diff --git a/projects/core/src/checkbox/checkbox.test.ts b/projects/core/src/checkbox/checkbox.test.ts
index 7c29bdc9b..a9fd4376e 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/checkbox/checkbox.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/checkbox/checkbox.test.ts
@@ -89,6 +89,17 @@ describe(`${Checkbox.metadata.tag} - control base behavior`, () => {
     expect((e as Event).composed).toBe(true);
   });
 
+  it('should reset checked state to the native default', async () => {
+    const input = fixture.querySelector('input');
+    input.defaultChecked = true;
+    input.checked = false;
+
+    element.reset();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    expect(input.checked).toBe(true);
+  });
+
   it('should disconnect observers when removed from DOM', async () => {
     const input = fixture.querySelector('input');
     expect(element.matches(':state(checked)')).toBe(false);
diff --git a/projects/core/src/combobox/combobox.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/combobox/combobox.test.lighthouse.ts
index ef0ff3637..3f43bae42 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/combobox/combobox.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/combobox/combobox.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ describe('combobox lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(36);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(36.1);
   });
 
   test('combobox multi select with large dataset should meet lighthouse benchmarks', async () => {
@@ -42,6 +42,6 @@ describe('combobox lighthouse report', () => {
 
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(96);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(36);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(36.1);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/dialog/dialog.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/dialog/dialog.test.lighthouse.ts
index 1543cbb57..cbce21313 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/dialog/dialog.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/dialog/dialog.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -25,6 +25,6 @@ describe('dialog lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBeGreaterThan(97); // bfcache
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(24.8);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(24.9);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/drawer/drawer.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/drawer/drawer.test.lighthouse.ts
index 729d17330..3962d706f 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/drawer/drawer.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/drawer/drawer.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -18,6 +18,6 @@ describe('drawer lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBeGreaterThan(98); // bfcache
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(25.3);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(25.4);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/dropdown-group/dropdown-group.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/dropdown-group/dropdown-group.test.lighthouse.ts
index 6beeba3a0..e69346721 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/dropdown-group/dropdown-group.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/dropdown-group/dropdown-group.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -29,6 +29,6 @@ describe('dropdown-group lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(24.7);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(24.8);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/format-relative-time/format-relative-time.test.ts b/projects/core/src/format-relative-time/format-relative-time.test.ts
index d4c9220cb..970a616be 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/format-relative-time/format-relative-time.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/format-relative-time/format-relative-time.test.ts
@@ -408,5 +408,19 @@ describe(FormatRelativeTime.metadata.tag, () => {
       const time = element.shadowRoot!.querySelector('time');
       expect(time!.textContent!.trim()).toBe('2023-07-27T12:00:00.000Z');
     });
+
+    it('should fall back to raw string for relative values outside Intl range', async () => {
+      vi.useRealTimers();
+      const now = vi.spyOn(Date, 'now').mockReturnValue(Number.NEGATIVE_INFINITY);
+
+      element.date = '2023-07-27T12:00:00.000Z';
+      element.requestUpdate();
+      await elementIsStable(element);
+
+      const time = element.shadowRoot!.querySelector('time');
+      expect(time!.textContent!.trim()).toBe('2023-07-27T12:00:00.000Z');
+
+      now.mockRestore();
+    });
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/format-relative-time/format-relative-time.ts b/projects/core/src/format-relative-time/format-relative-time.ts
index 79b6e45b6..f47652aeb 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/format-relative-time/format-relative-time.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/format-relative-time/format-relative-time.ts
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ export class FormatRelativeTime extends LitElement {
       const value = Math.round(absDiff / UNIT_DIVISORS[unit]);
       if (value < max) return { value: sign * value, unit };
     }
-    throw new Error('format-relative-time: no relative time threshold matched');
+    return { value: sign * Math.round(absDiff / UNIT_DIVISORS.year), unit: 'year' };
   }
 
   #computeExplicitUnit(diffMs: number, unit: TimeUnitOption): number {
diff --git a/projects/core/src/forms/control-group/control-group.css b/projects/core/src/forms/control-group/control-group.css
index 0da55ca54..487e182b8 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/forms/control-group/control-group.css
+++ b/projects/core/src/forms/control-group/control-group.css
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
   --color: var(--nve-sys-interaction-field-color);
   --opacity: 1;
   --label-color: var(--nve-sys-interaction-field-color);
-  --label-text-transform: capitalize;
+  --label-text-transform: none;
   --label-font-weight: var(--nve-ref-font-weight-medium);
   --label-font-size: var(--nve-ref-font-size-100);
   --_label-width: var(--label-width, 180px);
diff --git a/projects/core/src/forms/control-group/control-group.ts b/projects/core/src/forms/control-group/control-group.ts
index f9932ed62..522dc00a9 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/forms/control-group/control-group.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/forms/control-group/control-group.ts
@@ -12,7 +12,12 @@ import {
   associateControlGroup
 } from '@nvidia-elements/core/internal';
 import type { ControlMessage } from '../control-message/control-message.js';
-import { setupControlStatusStates, setupControlGroupStates, inputQuery } from '../utils/states.js';
+import {
+  setupControlStatusStates,
+  setupControlGroupStates,
+  inputQuery,
+  type ControlStateCleanup
+} from '../utils/states.js';
 import { setupControlLayoutStates } from '../utils/layout.js';
 import styles from './control-group.css?inline';
 
@@ -53,7 +58,7 @@ export class ControlGroup extends LitElement {
     return this.querySelectorAll ? Array.from(this.querySelectorAll<ControlMessage>('nve-control-message')) : [];
   }
 
-  #observers: (MutationObserver | ResizeObserver)[] = [];
+  #observers: (MutationObserver | ResizeObserver | ControlStateCleanup)[] = [];
 
   static styles = useStyles([styles]);
 
diff --git a/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.css b/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.css
index a81077c6a..98161c28b 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.css
+++ b/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.css
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
   --accent-color: var(--nve-sys-accent-secondary-background);
   --color: var(--nve-sys-interaction-field-color);
   --label-color: var(--nve-sys-interaction-field-color);
-  --label-text-transform: capitalize;
+  --label-text-transform: none;
   --label-font-weight: var(--nve-ref-font-weight-medium);
   --label-font-size: var(--nve-ref-font-size-100);
   --control-width: 100%;
@@ -18,10 +18,6 @@
   contain: content;
 }
 
-:host([nve-control='inline']) {
-  --control-height: auto;
-}
-
 ::slotted(*) {
   color-scheme: var(--nve-sys-color-scheme);
   font-family: inherit;
@@ -38,10 +34,6 @@
   align-self: center !important;
 }
 
-::slotted(label::first-letter) {
-  text-transform: capitalize;
-}
-
 :host(:state(disabled)),
 :host(:state(disabled)) ::slotted(nve-control-message:not([status])) {
   --cursor: not-allowed;
@@ -194,6 +186,9 @@ slot[name='messages'] {
 
 /** inline controls */
 :host([nve-control='inline']) {
+  --control-height: auto;
+  width: fit-content;
+
   [internal-host] {
     grid-template-areas: 'input input input';
 
diff --git a/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.test.ts b/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.test.ts
index cf3332971..b1510a2a8 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.test.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 // SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
 import { html } from 'lit';
-import { describe, expect, it, beforeEach, afterEach } from 'vitest';
+import { describe, expect, it, beforeEach, afterEach, vi } from 'vitest';
 import { createFixture, removeFixture, elementIsStable, untilEvent } from '@internals/testing';
 import { Control, ControlMessage } from '@nvidia-elements/core/forms';
 import '@nvidia-elements/core/forms/define.js';
@@ -167,6 +167,33 @@ describe(Control.metadata.tag, () => {
     expect(getComputedStyle(message).display).toBe('block');
     expect(validationMessage.hidden).toBe(true);
   });
+
+  it('should not duplicate form reset listeners after reconnect', async () => {
+    removeFixture(fixture);
+    fixture = await createFixture(html`
+      <form>
+        <nve-control>
+          <label>label</label>
+          <input type="text" required />
+          <nve-control-message>message</nve-control-message>
+        </nve-control>
+      </form>
+    `);
+    const form = fixture.querySelector('form');
+    element = fixture.querySelector(Control.metadata.tag);
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    element.remove();
+    form.appendChild(element);
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    element.shadowRoot!.dispatchEvent(new Event('slotchange'));
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    const requestUpdate = vi.spyOn(element, 'requestUpdate');
+    form.dispatchEvent(new Event('reset'));
+
+    expect(requestUpdate).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+  });
 });
 
 describe(`${Control.metadata.tag}: custom`, () => {
diff --git a/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.ts b/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.ts
index f7ad27ebf..6845c1f31 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/forms/control/control.ts
@@ -21,12 +21,20 @@ import {
   setupControlValidationStates,
   setupControlStates,
   setupControlStatusStates,
-  inputQuery
+  inputQuery,
+  type ControlStateCleanup
 } from '../utils/states.js';
 import { setupControlLayoutStates } from '../utils/layout.js';
 import globalStyles from './control.global.css?inline';
 import styles from './control.css?inline';
 
+interface ResettableControl {
+  getAttribute: Element['getAttribute'];
+  value: string;
+}
+
+type ControlInput = HTMLInputElement | HTMLSelectElement | HTMLTextAreaElement | ResettableControl;
+
 /**
  * @element nve-control
  * @description Wraps a form input with its associated label and validation messages, managing layout and accessibility associations.
@@ -118,7 +126,7 @@ export class Control extends LitElement {
   /** @private */
   declare _internals: ElementInternals;
 
-  #observers: (MutationObserver | ResizeObserver)[] = [];
+  #observers: (MutationObserver | ResizeObserver | ControlStateCleanup)[] = [];
 
   protected _associateDatalist = true;
 
@@ -181,15 +189,42 @@ export class Control extends LitElement {
 
   /** Resets control value to initial attribute value and clears any active validation rules. */
   reset() {
-    this.input.value = this.input.getAttribute('value') ?? '';
+    this.#resetInputValue(this.input as ControlInput);
     this.requestUpdate();
     this.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('reset', { bubbles: true, composed: true }));
   }
 
-  #setupInput() {
-    setupControlValidationStates(this, this.#messages);
+  #resetInputValue(input: ControlInput) {
+    if (input instanceof HTMLSelectElement) {
+      this.#resetSelectValue(input);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (this.#isCheckedInput(input)) {
+      input.checked = input.defaultChecked;
+      input.indeterminate = false;
+      return;
+    }
 
+    input.value =
+      input instanceof HTMLInputElement || input instanceof HTMLTextAreaElement
+        ? input.defaultValue
+        : (input.getAttribute('value') ?? '');
+  }
+
+  #resetSelectValue(input: HTMLSelectElement) {
+    const hasDefaultSelection = Array.from(input.options).some(option => option.defaultSelected);
+    Array.from(input.options).forEach(option => (option.selected = option.defaultSelected));
+    if (!input.multiple && !hasDefaultSelection) input.selectedIndex = 0;
+  }
+
+  #isCheckedInput(input: ControlInput): input is HTMLInputElement {
+    return input instanceof HTMLInputElement && (input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio');
+  }
+
+  #setupInput() {
     this.#observers.push(
+      ...setupControlValidationStates(this, this.#messages),
       ...setupControlStates(this),
       ...setupControlStatusStates(this, this.#messages),
       setupControlLayoutStates(this),
diff --git a/projects/core/src/forms/utils/states.ts b/projects/core/src/forms/utils/states.ts
index 8039f2fbd..2cb5d7bfe 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/forms/utils/states.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/forms/utils/states.ts
@@ -12,6 +12,9 @@ import { ControlMessage } from '../control-message/control-message.js';
 import type { Control } from '../control/control.js';
 
 export const inputQuery = 'input, select, selectmenu, textarea, [nve-control]';
+export interface ControlStateCleanup {
+  disconnect: () => void;
+}
 
 /**
  * Adds validation states to custom element
@@ -20,6 +23,8 @@ export const inputQuery = 'input, select, selectmenu, textarea, [nve-control]';
  */
 // eslint-disable-next-line max-lines-per-function
 export function setupControlValidationStates(control: Control, messages: ControlMessage[]) {
+  const cleanups: ControlStateCleanup[] = [];
+
   if (
     !control.input.form?.noValidate &&
     !control.input.formNoValidate &&
@@ -47,16 +52,16 @@ export function setupControlValidationStates(control: Control, messages: Control
       hideAllValidationMessages(messages);
     };
 
-    control.input.addEventListener('blur', () => {
+    const onBlur = () => {
       control.input.checkValidity();
       updateValidityState();
-    });
+    };
 
-    control.input.addEventListener('input', () => {
+    const onInput = () => {
       updateValidityState();
-    });
+    };
 
-    control.input.addEventListener('invalid', () => {
+    const onInvalid = () => {
       if (messages.find(m => m.error)) {
         hideAllValidationMessages(messages);
         showActiveValidationMessages(control, messages);
@@ -65,13 +70,21 @@ export function setupControlValidationStates(control: Control, messages: Control
       control.status = 'error';
       control._internals.states.delete('valid');
       control._internals.states.add('invalid');
-    });
+    };
+
+    cleanups.push(
+      addCleanupListener(control.input, 'blur', onBlur),
+      addCleanupListener(control.input, 'input', onInput),
+      addCleanupListener(control.input, 'invalid', onInvalid),
+      addCleanupListener(control, 'reset', resetValidityState)
+    );
 
-    control.addEventListener('reset', () => resetValidityState());
-    control.input.form?.addEventListener('reset', () => resetValidityState());
+    if (control.input.form) {
+      cleanups.push(addCleanupListener(control.input.form, 'reset', resetValidityState));
+    }
   }
 
-  control.shadowRoot!.addEventListener('slotchange', () => {
+  const onSlotChange = () => {
     const current = Array.from(control.querySelectorAll<ControlMessage>(ControlMessage.metadata.tag));
     control._internals.states.delete('valid');
     control._internals.states.delete('invalid');
@@ -80,7 +93,10 @@ export function setupControlValidationStates(control: Control, messages: Control
     } else {
       control._internals.states.add('valid');
     }
-  });
+  };
+  cleanups.push(addCleanupListener(control.shadowRoot!, 'slotchange', onSlotChange));
+
+  return cleanups;
 }
 
 /**
@@ -92,31 +108,12 @@ export function setupControlValidationStates(control: Control, messages: Control
  * :state(dirty) user modified the form control
  */
 export function setupControlStates(control: Control) {
-  const observers: MutationObserver[] = [];
+  const observers: ControlStateCleanup[] = [];
   const states = control._internals.states;
   control.input.checked ? states.add('checked') : states.delete('checked');
   control.input.indeterminate ? states.add('indeterminate') : states.delete('indeterminate');
-  control.input.addEventListener('focus', () => control._internals.states.add('focus'));
-  control.input.addEventListener('input', () => control._internals.states.add('dirty'));
-  control.input.addEventListener('blur', () => {
-    control._internals.states.add('touched');
-    control._internals.states.delete('focus');
-  });
-
-  control.input.getRootNode().addEventListener('change', (e: Event) => {
-    if ((e.target as HTMLInputElement).name === control.input?.name) {
-      control.input.checked ? states.add('checked') : states.delete('checked');
-    }
-  });
-
-  control.input.form?.addEventListener('reset', () => {
-    control._internals.states.delete('touched');
-    control._internals.states.delete('dirty');
-    control._internals.states.delete('error');
-    control._internals.states.delete('success');
-    control.requestUpdate();
-  });
 
+  observers.push(...addControlInteractionListeners(control));
   observers.push(
     getElementUpdate(control.input, 'readonly', value =>
       (value === '' ? true : value) ? states.add('readonly') : states.delete('readonly')
@@ -134,6 +131,44 @@ export function setupControlStates(control: Control) {
   return observers;
 }
 
+function addControlInteractionListeners(control: Control): ControlStateCleanup[] {
+  const cleanups: ControlStateCleanup[] = [];
+  const states = control._internals.states;
+  const onFocus = () => control._internals.states.add('focus');
+  const onInput = () => control._internals.states.add('dirty');
+  const onBlur = () => {
+    control._internals.states.add('touched');
+    control._internals.states.delete('focus');
+  };
+
+  const onRootChange = (e: Event) => {
+    if ((e.target as HTMLInputElement).name === control.input?.name) {
+      control.input.checked ? states.add('checked') : states.delete('checked');
+    }
+  };
+
+  const onFormReset = () => {
+    control._internals.states.delete('touched');
+    control._internals.states.delete('dirty');
+    control._internals.states.delete('error');
+    control._internals.states.delete('success');
+    control.requestUpdate();
+  };
+
+  cleanups.push(
+    addCleanupListener(control.input, 'focus', onFocus),
+    addCleanupListener(control.input, 'input', onInput),
+    addCleanupListener(control.input, 'blur', onBlur),
+    addCleanupListener(control.input.getRootNode(), 'change', onRootChange)
+  );
+
+  if (control.input.form) {
+    cleanups.push(addCleanupListener(control.input.form, 'reset', onFormReset));
+  }
+
+  return cleanups;
+}
+
 /**
  * Adds control group interaction states to custom element
  * :state(disabled) any form control within group is in a disabled state
@@ -158,7 +193,7 @@ function toggleControlGroupDisabledState(controlGroup: ControlGroup) {
  */
 export function setupControlStatusStates(control: Control | ControlGroup, messages: ControlMessage[]) {
   updateControlStatusState(control, messages.find(m => !m.hidden)!);
-  const observers: MutationObserver[] = [];
+  const observers: ControlStateCleanup[] = [];
   observers.push(
     getAttributeListChanges(control, ['hidden', 'status'], mutation => {
       const target = mutation.target as ControlMessage;
@@ -168,7 +203,7 @@ export function setupControlStatusStates(control: Control | ControlGroup, messag
     })
   );
 
-  control.shadowRoot!.addEventListener('slotchange', () => {
+  const onSlotChange = () => {
     const current = Array.from(control.querySelectorAll<ControlMessage>(ControlMessage.metadata.tag));
     const message = current.find(m => m.status && !m.hidden);
     control._internals.states.delete('error');
@@ -176,11 +211,19 @@ export function setupControlStatusStates(control: Control | ControlGroup, messag
     if (message) {
       control._internals.states.add(message.status!);
     }
-  });
+  };
+  observers.push(addCleanupListener(control.shadowRoot!, 'slotchange', onSlotChange));
 
   return observers;
 }
 
+function addCleanupListener(target: EventTarget, type: string, listener: EventListener): ControlStateCleanup {
+  target.addEventListener(type, listener);
+  return {
+    disconnect: () => target.removeEventListener(type, listener)
+  };
+}
+
 export function updateControlStatusState(control: Control | ControlGroup, message: ControlMessage) {
   control._internals.states.delete('error');
   control._internals.states.delete('success');
diff --git a/projects/core/src/index.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/index.test.lighthouse.ts
index e897e4437..486f1f4c9 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/index.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/index.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ describe('lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.requests['index.js'].kb).toBeLessThan(130.1);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.requests['index.js'].kb).toBeLessThan(130.4);
 
     // if sudden drop in size, check vite bundle config and bundle demo to ensure side effects are properly preserved
     expect(report.payload.javascript.requests['index.js'].kb).toBeGreaterThan(120);
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-grid.controller.test.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-grid.controller.test.ts
index 8d192d8ea..74922e3de 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-grid.controller.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-grid.controller.test.ts
@@ -152,6 +152,20 @@ describe('grid-key-navigation.controller', () => {
     expect(element.keynavGridConfig.cells[2].tabIndex).toBe(0);
   });
 
+  it('should not duplicate listeners after reconnect', async () => {
+    const listener = vi.fn();
+    element.addEventListener('nve-key-change', listener);
+
+    element.remove();
+    fixture.appendChild(element);
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    element.keynavGridConfig.cells[0].focus();
+
+    element.keynavGridConfig.grid.dispatchEvent(new KeyboardEvent('keydown', { code: 'ArrowRight' }));
+
+    expect(listener).toHaveBeenCalledOnce();
+  });
+
   it('should support arrow key navigation', async () => {
     element.keynavGridConfig.cells[0].dispatchEvent(
       new KeyboardEvent('keydown', { code: 'ArrowRight', bubbles: true })
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-grid.controller.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-grid.controller.ts
index 3b810c912..6e26514bd 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-grid.controller.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-grid.controller.ts
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ export function keyNavigationGrid<T extends ReactiveElement & KeynavGridElement>
 
 export class KeyNavigationGridController<T extends ReactiveElement & KeynavGridElement> implements ReactiveController {
   #observers: MutationObserver[] = [];
+  #grid?: HTMLElement;
 
   get #config() {
     return {
@@ -72,10 +73,13 @@ export class KeyNavigationGridController<T extends ReactiveElement & KeynavGridE
 
   async hostConnected() {
     await this.host.updateComplete;
+    if (!this.host.isConnected) return;
+
+    this.#grid = this.#config.grid;
     initializeKeyListItems(this.#hostCells);
-    this.#config.grid.addEventListener('keyup', (e: KeyboardEvent) => this.#updateCellActivation(e));
-    this.#config.grid.addEventListener('keydown', (e: KeyboardEvent) => this.#keynavCell(e));
-    this.#config.grid.addEventListener('mouseup', (e: MouseEvent) => this.#clickCell(e));
+    this.#grid.addEventListener('keyup', this.#onKeyUp);
+    this.#grid.addEventListener('keydown', this.#onKeyDown);
+    this.#grid.addEventListener('mouseup', this.#onMouseUp);
     this.#observers.push(
       onChildListMutation(
         this.host,
@@ -86,6 +90,11 @@ export class KeyNavigationGridController<T extends ReactiveElement & KeynavGridE
 
   hostDisconnected() {
     this.#observers.forEach(o => o?.disconnect());
+    this.#observers.length = 0;
+    this.#grid?.removeEventListener('keyup', this.#onKeyUp);
+    this.#grid?.removeEventListener('keydown', this.#onKeyDown);
+    this.#grid?.removeEventListener('mouseup', this.#onMouseUp);
+    this.#grid = undefined;
   }
 
   #clickCell(e: MouseEvent) {
@@ -148,6 +157,12 @@ export class KeyNavigationGridController<T extends ReactiveElement & KeynavGridE
       getFlattenedFocusableItems(activeCell as HTMLElement)[0]?.focus();
     }
   }
+
+  #onKeyUp = (e: KeyboardEvent) => this.#updateCellActivation(e);
+
+  #onKeyDown = (e: KeyboardEvent) => this.#keynavCell(e);
+
+  #onMouseUp = (e: MouseEvent) => this.#clickCell(e);
 }
 
 function getGridDelta(code: KeynavCode | string, dir: string): { dx: number; dy: number } | null {
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-list.controller.test.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-list.controller.test.ts
index a0054dc19..d43cc7807 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-list.controller.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-list.controller.test.ts
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import { html, LitElement } from 'lit';
 import { customElement } from 'lit/decorators/custom-element.js';
 import { property } from 'lit/decorators/property.js';
 import { elementIsStable, createFixture, removeFixture, emulateClick } from '@internals/testing';
-import { afterEach, beforeEach, describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import { afterEach, beforeEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest';
 import { keyNavigationList } from '@nvidia-elements/core/internal';
 
 @customElement('keynav-list-test-element')
@@ -70,6 +70,22 @@ describe('keynav-list.controller', () => {
     expect(element.keynavListConfig.items[2].tabIndex).toBe(0);
   });
 
+  it('should not duplicate listeners after reconnect', async () => {
+    const listener = vi.fn();
+    element.addEventListener('nve-key-change', listener);
+
+    element.remove();
+    fixture.appendChild(element);
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    element.keynavListConfig.items[0].focus();
+
+    element.keynavListConfig.items[0].dispatchEvent(
+      new KeyboardEvent('keydown', { code: 'ArrowRight', bubbles: true, composed: true })
+    );
+
+    expect(listener).toHaveBeenCalledOnce();
+  });
+
   it('should support horizontal arrow key navigation', async () => {
     await elementIsStable(element);
     element.keynavListConfig.items[0].dispatchEvent(
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-list.controller.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-list.controller.ts
index 31a10a2cb..b3939bb75 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-list.controller.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/keynav-list.controller.ts
@@ -51,9 +51,15 @@ export class KeyNavigationListController<T extends ReactiveElement & KeynavListE
 
   async hostConnected() {
     await this.host.updateComplete;
+    if (!this.host.isConnected) return;
     this.#initializeTabIndex();
-    this.host.addEventListener('pointerup', (e: PointerEvent) => this.#clickItem(e));
-    this.host.addEventListener('keydown', (e: KeyboardEvent) => this.#focusItem(e));
+    this.host.addEventListener('pointerup', this.#onPointerUp);
+    this.host.addEventListener('keydown', this.#onKeyDown);
+  }
+
+  hostDisconnected() {
+    this.host.removeEventListener('pointerup', this.#onPointerUp);
+    this.host.removeEventListener('keydown', this.#onKeyDown);
   }
 
   #initializeTabIndex() {
@@ -114,6 +120,10 @@ export class KeyNavigationListController<T extends ReactiveElement & KeynavListE
     };
     activeItem.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('nve-key-change', { bubbles: true, composed: true, detail }));
   }
+
+  #onPointerUp = (e: PointerEvent) => this.#clickItem(e);
+
+  #onKeyDown = (e: KeyboardEvent) => this.#focusItem(e);
 }
 
 interface KeyListConfig {
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/type-native-popover.controller.test.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/type-native-popover.controller.test.ts
index 7773791a7..f67dc1cca 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/type-native-popover.controller.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/type-native-popover.controller.test.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 import { html, LitElement } from 'lit';
 import { customElement } from 'lit/decorators/custom-element.js';
 import { property } from 'lit/decorators/property.js';
-import { afterEach, beforeEach, describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import { afterEach, beforeEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest';
 import { createFixture, removeFixture, elementIsStable, untilEvent, emulateClick } from '@internals/testing';
 import type { PopoverAlign, PopoverPosition } from '@nvidia-elements/core/internal';
 import { popoverStyles, TypeNativePopoverController, useStyles } from '@nvidia-elements/core/internal';
@@ -115,6 +115,21 @@ describe('type-popover.controller', () => {
     expect(element.matches(':popover-open')).toBe(false);
   });
 
+  it('should not duplicate open events after reconnect', async () => {
+    const listener = vi.fn();
+    element.addEventListener('open', listener);
+
+    element.remove();
+    fixture.appendChild(element);
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    await new Promise(r => requestAnimationFrame(r));
+
+    element.dispatchEvent(new ToggleEvent('toggle', { oldState: 'closed', newState: 'open' }));
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    expect(listener).toHaveBeenCalledOnce();
+  });
+
   it('should open popover when trigger is activated', async () => {
     const event = untilEvent(element, 'open');
     emulateClick(button);
@@ -635,6 +650,35 @@ describe('type-popover.controller - legacy popovertarget hint', () => {
     expect(element.matches(':popover-open')).toBe(true);
   });
 
+  it('should not duplicate legacy hint trigger listeners after updates', async () => {
+    removeFixture(fixture);
+    fixture = await createFixture(html`
+      <nve-button id="hint-trigger">anchor</nve-button>
+      <type-native-popover-controller-test-element
+        .trigger=${'hint-trigger'}
+        .openDelay=${0}
+        .popoverType=${'hint'}
+        hidden>
+      </type-native-popover-controller-test-element>
+    `);
+    element = fixture.querySelector<TypeNativePopoverControllerTestElement>(
+      'type-native-popover-controller-test-element'
+    );
+    button = fixture.querySelector(Button.metadata.tag);
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    await elementIsStable(button);
+
+    const showPopover = vi.spyOn(element, 'showPopover');
+    element.requestUpdate();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    element.requestUpdate();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    button.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent('mouseenter'));
+
+    expect(showPopover).toHaveBeenCalledOnce();
+  });
+
   it('should find shadow root active triggers', async () => {
     await elementIsStable(element);
     expect(element.matches(':popover-open')).toBe(false);
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/type-native-popover.controller.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/type-native-popover.controller.ts
index 618952696..0eede55e7 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/type-native-popover.controller.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/controllers/type-native-popover.controller.ts
@@ -70,102 +70,30 @@ export class TypeNativePopoverController<T extends NativePopover> implements Rea
     };
   }
 
-  // eslint-disable-next-line max-lines-per-function
   async hostConnected() {
     attachInternals(this.host);
     this.host.popover = this.host.popoverType ?? null;
     await this.host.updateComplete;
+    if (!this.host.isConnected) return;
+
     this.host.setAttribute('nve-popover', '');
     this.#updateLegacyTriggers();
     this.#setupLegacyTriggers(); // eslint-disable-line @typescript-eslint/no-floating-promises
     this.#setupModalLightDismiss();
     this.host.inert = this.host.matches(':not(:popover-open)') && !!this.#nativeTriggers.length;
 
-    this.host.addEventListener('beforetoggle', e => {
-      if (e.newState === 'open') {
-        this.host._internals!.states.add('transition-start');
-      }
-    });
-
-    this.host.addEventListener('toggle', (e: ToggleEvent) => {
-      if (this.host.behaviorTrigger) {
-        this.host.hidden = e.newState === 'closed';
-      }
-
-      if (e.newState === 'open' && this.host.closeTimeout) {
-        this.#setCloseTimeout();
-      }
-
-      if (e.newState === 'closed') {
-        this.#clearInterestTimeout();
-        this.#clearCloseTimeout();
-      }
-
-      this.host.inert = this.host.matches(':not(:popover-open)');
-
-      if (this.host.modal) {
-        this.#toggleFocus(e.newState === 'open', e.target as HTMLElement);
-      }
-
-      this.host.dispatchEvent(
-        new CustomEvent(e.newState === 'open' && e.oldState !== 'open' ? 'open' : 'close', {
-          bubbles: true,
-          composed: true,
-          detail: { trigger: e.source }
-        })
-      );
-    });
-
-    // https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Invoker_Commands_API#creating_declarative_popovers
-    this.host.addEventListener('command', ((e: CommandEvent) => {
-      if (e.command === 'toggle-popover') {
-        this.host.togglePopover({ source: e.source as HTMLElement });
-      }
-
-      if (e.command === 'hide-popover') {
-        this.host.hidePopover();
-        this.#clearInterestTimeout();
-      }
-
-      if (e.command === 'show-popover') {
-        this.host.showPopover({ source: e.source as HTMLElement });
-      }
-    }) as EventListener);
-
-    // https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Popover_API/Using_interest_invokers
-    this.host.addEventListener('interest', ((e: InterestEvent) => {
-      const isCustomElement = e.source?.localName.includes('-');
-      if (isCustomElement) {
-        const interestDelayStart = this.host.openDelay ?? this.#parseInterestDelay();
-        if (interestDelayStart) {
-          this.#interestTimeout = setTimeout(() => {
-            if (this.host.isConnected) {
-              this.host.showPopover({ source: e.source as HTMLElement });
-            }
-          }, interestDelayStart);
-        } else {
-          this.host.showPopover({ source: e.source as HTMLElement });
-        }
-      }
-    }) as EventListener);
-
-    this.host.addEventListener('loseinterest', ((e: InterestEvent) => {
-      const isCustomElement = e.source?.localName.includes('-');
-      if (isCustomElement) {
-        this.host.hidePopover();
-      }
-
-      if (this.#interestTimeout) {
-        clearTimeout(this.#interestTimeout);
-        this.#interestTimeout = null;
-      }
-    }) as EventListener);
+    this.host.addEventListener('beforetoggle', this.#onBeforeToggle);
+    this.host.addEventListener('toggle', this.#onToggle as EventListener);
+    this.host.addEventListener('command', this.#onCommand as EventListener);
+    this.host.addEventListener('interest', this.#onInterest as EventListener);
+    this.host.addEventListener('loseinterest', this.#onLoseInterest as EventListener);
   }
 
   #interestTimeout: ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null = null;
   #closeTimeout: ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null = null;
   #observers: MutationObserver[] = [];
   #previousLegacyTrigger: HTMLButtonElement | null = null;
+  #hintTrigger: HTMLButtonElement | null = null;
 
   async hostUpdated() {
     this.host.popover = this.host.popoverType ?? null;
@@ -174,6 +102,15 @@ export class TypeNativePopoverController<T extends NativePopover> implements Rea
 
   hostDisconnected() {
     this.#observers.forEach(observer => observer.disconnect());
+    this.#observers.length = 0;
+    this.host.removeEventListener('beforetoggle', this.#onBeforeToggle);
+    this.host.removeEventListener('toggle', this.#onToggle as EventListener);
+    this.host.removeEventListener('command', this.#onCommand as EventListener);
+    this.host.removeEventListener('interest', this.#onInterest as EventListener);
+    this.host.removeEventListener('loseinterest', this.#onLoseInterest as EventListener);
+    this.host.removeEventListener('pointerdown', this.#onPointerDown);
+    this.host.removeEventListener('pointerup', this.#onPointerUp);
+    this.#removeHintTrigger();
     this.#clearInterestTimeout();
     this.#clearCloseTimeout();
   }
@@ -212,24 +149,10 @@ export class TypeNativePopoverController<T extends NativePopover> implements Rea
   #pointerdownWithinModal = false;
 
   #setupModalLightDismiss() {
-    this.host.addEventListener('pointerdown', e => {
-      if (this.host.modal && this.host.matches(':popover-open')) {
-        this.#pointerdownWithinModal = clickOutsideElementBounds(e, this.host);
-      }
-    });
-
-    this.host.addEventListener('pointerup', e => {
-      if (
-        this.#pointerdownWithinModal &&
-        this.host.popoverDismissible &&
-        this.host.modal &&
-        this.host.matches(':popover-open') &&
-        !hasOpenPopover(this.host) &&
-        clickOutsideElementBounds(e, this.host)
-      ) {
-        this.host.hidePopover();
-      }
-    });
+    this.host.removeEventListener('pointerdown', this.#onPointerDown);
+    this.host.removeEventListener('pointerup', this.#onPointerUp);
+    this.host.addEventListener('pointerdown', this.#onPointerDown);
+    this.host.addEventListener('pointerup', this.#onPointerUp);
   }
 
   get #legacyHostTrigger(): HTMLElement | null {
@@ -273,25 +196,41 @@ export class TypeNativePopoverController<T extends NativePopover> implements Rea
   #updateLegacyTriggers() {
     const trigger = this.#legacyHostTrigger as HTMLButtonElement;
 
-    // Clean up previous trigger if it changed
     if (this.#previousLegacyTrigger && this.#previousLegacyTrigger !== trigger) {
-      this.#previousLegacyTrigger.popoverTargetElement = null;
-      this.#previousLegacyTrigger.removeAttribute('popovertarget');
+      this.#clearLegacyTrigger(this.#previousLegacyTrigger);
     }
 
-    // if not a hint type setup native popovertarget
-    if (trigger) {
-      if (this.host.popoverType === 'hint') {
-        trigger.addEventListener('mouseenter', () => this.host.showPopover({ source: trigger as HTMLElement }));
-        trigger.addEventListener('mouseleave', () => this.host.hidePopover());
-        trigger.addEventListener('focusout', () => this.host.hidePopover());
-      } else {
-        this.host.id = this.host.id ? this.host.id : generateId();
-        trigger.popoverTargetElement = this.host;
-        trigger.setAttribute('popovertarget', this.host.id);
-      }
-      this.#previousLegacyTrigger = trigger;
+    if (this.#hintTrigger && this.#hintTrigger !== trigger) {
+      this.#removeHintTrigger();
+    }
+
+    if (!trigger) {
+      this.#previousLegacyTrigger = null;
+      return;
     }
+
+    if (this.host.popoverType === 'hint') {
+      this.#setupHintTrigger(trigger);
+    } else {
+      this.#setupPopoverTargetTrigger(trigger);
+    }
+    this.#previousLegacyTrigger = trigger;
+  }
+
+  #setupHintTrigger(trigger: HTMLButtonElement) {
+    if (this.#hintTrigger === trigger) return;
+
+    trigger.addEventListener('mouseenter', this.#onHintMouseEnter);
+    trigger.addEventListener('mouseleave', this.#onHintMouseLeave);
+    trigger.addEventListener('focusout', this.#onHintMouseLeave);
+    this.#hintTrigger = trigger;
+  }
+
+  #setupPopoverTargetTrigger(trigger: HTMLButtonElement) {
+    this.#removeHintTrigger();
+    this.host.id = this.host.id ? this.host.id : generateId();
+    trigger.popoverTargetElement = this.host;
+    trigger.setAttribute('popovertarget', this.host.id);
   }
 
   #toggleFocus(open: boolean, target: HTMLElement) {
@@ -304,4 +243,121 @@ export class TypeNativePopoverController<T extends NativePopover> implements Rea
       focusElement(target);
     }
   }
+
+  #clearLegacyTrigger(trigger: HTMLButtonElement) {
+    trigger.popoverTargetElement = null;
+    trigger.removeAttribute('popovertarget');
+    if (this.#hintTrigger === trigger) {
+      this.#removeHintTrigger();
+    }
+  }
+
+  #removeHintTrigger() {
+    this.#hintTrigger?.removeEventListener('mouseenter', this.#onHintMouseEnter);
+    this.#hintTrigger?.removeEventListener('mouseleave', this.#onHintMouseLeave);
+    this.#hintTrigger?.removeEventListener('focusout', this.#onHintMouseLeave);
+    this.#hintTrigger = null;
+  }
+
+  #onBeforeToggle = (e: ToggleEvent) => {
+    if (e.newState === 'open') {
+      this.host._internals!.states.add('transition-start');
+    }
+  };
+
+  #onToggle = (e: ToggleEvent) => {
+    if (this.host.behaviorTrigger) {
+      this.host.hidden = e.newState === 'closed';
+    }
+
+    if (e.newState === 'open' && this.host.closeTimeout) {
+      this.#setCloseTimeout();
+    }
+
+    if (e.newState === 'closed') {
+      this.#clearInterestTimeout();
+      this.#clearCloseTimeout();
+    }
+
+    this.host.inert = this.host.matches(':not(:popover-open)');
+
+    if (this.host.modal) {
+      this.#toggleFocus(e.newState === 'open', e.target as HTMLElement);
+    }
+
+    this.host.dispatchEvent(
+      new CustomEvent(e.newState === 'open' && e.oldState !== 'open' ? 'open' : 'close', {
+        bubbles: true,
+        composed: true,
+        detail: { trigger: e.source }
+      })
+    );
+  };
+
+  #onCommand = (e: CommandEvent) => {
+    if (e.command === 'toggle-popover') {
+      this.host.togglePopover({ source: e.source as HTMLElement });
+    }
+
+    if (e.command === 'hide-popover') {
+      this.host.hidePopover();
+      this.#clearInterestTimeout();
+    }
+
+    if (e.command === 'show-popover') {
+      this.host.showPopover({ source: e.source as HTMLElement });
+    }
+  };
+
+  #onInterest = (e: InterestEvent) => {
+    const isCustomElement = e.source?.localName.includes('-');
+    if (isCustomElement) {
+      const interestDelayStart = this.host.openDelay ?? this.#parseInterestDelay();
+      if (interestDelayStart) {
+        this.#interestTimeout = setTimeout(() => {
+          if (this.host.isConnected) {
+            this.host.showPopover({ source: e.source as HTMLElement });
+          }
+        }, interestDelayStart);
+      } else {
+        this.host.showPopover({ source: e.source as HTMLElement });
+      }
+    }
+  };
+
+  #onLoseInterest = (e: InterestEvent) => {
+    const isCustomElement = e.source?.localName.includes('-');
+    if (isCustomElement) {
+      this.host.hidePopover();
+    }
+
+    this.#clearInterestTimeout();
+  };
+
+  #onPointerDown = (e: PointerEvent) => {
+    if (this.host.modal && this.host.matches(':popover-open')) {
+      this.#pointerdownWithinModal = clickOutsideElementBounds(e, this.host);
+    }
+  };
+
+  #onPointerUp = (e: PointerEvent) => {
+    if (
+      this.#pointerdownWithinModal &&
+      this.host.popoverDismissible &&
+      this.host.modal &&
+      this.host.matches(':popover-open') &&
+      !hasOpenPopover(this.host) &&
+      clickOutsideElementBounds(e, this.host)
+    ) {
+      this.host.hidePopover();
+    }
+  };
+
+  #onHintMouseEnter = (e: MouseEvent) => {
+    this.host.showPopover({ source: e.currentTarget as HTMLElement });
+  };
+
+  #onHintMouseLeave = () => {
+    this.host.hidePopover();
+  };
 }
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/services/log.service.test.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/services/log.service.test.ts
index e273cad5e..3cbd43c7a 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/services/log.service.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/services/log.service.test.ts
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ describe('LogService', () => {
 
   afterEach(() => {
     window.NVE_ELEMENTS.state.env = 'production';
+    vi.unstubAllGlobals();
     vi.restoreAllMocks();
   });
 
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/services/log.service.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/services/log.service.ts
index 2d1c34880..da0376789 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/services/log.service.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/services/log.service.ts
@@ -27,6 +27,6 @@ export class LogService {
   }
 
   static #dispatch(type: 'warn' | 'error', value: string, ...args: unknown[]) {
-    globalThis.document.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('NVE_ELEMENTS_LOG', { detail: { type, value, args } }));
+    globalThis.document?.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('NVE_ELEMENTS_LOG', { detail: { type, value, args } }));
   }
 }
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/utils/dom.test.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/utils/dom.test.ts
index a58afeed6..62b3c414f 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/utils/dom.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/utils/dom.test.ts
@@ -271,6 +271,19 @@ describe('getPropertyChanges', () => {
     expect(option.selected).toBe(false);
   });
 
+  it('should stop calling callback after cleanup', () => {
+    const input = document.createElement('input');
+    const spy = vi.fn();
+    const cleanup = getPropertyChanges(input, 'value', spy);
+
+    input.value = 'before cleanup';
+    cleanup?.();
+    input.value = 'after cleanup';
+
+    expect(spy).toHaveBeenCalledOnce();
+    expect(input.value).toBe('after cleanup');
+  });
+
   it('should not throw when the property has no prototype descriptor', () => {
     const div = document.createElement('div');
 
@@ -319,6 +332,22 @@ describe('getElementUpdate', () => {
     element.id = 'foo';
     expect(await update).toBe('foo');
   });
+
+  it('should stop triggering property updates after disconnect', () => {
+    const input = document.createElement('input');
+    const spy = vi.fn();
+    const observer = getElementUpdate(input, 'value', spy);
+
+    spy.mockClear();
+    input.value = 'before disconnect';
+    expect(spy).toHaveBeenCalledOnce();
+
+    spy.mockClear();
+    observer.disconnect();
+    input.value = 'after disconnect';
+
+    expect(spy).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+  });
 });
 
 describe('clickOutsideElementBounds', () => {
diff --git a/projects/core/src/internal/utils/dom.ts b/projects/core/src/internal/utils/dom.ts
index 9c6aafe9a..e26b55d00 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/internal/utils/dom.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/internal/utils/dom.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 // SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
 import { GlobalStateService } from '../services/global.service.js';
+import { LogService } from '../services/log.service.js';
 import type { ElementDefinition } from '../types/index.js';
 import { isFocusable } from './focus.js';
 
@@ -91,6 +92,15 @@ export function getPropertyChanges(element: HTMLElement, key: string, callback:
       callback(val);
     }
   });
+
+  return () => {
+    if (own) {
+      Object.defineProperty(element, key, own);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    Reflect.deleteProperty(element, key);
+  };
 }
 
 /* used for cases of needing to know a property update outside of lit, example a native input value prop change */
@@ -101,8 +111,16 @@ export function getElementUpdate(element: HTMLElement, key: string, callback: (v
     callback((element as unknown as Record<string, unknown>)[key]);
   }
 
-  getPropertyChanges(element, key, callback);
-  return getAttributeChanges(element, key, val => callback(val));
+  const cleanupPropertyChanges = getPropertyChanges(element, key, callback);
+  const observer = getAttributeChanges(element, key, val => callback(val));
+  const disconnect = observer.disconnect.bind(observer);
+
+  observer.disconnect = () => {
+    cleanupPropertyChanges?.();
+    disconnect();
+  };
+
+  return observer;
 }
 
 export function clickOutsideElementBounds(event: PointerEvent | MouseEvent, element: HTMLElement) {
@@ -243,11 +261,21 @@ export function endOfScrollBox(element: HTMLElement, offset = 0) {
 }
 
 export async function openEyeDropper(): Promise<string> {
-  return await new (
-    globalThis as unknown as { EyeDropper: new () => { open: () => Promise<{ sRGBHex: string }> } }
-  ).EyeDropper()
-    .open()
-    .then((color: { sRGBHex: string }) => color.sRGBHex);
+  const EyeDropperConstructor = (
+    globalThis as unknown as { EyeDropper?: new () => { open: () => Promise<{ sRGBHex: string }> } }
+  ).EyeDropper;
+
+  if (!EyeDropperConstructor) {
+    LogService.warn('EyeDropper API is unavailable');
+    return '';
+  }
+
+  try {
+    return (await new EyeDropperConstructor().open()).sRGBHex;
+  } catch (e) {
+    LogService.warn(`EyeDropper selection failed: ${(e as Error).message}`);
+    return '';
+  }
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/projects/core/src/menu/menu.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/menu/menu.test.lighthouse.ts
index 90f5e2391..baaa45926 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/menu/menu.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/menu/menu.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -21,6 +21,6 @@ describe('menu lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(15.9);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(16);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/notification/notification.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/notification/notification.test.lighthouse.ts
index e4fce2485..29da683bf 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/notification/notification.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/notification/notification.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -17,6 +17,6 @@ describe('notification lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(25.1);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(25.3);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/page/page-panel/page-panel.test.axe.ts b/projects/core/src/page/page-panel/page-panel.test.axe.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4e67a8911
--- /dev/null
+++ b/projects/core/src/page/page-panel/page-panel.test.axe.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+// SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2026 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
+// SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+import { html } from 'lit';
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import { createFixture, elementIsStable, removeFixture } from '@internals/testing';
+import { runAxe } from '@internals/testing/axe';
+import { PagePanel } from '@nvidia-elements/core/page';
+import '@nvidia-elements/core/page/define.js';
+import '@nvidia-elements/core/icon-button/define.js';
+
+describe(PagePanel.metadata.tag, () => {
+  it('should pass axe check', async () => {
+    const fixture = await createFixture(html`
+      <nve-page>
+        <nve-page-panel id="panel">
+          <nve-page-panel-header>panel heading</nve-page-panel-header>
+          <nve-icon-button
+            slot="actions"
+            commandfor="panel"
+            command="--close"
+            icon-name="cancel"
+            aria-label="close panel">
+          </nve-icon-button>
+          <nve-page-panel-content>panel content</nve-page-panel-content>
+          <nve-page-panel-footer>panel footer</nve-page-panel-footer>
+        </nve-page-panel>
+      </nve-page>
+    `);
+
+    await elementIsStable(fixture.querySelector(PagePanel.metadata.tag));
+    const results = await runAxe([PagePanel.metadata.tag]);
+    expect(results.violations.length).toBe(0);
+    removeFixture(fixture);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/projects/core/src/page/page-panel/page-panel.test.ssr.ts b/projects/core/src/page/page-panel/page-panel.test.ssr.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..14cc8390a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/projects/core/src/page/page-panel/page-panel.test.ssr.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+// SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2026 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
+// SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+import { html } from 'lit';
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import { ssrRunner } from '@internals/vite';
+import { PagePanel } from '@nvidia-elements/core/page';
+import '@nvidia-elements/core/page/define.js';
+
+describe(PagePanel.metadata.tag, () => {
+  it('should pass baseline ssr check', async () => {
+    const result = await ssrRunner.render(html`
+      <nve-page>
+        <nve-page-panel id="panel" hidden>
+          <nve-page-panel-header>panel heading</nve-page-panel-header>
+          <button slot="actions" commandfor="panel" command="--open">open</button>
+          <nve-page-panel-content>panel content</nve-page-panel-content>
+          <nve-page-panel-footer>panel footer</nve-page-panel-footer>
+        </nve-page-panel>
+      </nve-page>
+    `);
+
+    expect(result.includes('shadowroot="open"')).toBe(true);
+    expect(result.includes(PagePanel.metadata.tag)).toBe(true);
+    expect(result.includes('command="--open"')).toBe(true);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/projects/core/src/pagination/pagination.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/pagination/pagination.test.lighthouse.ts
index 6e09f908c..60e92cc59 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/pagination/pagination.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/pagination/pagination.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@ describe('pagination lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(37.9);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(38.3);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/preferences-input/preferences-input.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/preferences-input/preferences-input.test.lighthouse.ts
index 5b771defe..300b7a917 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/preferences-input/preferences-input.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/preferences-input/preferences-input.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@ describe('preferences-input lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(32.3);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(32.6);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/radio/radio.test.ts b/projects/core/src/radio/radio.test.ts
index f7f2c374e..4ed8f1c66 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/radio/radio.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/radio/radio.test.ts
@@ -38,6 +38,17 @@ describe(Radio.metadata.tag, () => {
     await elementIsStable(element);
     expect(element.matches(':state(checked)')).toBe(true);
   });
+
+  it('should reset checked state to the native default', async () => {
+    const input = fixture.querySelector('input');
+    input.defaultChecked = true;
+    input.checked = false;
+
+    element.reset();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    expect(input.checked).toBe(true);
+  });
 });
 
 describe(`${Radio.metadata.tag} - radio group`, () => {
diff --git a/projects/core/src/select/select.test.ts b/projects/core/src/select/select.test.ts
index b273bd092..710d8e4a0 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/select/select.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/select/select.test.ts
@@ -267,6 +267,25 @@ describe(Select.metadata.tag, () => {
     expect(element.shadowRoot.querySelectorAll<Tag>(Tag.metadata.tag).length).toBe(3);
   });
 
+  it('should stop observing removed option selected state changes', async () => {
+    select.multiple = true;
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    const option = document.createElement('option');
+    option.value = '4';
+    option.textContent = 'Option 4';
+    select.appendChild(option);
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    option.remove();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    const requestUpdate = vi.spyOn(element, 'requestUpdate');
+    option.selected = true;
+
+    expect(requestUpdate).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+  });
+
   it('should update tags when using multiple select and options change', async () => {
     select.multiple = true;
     select.options[0].selected = true;
@@ -370,6 +389,18 @@ describe(Select.metadata.tag, () => {
     expect(element.matches(':state(multiple)')).toBe(true);
   });
 
+  it('should remove host :state(multiple) state when multiple is cleared', async () => {
+    select.multiple = true;
+    element.requestUpdate();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    expect(element.matches(':state(multiple)')).toBe(true);
+
+    select.multiple = false;
+    element.requestUpdate();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    expect(element.matches(':state(multiple)')).toBe(false);
+  });
+
   it('should hide tags and display label when multiple is used and tags overflow container', async () => {
     expect(element.matches(':state(multiple-overflow)')).toBe(false);
     select.multiple = true;
@@ -404,6 +435,29 @@ describe(Select.metadata.tag, () => {
     expect(element.matches(':state(size)')).toBe(true);
   });
 
+  it('should remove host :state(size) state when size is cleared', async () => {
+    select.size = 2;
+    element.requestUpdate();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    expect(element.matches(':state(size)')).toBe(true);
+
+    select.size = 0;
+    element.requestUpdate();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+    expect(element.matches(':state(size)')).toBe(false);
+    expect(element.style.getPropertyValue('--size')).toBe('');
+  });
+
+  it('should reset selected option to the native default', async () => {
+    select.options[1].defaultSelected = true;
+    select.value = '3';
+
+    element.reset();
+    await elementIsStable(element);
+
+    expect(select.value).toBe('2');
+  });
+
   it('should apply disabled styles to tags when disabled with multiple selection', async () => {
     select.multiple = true;
     select.options[0].selected = true;
diff --git a/projects/core/src/select/select.ts b/projects/core/src/select/select.ts
index 7564dd007..16a04e257 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/select/select.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/select/select.ts
@@ -179,12 +179,24 @@ export class Select extends Control {
     );
   }
 
-  #trackedOptions = new Set();
+  #optionObservers = new Map<HTMLOptionElement, MutationObserver>();
+
   #syncOptionSelectedStates() {
+    const options = new Set(this.#options);
+
+    this.#optionObservers.forEach((observer, option) => {
+      if (!options.has(option)) {
+        observer.disconnect();
+        this.#optionObservers.delete(option);
+        this.#observers = this.#observers.filter(o => o !== observer);
+      }
+    });
+
     this.#options.forEach(o => {
-      if (!this.#trackedOptions.has(o)) {
-        this.#trackedOptions.add(o);
-        this.#observers.push(getElementUpdate(o, 'selected', () => this.requestUpdate()));
+      if (!this.#optionObservers.has(o)) {
+        const observer = getElementUpdate(o, 'selected', () => this.requestUpdate());
+        this.#optionObservers.set(o, observer);
+        this.#observers.push(observer);
       }
     });
   }
@@ -192,6 +204,7 @@ export class Select extends Control {
   disconnectedCallback() {
     super.disconnectedCallback();
     this.#observers.forEach(observer => observer.disconnect());
+    this.#optionObservers.clear();
   }
 
   async updated(props: PropertyValues<this>) {
@@ -199,10 +212,15 @@ export class Select extends Control {
     if (this.#select?.size && this.#select?.size !== 0) {
       this._internals.states.add('size');
       this.style.setProperty('--size', `${this.#select?.size + 0.75}`);
+    } else {
+      this._internals.states.delete('size');
+      this.style.removeProperty('--size');
     }
 
     if (this.#select?.multiple && this.#select?.size === 0) {
       this._internals.states.add('multiple');
+    } else {
+      this._internals.states.delete('multiple');
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/projects/core/src/sparkline/sparkline.utils.test.ts b/projects/core/src/sparkline/sparkline.utils.test.ts
index dff3a4b9d..528e57327 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/sparkline/sparkline.utils.test.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/sparkline/sparkline.utils.test.ts
@@ -121,6 +121,11 @@ describe('sparkline.utils', () => {
       expect(toLinePath(points, 'smooth', 120)).toContain('C ');
     });
 
+    it('uses linear line path fallback for invalid interpolation', () => {
+      const invalidInterpolation = 'invalid' as unknown as Parameters<typeof toLinePath>[1];
+      expect(toLinePath(points, invalidInterpolation, 120)).toBe(toLinePath(points, 'linear', 120));
+    });
+
     it('returns an empty line path for empty points', () => {
       expect(toLinePath([], 'linear', 120)).toBe('');
     });
@@ -149,6 +154,11 @@ describe('sparkline.utils', () => {
       expect(smoothArea.endsWith('Z')).toBe(true);
     });
 
+    it('uses linear area path fallback for invalid interpolation', () => {
+      const invalidInterpolation = 'invalid' as unknown as Parameters<typeof toAreaPath>[1];
+      expect(toAreaPath(points, invalidInterpolation)).toBe(toAreaPath(points, 'linear'));
+    });
+
     it('returns an empty area path for empty points', () => {
       expect(toAreaPath([], 'linear')).toBe('');
     });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/sparkline/sparkline.utils.ts b/projects/core/src/sparkline/sparkline.utils.ts
index 887be65cb..aecb49eb4 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/sparkline/sparkline.utils.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/sparkline/sparkline.utils.ts
@@ -121,10 +121,8 @@ export function toLinePath(points: Point[], interpolation: Interpolation, viewWi
       return toSmoothOpenPath(points);
     case 'linear':
       return toLinearOpenPath(points);
-    default: {
-      const exhaustiveCheck: never = interpolation;
-      throw new Error(`Unhandled interpolation: ${exhaustiveCheck}`);
-    }
+    default:
+      return toLinearOpenPath(points);
   }
 }
 
@@ -142,10 +140,9 @@ export function toAreaPath(points: Point[], interpolation: Interpolation, viewHe
     case 'linear':
       openPath = toLinearOpenPath(points);
       break;
-    default: {
-      const exhaustiveCheck: never = interpolation;
-      throw new Error(`Unhandled interpolation: ${exhaustiveCheck}`);
-    }
+    default:
+      openPath = toLinearOpenPath(points);
+      break;
   }
 
   const last = points[points.length - 1]!;
diff --git a/projects/core/src/toast/toast.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/toast/toast.test.lighthouse.ts
index 2b9e15918..91a647423 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/toast/toast.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/toast/toast.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -17,6 +17,6 @@ describe('toast lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(24.5);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(24.6);
   });
 });
diff --git a/projects/core/src/tree/tree.test.lighthouse.ts b/projects/core/src/tree/tree.test.lighthouse.ts
index e19ac3a7b..2a2dcbc02 100644
--- a/projects/core/src/tree/tree.test.lighthouse.ts
+++ b/projects/core/src/tree/tree.test.lighthouse.ts
@@ -27,6 +27,6 @@ describe('tree lighthouse report', () => {
     expect(report.scores.performance).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.accessibility).toBe(100);
     expect(report.scores.bestPractices).toBe(100);
-    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(29.5);
+    expect(report.payload.javascript.kb).toBeLessThan(29.7);
   });
 });