The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·00007b·Announced 1999-10-20

Stihl Recalls Weed Trimmers, Brushcutters, and Augers Due to Fuel Leak Risk

Stihl is recalling specific weed trimmers, brushcutters, and augers because an unsealed fuel tank seam could cause a leak, posing a fire hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard due to fuel leakage, which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Stihl Inc. is recalling approximately 7,200 weed trimmers, 192 brushcutters, and 344 augers. The affected products include weed trimmers with model numbers FS 120 and FS 200, brushcutters with model number FS 350, and augers with model number BT 120C. These units were sold by Stihl dealers from November 1998 through September 1999 for prices ranging between $400 and $700.

The recall is due to an unsealed seam in the fuel tank, which could allow fuel to leak and create a fire hazard. Stihl is aware of one incident in Europe involving a fuel leak from a trimmer, but no injuries were reported in that case.

Consumers should stop using these products immediately and call Stihl to determine if their unit is part of the recall. If the product is affected, consumers should return it to an authorized Stihl dealer for a free replacement fuel tank. Model numbers are located on the top of the engines' shrouds, and serial numbers are stamped into the crank case base.

The recalled product

Product
Stihl Weed Trimmers, Brushcutters and Augers
Manufacturer
Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
7,200

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same manufacturer · Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.

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Same hazard · fire

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