Why Elevator Reliability Is Declining in Newer Buildings
It sounds counterintuitive.
Most people assume that newer elevators should be more reliable than older ones. After all, modern systems incorporate advanced technology, sophisticated controls, and decades of engineering improvements.
Yet many building owners, property managers, and residents are experiencing the opposite.
Across the industry, it’s becoming increasingly common to hear:
“The elevators in our new building have more problems than the elevators in our old building.”
While not true in every case, there are several reasons why elevator reliability in newer buildings is often falling short of expectations.
The Reliability Paradox
Historically, elevators were designed with a simple goal:
Make them run reliably for as long as possible.
Older systems often featured:
- Simple relay logic
- Heavy-duty mechanical components
- Standardized parts
- Relatively straightforward troubleshooting
Many elevators installed in the 1970s, 1980s, and even 1990s are still operating today.
Modern elevators, however, are built around a different set of priorities:
- Energy efficiency
- Reduced construction costs
- Space savings
- Advanced dispatching
- Connectivity
- Increased safety monitoring
While these features provide benefits, they can also introduce new failure points.
More Technology Means More Failure Points
Modern elevators are essentially computers that happen to move people.
Today’s systems rely on:
- Microprocessor-based controllers
- Variable frequency drives
- Network communication systems
- Electronic door operators
- Digital safety circuits
- Remote monitoring platforms
Each component may be highly reliable on its own.
Collectively, however, they create a more complex system with more opportunities for failure.
A simple relay failure in an older elevator might have been diagnosed and repaired in an hour.
A communication fault between multiple digital systems may take significantly longer to identify and resolve.
The Push for Smaller Machine Rooms—and No Machine Rooms
The industry has aggressively embraced:
- Machine Room-Less (MRL) elevators
- Compact drive systems
- Reduced equipment footprints
These innovations save space and reduce construction costs.
However, they often result in:
- Equipment installed in tighter spaces
- More difficult access for maintenance
- Increased heat exposure
- Greater service complexity
In some cases, maintainability has taken a back seat to architectural efficiency.
Software Is Now Part of Reliability
When most owners think of reliability, they think about mechanical wear.
Today’s elevators also depend on:
- Firmware
- Software updates
- Digital communications
- Network interfaces
Software-related faults can cause:
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Intermittent operation
- Difficult troubleshooting scenarios
- Increased dependence on manufacturer support
A mechanical problem is usually visible.
A software problem often isn’t.
Preventive Maintenance Has Changed
Many owners assume maintenance today is better than it was 30 years ago.
In reality, maintenance models have evolved significantly.
Technicians often manage:
- More units
- Larger territories
- Higher workloads
As a result:
- Time spent on each elevator may decrease
- Maintenance becomes more reactive
- Minor issues remain unresolved longer
The elevator may continue operating, but reliability slowly declines.
Equipment Is Being Designed Differently
Many older elevator components were intentionally overbuilt.
Manufacturers expected:
- Long service lives
- Frequent adjustment
- Ongoing maintenance
Modern systems often prioritize:
- Manufacturing efficiency
- Energy consumption
- Reduced installation costs
- Standardized production
While not inherently bad, these priorities can result in shorter practical lifespans for certain components.
Proprietary Systems Limit Service Options
Many newer elevators use proprietary:
- Controllers
- Software
- Diagnostics
- Parts
When problems occur:
- Independent contractors may have limited access
- Specialized tools may be required
- Repairs may depend on OEM support
Less competition can mean:
- Longer response times
- Higher costs
- More complicated repairs
This affects reliability from the owner’s perspective.
New Buildings Often Have Higher Usage Than Expected
Developers frequently design elevators based on projected traffic patterns.
But actual building use doesn’t always match projections.
Examples include:
- Multifamily buildings with increased deliveries
- Mixed-use properties with changing occupancy
- Healthcare facilities with evolving needs
- Office buildings with new traffic demands
Elevators operating above their anticipated usage levels often experience accelerated wear.
The Hidden Impact of Construction Quality
Not every reliability issue is caused by the elevator itself.
Problems can originate during construction:
- Improper hoistway conditions
- Power quality issues
- HVAC deficiencies
- Water intrusion
- Coordination problems between trades
These issues may not become apparent until months or years after occupancy.
The Cost of Chasing Lowest First Cost
One of the biggest contributors to declining reliability is the industry’s focus on initial price.
Developers are often under pressure to:
- Minimize construction costs
- Meet budget targets
- Maximize project returns
As a result, equipment selection frequently prioritizes:
- Lowest upfront cost
- Short-term savings
Rather than:
- Long-term serviceability
- Lifecycle costs
- Reliability performance
The consequences often appear years later.
Reliability Doesn’t Happen by Accident
The most reliable elevator systems share common characteristics:
- Proper equipment selection
- Strong specifications
- Adequate maintenance
- Non-proprietary service options
- Long-term capital planning
- Independent oversight
Reliability is not simply a product feature.
It’s the result of strategic decisions made throughout the lifecycle of the equipment.
How an Elevator Consultant Helps
An independent elevator consultant can help owners:
- Evaluate equipment design before installation
- Compare proprietary and non-proprietary systems
- Identify reliability risks
- Audit maintenance effectiveness
- Develop lifecycle management strategies
- Plan modernizations that prioritize long-term performance
The goal is not simply to install elevators.
The goal is to install elevators that continue performing well for decades.
The Bottom Line
Newer elevators are often more advanced than ever before—but advancement does not automatically equal reliability.
Increasing complexity, proprietary technology, changing maintenance models, and pressure to reduce costs have all contributed to a surprising reality:
In many cases, newer elevators are less reliable than the systems they replaced.
For building owners, the lesson is simple:
The best elevator isn’t necessarily the newest one.
It’s the one designed, maintained, and managed with long-term reliability in mind.
Want to Improve Elevator Reliability in Your Building?
KDA Elevator Consultants helps building owners evaluate equipment performance, identify reliability risks, and develop strategies that reduce downtime and lifecycle costs.
📞 484-995-3642
📧 john@kdaelevatorconsultants.com