Its a toss! Any time there are moving parts the risk for breakage is much higher than you will find with stationary furniture. I just replaced two push back recliners with the power option for a change. I must admit I do like that the power can stop anywhere while the non power really only offered three distinct positions, regular sit, mid back and full recline. I myself am finding more comfort in positions in between those. I find motion having moving parts will be an issue somewhere down the road but check the warranties, most better furniture manufactures offer good warranties on their motion pieces.

Motion furniture mechanisms will fail at some point. The better quality mechanisms use a higher grade steel, hardened riveted pins and are better engineered. Their motors much better built and this goes without saying: Built in the USA. Actually a power mechanism will outlast a mechanical mechanism because the power actually reduces the stress applied on the joints and supporting structure, compared to someone using brute force or leverage to open/close the mechanism.

The problem lies if your purchasing lesser expensive power mechanisms made in China, as these are cheaply built motors and mechanisms, so your better off not getting the power units as it is "just one more thing to break".

I used to have a power recliner which I enjoyed. But one day when I was napping in it, I was awakened by a thunder storm. My first thought was if there was a power outage (not uncommon in our area) it would be very hard for me to get out of the recliner, which was in a fully reclined position. So, I quickly brought it to upright, just in case.