREGIVER HAVING PLACED THE DEVICE IN TO FREEWHEEL AND ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER THE DEVICE, WITH END-USER, DOWN A RAMP MANUALLY. REPORTS INDICATE THE CAREGIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE DEVICE CAUSING THE END-USERS RIGHT LEG TO IMPACT AN IMMOVABLE OBJECT RESULTING IN AN INJURY REQUIRING MEDICAL INTERVENTION.

  Patient problems: Bone Fracture(s); Limb Fracture

  MAUDE report 12417711 ↗
• InjurySep 2, 2021Mechanical Problem; Unintended Movement; Device Fell; Mechanical Problem; Unintended Movement; Device Fell

  WHILE END-USER WAS IN PROCESS OF USING A VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLED ON THEIR VAN, THEY REPORTEDLY HEARD THE ELECTRIC BRAKE "CLICK" AND THE DEVICE ROLLED BACKWARDS, OFF THE PLATFORM, FALLING APPROXIMATELY 2-2.5' TO THE GROUND WHICH RESULTED IN INJURIES TO THE END-USER REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION.

  Patient problems: Brain Injury

  MAUDE report 12416701 ↗