Are power recliners reliable, or should I get a manual one?

Across specialist communities like r/hometheater and r/BuyItForLife, the recurring concern is that power mechanisms add electronic failure points that manual recliners don't have — manual reclining mechanisms are frequently described as lasting decades, while power motors and actuators can fail within a few years. That said, multiple verified-purchase reviewers report no issues after years of daily use on power chairs with quality mechanisms (e.g. Leggett & Platt). If long-term durability is your top priority, a manual recliner is the safer bet; if you need lift assistance or infinite-position recline, power is the only option.